Slightly less creepy than most California rest stops, but it鈥檚 proximity to Bakersfield means there鈥檚 some tricky stuff happening. No cameras, minimal lighting, a few people loitering, but it seems safe. You might see a CHP car every few hours.
Terrible location鈥攚ay too close to Bakersfield to be useful, but thanks to Caltrans, it鈥檚 the last open rest stop on I鈥�5 until San Mateo because the others are 鈥渦nder construction鈥� forever. Seriously though, if you don鈥檛 stop here, then you鈥檙e either stopping at the 52 interchange or you鈥檙e going to Gilroy or Trace.
There鈥檚 plenty of parking. Bathrooms are fine, not great. It has functioning vending machines.
It鈥檚 not great, but you鈥檒l probably be fine.
Arlo Fane
Posted Jul 17, 2025;