Bass Lake Camping is among the best in the Sierra. With 1,600 surface acres and 14 miles of shoreline, the lake is big enough for waterskiing but small enough that it feels like a friendly community where neighbors wave at one another. Bass Lake is less than 20 miles south of Yosemite National Park.
Bass Lake Camping is spread along the western shore of the lake with some campgrounds back among the trees and others practically lake-front. Day-use or picnic areas are spread along the shore, many within walking distance of campgrounds
Bass Lake Campgrounds
All family campgrounds at Bass Lake have flush toilets, but no showers and no hook-ups.
Cedar Bluff Campground has 22 campsites designed for small groups from 12 to 24 people. The campground is near the lake and adjacent to Lupine Campground. Lakeside picnic area is nearby.
Crane Valley Group Campground is a cluster of 7 group sites located well away from the lake. Facilities are limited. There is no water at the campground.
Forks Campground is one of the smallest around the lake with 27 sites. Recent bark beetle infestations killed some of the trees. Dead trees were removed in 2016. Pine Slope picnic area is nearby on the lake's shore.
Lupine Campground has 50 campsites spread through a mature forest. A dozen sites are designated tents-only. The campground is on the hillside, well above the lake and adjacent to Cedar Bluff Campground. Lakeside picnic area is nearby.
Recreation Point Group Campground has 4 group sites for groups ranging from 30 to 50. This excellent facility is close to the lake and offers a wonderful camping experience. Groups can take advantage of the adjacent day-use area with a softball field, volleyball court, and designated swim area. Camping is tents-only.
Spring Cove Campground features 61 campsites which are best suited for tents or small RVs. Some of the campsites are well up the hillside away from the lake. Rocky Point and Pine Point, both lakeside picnic areas, are nearby.
Wishon Point Campground offers 46 campsites on the hillside above the lake. Some sites have lake views. A few tent-only sites are spread through the campground. The public boat launch facility is nearby.
Nearby Campground
Chilkoot Campground is 4½ miles northeast of Bass Lake. The rustic campground contains 14 campsites in a pine forest. There is no water at the campground.
Bass Lake Queen Tours
Take a guided tour of Bass Lake in the Bass Lake Queen from
Bass Lake Water Sports
at The Pines Resort.
Notice: "As of January 2023, we are no longer doing tour on the Bass Lake Queen until further notice. Unfortunately, the Bass Lake Queen took a bit of damage during the winter snow storm this year and is unable to operate." Check website for updates.
The narrated tours begin every Saturday at 11:00 AM and last about one hour. Learn about the history of
the lake and points of interest.
For many who enjoy Bass Lake camping, boating is a part of their plans. A public boat launch ramp is located on the southeast side of the lake near the dam. Although launching is free, there is a $3 parking fee in the Forest Service lot.
In addition, Bass Lake requires boats to display an annual sticker which may be obtained from Bass Lake Water Sports, Millers Landing Resort, or the Forks Resort. There is no daily permit. Annual stickers range from $32 to $63 based on the horsepower of the boat.
Boat Rentals
Several marinas around the lake rent a variety of boats, including patio boats, fishing boats, jet skis, and ski boats.
The Forks Resort
The Pines Resort and Bass Lake Water Sports
Millers Landing
Picnic Areas
A number of excellent picnic areas are situated along the shore of Bass Lake. Picnic areas have tables with good shade, drinking water, and flush toilets. Most charge a $5 day-use fee. Hours of use are 6 AM to 10 PM.
Rocky Point is closest to Spring Cove Campground.
Pine Point is closest to Spring Cove Campground.
Lakeside is closest to Lupine and Cedar Bluffs campgrounds.
Pine Slope is closest to Forks Campground.
Little Denver is closest to Spring Cove Campground.
Denver Church is closest to Recreation Point Group Campground.
Twin Falls is on the northeast side of the lake.
Willow Cove is on the east side of the lake.
Bass Lake Annual Events
Visitors who enjoy Bass lake camping often plan their vacations to coincide with some of the popular annual events held at the lake.
The Bass Lake Fishing Derby is held in early May and is always a popular event.
Look for the Bass Lake Arts and Crafts Fair held in May and again in December.
Catch the Bass Lake Classic Triathlon in early June.
The Antique and Classic Wooden Boat Show is a wonderful display of classic boats. It is usually held in lake May.
Fireworks light up the night sky on July 4.
