Top 14 Things To Do In Bass Lake, California

Victor
Posted Jul 14, 2021
| 7 min read

Bass Lake is a recreational refuge in proximity to Yosemite National Park and just steps away from The Pines Resort. It is a region characterized by granite peaks and towering pine forests with a plethora of potential for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating, as well as attempting the many hiking trails that snake their way through the forests and the lush vegetation. A trip to this area will be magical in many ways, and so long as you love the sight of nature, there will be plenty of opportunities for things to do in Bass Lake, California. Here are a few recommendations to help you narrow down your choices so that you can make the most out of your visit.

1. Go camping at Bass Lake Recreational Area

Bass Lake Recreational Area is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of Yosemite National Park in the Sierra National Forest. The area is a recreational complex with a wide variety of facilities to suit the needs of every outdoor enthusiast. Whether it is hiking, camping, fishing or if you need spacious open fields for playing all sorts of outdoor games, you can trust the grounds will not let you down.

Bass Lake Recreational Area

Address: 39900 Rd 222, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Bass Lake Recreational Area

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

2. Camp on the shores of the lake at Lupine Spring Cove

The quietness and the serenity of Lupine Spring Cove campgrounds elevates it from most of the camping facilities you will find in this region. The ground is in a very simple set-up but with breathtaking views of the lake, the pine forests, and the mountains. As a camping site, Lupine Spring Cove has picnic tables, campfire rings, flush toilets, safe drinking water, and grills to guarantee your comfort during camping. You will also be pleased to learn that Lupine Spring Cove has a beach and a boat ramp for visitors who may wish to go for kayaking, bass fishing, water skiing among other watersports activities.

Lupine Spring Cove

Address: Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Lupine Spring Cove

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Try out the camping experience at Wishon Bass Lake


Wishon Lake is another recreation facility you can easily access within the Bass Lake region. It is located right across Bass Lake. The grounds are relatively shady due to the presence of dense cedar, oak, and pine trees, but this gives it one of its most enviable features – privacy. The trees and the thick undergrowth allows for ample privacy but without hindering the magnificent views of the lake from the camping grounds. Again, the campsites are well-equipped, with pedestal grills, stone fire pits, and picnic tables and chairs.

Wishon Bass Lake

Address: Bass Lake, California

Website: Wishon Bass Lake

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Have fun with Bass Lake Boat Rentals and Watersports


Bass Lake Boat Rentals and Watersports promises a lot of fun for all kinds of visitors who desire to have ultimate fun through a variety of watersports. It is a full-service lakefront marina with boats and a myriad of watersports equipment that will allow you to have fun safely on the waters. Whether you are interested in swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, or boating, the marina has it all. It is highly suitable for days out with the family in the Bass Lake area.

Bass Lake Boat Rentals and Watersports

Address: 54406 Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Bass Lake Boat Rentals and Watersports

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

5. Enjoy the true beauty nature at Recreation Point Group Campground

Recreation Point Group Campground is tucked away in a partially shaded cove with direct views of the northern parts of Bass Lake. Its popularity as a camping site arises from the fact that it is one of the few facilities in the region that offer tent-only overnight campsites for groups. The maximum group size for every camping site ranges anywhere from 30 to 100 people. It is an ideal choice if you are looking forward to having fun out in the wild with a group of friends or family members.

Recreation Point Group Campground

Address: Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Recreation Point Group Campground

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Buy unique souvenirs at Good Ol’ Daze


The Bass Lake region may be popular with camping sites but even when camping, it doesn’t hurt to pick a souvenir or two to remind you of the trip. Good Ol’ Daze is the place you go to when you need to buy a few unique items to remind you of the trip. The gift shop is located about 18 miles (29 km) from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. It houses a fine selection of high quality merchandise such as fine print glassware, antiques, sculptures, handmade jewelry, and great fresh chocolate among others. Be sure to pass by to make a purchase, or to simply look around at what’s on offer and maybe strike a conversation with the folks in there.

Good Ol’ Daze

Address: 54310 Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Good Ol’ Daze

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

7. Enjoy the hike at Willow Creek Trailhead

Willow Creek Trailhead is one of the top destinations for hiking in the Bass Lake region. The trail is about 2.5 miles (4 km) long, but the fun in the hike is never about the length of the trail. The trail is between moderate to difficult based on how fit you are, and the fascinating thing about it is that it has several waterfalls and streams where you can make occasional stops to get wet. This is in addition to the exciting surroundings featuring tall pine trees and the constant chirping of birds in the trees. With this trail, the next step will be just as refreshing as the previous one.

Willow Creek Trailhead

Address: Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Enjoy a family camping experience at Little Denver Church Picnic Site

If you are looking for an ideal place for family camping or picnic within the Bass Lake region, then you have every reason to consider Little Denver Church Picnic Site. The site was designed with families in mind, and it comes with every amenity that will ensure none of the family members is left out of comfort and fun. It is a spacious ground nestled in the trees, but in proximity to the lake with shallow sandy shores. In addition to the normal camping essentials, the ground also offers watersports equipment such as kayaks and boats as well as children’s water toys.

Little Denver Church Picnic Site

Address: Rd 222, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Little Denver Church Picnic Site

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Chill out and have a great meal at Ducey’s Bar & Grill


Ducey’s Bar & Grill is a popular eatery within the Bass Lake region, and it is well-known for the relaxed and inviting atmosphere it has as well as the fast and friendly service. It is a cool place to check out with the family when camping in the region. The restaurant’s setting overlooks the beautiful lake, and this creates the kind of ambiance you need to dig into the delicious burgers, fish, steaks, seafood, and other delicacies present on their diverse menu.

Ducey’s Bar & Grill

Address: 54432 Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Ducey’s Bar & Grill

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 7am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 10pm

10. Dig into the tasty pizzas at Pines Village Bakery


Pine Village Bakery will help you not miss your pizza delivery back in the city because they have some of the best pizzas in the region. Their pizzas have been cooked to perfection, and they are available in a variety of sizes and flavors. To add icing to the cake, they also offer deliveries, which means that you don’t have to leave your campsite to go and grab a bite. It is only during storms or adverse weather conditions that deliveries may not be available.

Pines Village Bakery

Address: 54362 Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Pines Village Bakery

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

11. Get a piece of Mexico at Casa Velasco Mexican Restaurant


If you are a fan of Mexican food then you don’t have to let the distance between Mexico and California stand in the way when you are in the Bass Lake region. This is because Casa Velasco Mexican Restaurant will respond to all your cravings for Mexican delicacies right in Bass Lake. The restaurant boasts of a cozy atmosphere, scenic views, and very generous portions. The staff is very professional and always ready to make you feel very comfortable as you enjoy every bite from your platter. You will also love the fact that they stay open up to very late so you don’t have to worry about going to bed without food if you got engrossed in your camping fun until you forgot that you should be eating.

Casa Velasco Mexican Restaurant

Address: 54311 Rd 432, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Casa Velasco Mexican Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 9pm

12. Enjoy boat rides on Bass Lake Crane Valley Dam

Crane Valley Dam is located on Lake Bass, and it is a multipurpose recreational area ideal for a myriad of outdoor activities. In addition to the normal camping in the woods, the dam provides excellent opportunities for individuals interested in watersports, with boat riding and fishing being the most popular activities on the dam. Nature lovers can also enjoy water skiing, sailing, and swimming on the dam. It recently underwent renovation to increase its capacity and enhance certain features to make it more suitable for recreational uses.

Bass Lake Crane Valley Dam

Address: 37598-37002 229A Rd, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Bass Lake Crane Valley Dam

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

13. Go on a bass fishing expedition at Forks Resort Marina


If you love fishing as a hobby, then it will be disheartening to leave the Bass Lake region without going for an expedition to catch the fish after which the lake is named – bass. You don’t have to worry about carrying fishing supplies and equipment because you can easily rent them from Forks Resort Marina. The marina has canoes, row boats, fishing boats, and patio boats, as well as bass fishing gear available for rental. With such, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the lake as you attempt getting bass from the waters.

Forks Resort Marina

Address: 39150 Rd 222, Bass Lake, CA 93604, USA

Website: Forks Resort Marina

14. Pamper yourself at The Pines Resort Spa


A little pampering is never a bad idea when on a vacation, and if you are in Bass Lake region, a visit to the Pines Spa will be enticing. The spa offers a variety of massages and beauty treatments that will not only leave you looking younger and refreshed but will also relax every sore muscle of your body. They are extremely professional, flexible, and affordable to ensure that all visitors can enjoy te treatments. Check them out on a lazy Saturday afternoon when you are done with your adventures in the woods or the lake.

The Pines Resort Spa

Address: 27984 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352, USA

Website: The Pines Resort Spa

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 8pm; Sun: 8am - 7pm

Enjoy the views, nature, and food at Bass Lake, California

There is no denying that Bass Lake is a paradise for the camping enthusiast. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Fishing, boat riding, canoeing, and hiking are also very popular activities in the region. As such, it is a good destination for every outdoor buff who wants to experience nature differently. Though there are very many things to do in Bass Lake, California, choosing any of the above should be a good introduction to your getaway in the region.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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