We can really recommend the drive along Road 178 from Bakersfield to Ridgecrest (not so much the town of Ridgecrest) - the drive is truly stunning! After leaving the flats around Bakersfield you're approaching a steep and narrow canyon, where the road is winding along the cliff side, with sharp rocks jutting out dangerously on your right hand side (hint: with a large RV take the drive westward, then you'll have the river to your right). We camped at a lovely State Forest camp site before Lake Isabella.
The drive around the lake is an interesting detour, but not a "must". Further to the east the road climbs to a plateau which looks very much like the landscape in Joshua Tree National Park - so if you don't have time to visit this park you can get a good impression here of what it might look like.

Another place well worth visiting, and less than 20 miles west of Las Vegas along Road 159: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - stunning desert landscape, the red rock formations giving it its name, and one of the best basic campgrounds we have seen so far (although: no shade!!).

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