Sacramento to Joshua Tree in van- recommended stop along way?

[Tobiko]

Hi! We are leaving sacramento area after work tomorrow, probably midday. Have to be in Joshua Tree area friday afternoon. We are in minivan, planning on travelling on the 5 or 99.
we would love to hear about any places on the way (preferably halfway or a bit further) that y’all might recommend to stop to hang out and stay on Thursday night. We usually take the 101 down for the scenery. are there any wooded areas or other enjoyable spots y’all know about (semi) close to the route?
thank y’all so much for any input!

 

[bootz]

Remington hot springs by Bakersfield ca were sick, stopped there on my way to joshy tree last year.

 

[texastraveler]

Lake Isabella and the Kern River valley are great. The Hot Springs I loved got destroyed unfortunately (and had become very trashy in the last few years anyways) but there's still tons to do, and it's very beautiful this time of year. There's free camping for up to 2 weeks at the Keyesville SRMA, it's ideal for van/car camping. If you've got tubes or a boogie board or something the river is a lot of fun

 

[texastraveler]

Remington hot springs by Bakersfield ca were sick, stopped there on my way to joshy tree last year.

Remington no longer exists. Some drunk asshole slipped, hit his head and died so the police condemned it as a public health hazard and demolished it. They re-visit frequently and destroy any efforts made to rebuild. Democrat Hot Springs are now waaaaaay too crowded, not that they were large to begim with