Lake Ming, which boasts a surface area of 104 acres, was dedicated in 1959 to Kern County Supervisor Floyd Ming. Hills surround the lake, and the Greenhorn Mountains stretch along the eastern horizon. From a hilltop picnic ground overlooking the area, the view is soul-stirring.

Lake Ming is part of the Kern River County Park which also includes:

• Hart Memorial Park
• Kern River Campground
• Group Picnic Reservation Areas

Boating Hours

Announcements

Boat Permits
2022 Boat Permits for All Lakes and Lake Isabella are now available. 

Special Events/Closures

Lake Ming will be closed to the public periodically for special organized boating activities throughout the year.

• Calendar of Special Events

Closures: Approximately 35 days a year the lake is closed to the public and reserved for special, organized boating activities. For information on these dates and activities, please contact the Parks and Recreation Division.

Location/Directions

General Location: This beautiful man-made lake lies 10 miles northeast of Bakersfield, off the Alfred Harrell Highway on the Lake Ming Road exit.

• Get Map

Activities & Amenities

• Boat launching ramps
• Two landscaped shorelines
• Abundant parking by shorelines
• Picnic tables, barbecue grills
• Playground equipment on tot lots
• Restrooms, drinking fountains

Warnings

• Water skiers are at risk of developing an itchy rash from parasites in Lake Ming's untreated waters. Swimming is prohibited.
• All fires must be lit only in the designated fireplaces or grills. Visitors must bring their own fuel because no cutting or use of park vegetation is permitted.
• The discharge of all firearms or weapons, including bows and arrows, spears, BB guns, pellet guns and sling shots, is prohibited.
• Depositing trash in waste receptacles and cleaning off tables properly will preserve public health and keep the grounds pristine.

Boating

• All boats need Kern County Boat Permit ($60.00 for January 1 through December 31) and a CA sticker.
• All boats must enter and leave the lake at the designated launch sites.
• Only sailboats are allowed the 2nd full weekend each month and Tuesdays and Thursdays after 1:30 pm; motorboats are allowed all other times
• No inflatables are allowed.

Water Skiing

• Confined to designated areas. Maximum length of tow rope: 100 feet
• All tow boats must have an additional person 12 years or older watching the person being towed.
• A fallen skier must raise one ski at least 3 feet out of the water; the observer must hold up an orange flag, indicating the downed skier.
• All skiing must go counterclockwise.

Fishing

• With a valid CA State Fishing License, fishing is allowed year-round in designated sections.
• Please observe all the CA fishing regulations.
• Per the California Code of Ordinances, Code 13.40.060B:

"Fishing is allowed only from the shoreline, and not while standing in the water, from any type of boat, or from any floatable device such as inner tubes or floatable waders".

No Jet Skis or inflatables are allowed.

Hot Boat Testing and Tuning Permit – Required

• A Hot Boat Testing and Tuning Permit is required, prior to testing and tuning of boats on Lake Ming.
• Hot Boat Test and Tune is only allowed at Lake Ming on Thursdays 8am to 11am.
• Hot Boat Testing and Tuning permits can be purchased by calling the Parks Administration office at 661-868-7000. The Hot Boat Test and Tune Permit must be purchased prior to testing/tuning your watercraft on Lake Ming.
• Once your permit is finalized with the Parks Administration office, your permit receipt will show the test and tune date and CF number. At the Kern County Ranger's request, you must present your receipt for verification of purchase.
• Per Kern County Ordinance #13.40.160 - #13.40.220