Lake of the Woods is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in southwestern Kern County, California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 790. The community is in Cuddy Canyon in the San Emigdio Mountains, along the Ventura and Kern County line. It is within the Los Padres National Forest. The name "Lake of the Woods" was bestowed by pioneer Mrs. Florence Cuddy, when the community was established in 1925.