First-Timer's Guide to Bass Lake, CA
Hi friends! If you’re dreaming of a lakeside escape in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Bass Lake is the kind of destination that checks every box. Known as “the hidden gem of the Sierra,” it’s equally perfect for adrenaline-filled water sports, laid-back dockside lounging, or family-friendly adventures. For first-time visitors, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from the best places to stay, eat, and play, to the trails and wildlife you won’t want to miss. Join me below as we “dive in” to Bass Lake!
Jumping off a pontoon boat into Bass Lake
Bass Lake seen from Way of the Mono Trail
Location & Overview
Bass Lake is located just 17 miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, making it an ideal stop on any Yosemite road trip or a destination all its own. The lake itself is about four miles long and half a mile wide, creating plenty of space for boating, kayaking, and swimming. The elevation here is around 3,400 feet, which means warmer temperatures than Yosemite Valley or the High Sierra. Summer days are perfect for water activities, while evenings cool down just enough to be comfortable. The area has a small-town charm, with general stores, resorts, and marinas dotting the shoreline, yet it’s big enough to offer all the conveniences you need, especially with Oakhurst just a short drive away.
Gazebo at The Pines Resort on Bass Lake
The Pines Resort on Bass Lake near Yosemite National Park
The Pines Resort chalet in Bass Lake, CA
Bass Lake Lodging
The Pines Resort
The Pines Resort is Bass Lake’s most iconic property, often referred to as the “hidden jewel of the Sierra.” It offers a mix of two-story chalet-style cabins with private balconies and suites that overlook the lake. The chalets come with kitchens, making them great for families or anyone who wants the flexibility of cooking during their stay. Many first-time visitors appreciate how central this resort is—you’re within walking distance of a marina, multiple restaurants, and shops.
On-Site Dining: The Pines Resort is home to Ducey’s on the Lake, one of the area’s top dining spots. With a menu that balances upscale Sierra fare (like prime rib and fresh trout) with approachable comfort food, it’s a fantastic place for a date night or a celebratory meal. There’s also Ducey’s Bar & Grill, a more casual option for burgers, sandwiches, and craft cocktails, with lake views that make even a quick lunch feel special.
Amenities: Staying at The Pines means you’ll have access to a pool, tennis courts, and a full-service marina where you can rent boats, jet skis, kayaks and more. There’s also a general store, gift shop, private beach, and even spaces for events like weddings or conferences. It’s the most full-service resort on Bass Lake, making it an easy choice for first-timers who want everything in one place.
Miller’s Landing Resort marina on Bass Lake
Miller’s Landing Resort in Bass Lake, CA near Yosemite
Miller’s Landing Resort
Miller’s Landing has a rustic, family-owned vibe that longtime visitors love. Lodging options here along Bass Lake’s south shore include cozy cabins with lake views just steps from the water. The cabins range in size to accommodate all sizes of parties, and they all include TVs, full kitchens, heating & A/C, charcoal barbecues, and outdoor fire pits, perfect for roasting marshmallows in the evening after a day out on the lake...Americana at its finest!
On-Site Dining: The Miller’s Landing Restaurant is famous for hearty, casual eats that hit the spot after a day on the water. Their “Miller Burger” is a local favorite, and you’ll also find breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and a full service ice cream shop with all your favorites, including the “Fudge Bucket”, a loaded sundae served in a bucket with a shovel. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops and swimsuits are the dress code, and where families gather for relaxed meals with unbeatable views of the marina.
Amenities: Miller’s Landing is also one of the best-equipped marinas on Bass Lake, offering boat, jet ski, kayak, paddleboard rentals, and more! With its mix of a small convenience store, dining, and marina services, Miller’s Landing is an ideal spot for families or groups who want a laid-back lakeside experience without sacrificing access to activities.
The Forks Resort in Bass Lake, CA
The Forks Resort marina on Bass Lake
The Forks Resort
The Forks Resort is another beloved Bass Lake staple, known for its charming cabins nestled among pine trees. Each cabin has a slightly different layout, but all are rustic and cozy, with fully equipped kitchens and outdoor patios with barbecues. Celebrating its centennial in 2026, this long-standing resort continues to draw families back year after year with its nostalgic, camp-like feel that first-timers quickly fall in love with.
Dining: The Forks Burger at The Forks Resort Restaurant has earned legendary status—it’s a must-try meal when you’re here. The restaurant is casual and straightforward, serving hearty American classics that are just right for hungry adventurers. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast before hitting the water or grabbing a burger after a long day, the food is consistently good and the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
Amenities: Beyond the restaurant, The Forks offers a small general store stocked with snacks, fishing supplies, souvenirs, and essentials you may have forgotten to pack. There’s also a dock and marina where you can launch or rent boats, kayaks, and SUPs, making it easy to get on the water.
Ducey’s on the Lake at The Pines Resort
Dinner at Ducey’s on the Lake at The Pines Resort in Bass Lake, CA
Lunch at Miller’s Landing Restaurant in Bass Lake, CA
Bass Lake Dining
Food is a huge part of the Bass Lake experience, and while the major resorts each have their own signature dining spots, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture to see what the area offers.
Resort Dining
Recapping the resort offerings from above—at The Pines Resort, Ducey’s on the Lake is the place to go for prime steaks, fish, and gorgeous sunset views, while Ducey’s Bar & Grill gives you a more casual lakeside option with delicious burgers and other American fare. Over at the Miller’s Landing Restaurant, you’ll find hearty comfort food that pairs perfectly with a day on the water—think massive burgers, fish ‘n’ chips, breakfast burritos, and ice cream sundaes. And of course, no trip to The Forks Resort is complete without a stop at The Forks Restaurant for their legendary Forks Burger. These three anchor restaurants are staples for a reason, and together they form the heart of Bass Lake’s dining scene.
Lattes at Nurture Coffee + Eats in the Pines Village
Jones Store in Beasore Meadows near Bass Lake
Cheeseburger lunch with a view of Beasore Meadows at Jones Store
Additional Dining
Beyond the resorts, there are a couple of hidden gems that first-timers won’t want to miss. In Pines Village, Nurture Coffee + Eats is a bright, modern café with a healthy twist, offering smoothies, gourmet toasts, and coffee drinks that are perfect when you need something lighter or more energizing. It’s also a great spot to grab breakfast and a morning pick-me-up before heading out on the lake or into Yosemite for the day. For a true Sierra classic, make the drive up to Jones Store in Beasore Meadows (open in the summer months, typically on Wed-Sun until food runs out). This historic mountain stop is known for its generous hamburgers and homemade pie, served with a side of back-country charm. Eating here feels like stepping back in time, and the journey itself—winding mountain roads surrounded by pines and meadows—is part of the experience.
And of course, Bass Lake visitors are only a short drive from Oakhurst, which has all kinds of incredible eateries, such as South Gate Brewing Company, The Elderberry House, and Bee’s Bakery Cafe.
Bass Lake kayak rental from The Forks Resort
Bass Lake patio boat rental from Miller’s Landing Resort
Bass Lake Activities
Water Activities
Bass Lake is all about getting on the water, and there’s no shortage of ways to do it. The lake is a hub for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and tubing...and the marinas at Miller’s Landing and The Forks make rentals easy. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, standup paddleboarding and kayaking are excellent options, especially in the quieter coves early in the morning. The water warms up quickly in summer, making swimming and floating a favorite pastime for families. Fishing is also popular, with trout, bass, and kokanee salmon among the catches you might reel in. Whether you want high-energy thrills or a lazy day with your toes in the water, Bass Lake delivers.
And don’t let a lack of experience hold you back! The folks at Miller’s Landing and The Forks will walk you through everything you need to know to before you embark on your adventure.
Views of Bass Lake from Way of the Mono Trail
Hiking the Way of the Mono Trail in Sierra National Forest
Hiking Trails
Surrounded by forested hillsides, Bass Lake offers plenty of hiking opportunities for all skill levels. One of my favorite hikes, The Way of the Mono Trail offers panoramic views of Bass Lake, and trust me, the sight of the lake from above is something you don’t want to miss. The loop trail is short and sweet at well under a mile, making it perfect for all ages. Interpretive panels are found along the way, providing wonderful insights into the area’s flora and fauna, as well as the Mono indigenous people who resided in this region. The trail rises about 150 feet in elevation across a few wooded switch backs...and about half-way along the loop, you’re faced with an incredible panoramic vista point of Bass Lake. Here you can walk out on a large granite shelf with clear views of the lake and the sprawling Sierra National Forest. This is also where you’ll see evidence of the Native Americans that called this place home. Look closely at the granite and you’ll notice round depressions in the rock. These granite bowls, called mortars, were used by the Mono people to grind acorns and other nuts & seeds into meal.
For those seeking a hike that promises both a challenge and a breathtaking reward, the Willow Creek Trail is an absolute must. This 3-mile loop offers a moderately steep hike, with rugged terrain that will test your endurance, but every step is worth it. Along the way, you’ll be treated to the stunning sights of two waterfalls, Angel Falls and Devils Slide. As you navigate the path, you’ll feel the power of nature all around you, from the rushing waters of Willow Creek to the towering trees that shade your journey. It’s a hike that demands effort but rewards you with some of the most unforgettable views this area has to offer.
Driving the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway near Bass Lake & Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Adventure Company off-road jeep tour near Bass Lake
Views of Bass Lake along Yosemite Adventure Company off-road tour
Nearby Driving Adventures
If you’re looking to add a little extra thrill to your Bass Lake trip, getting behind the wheel—or letting someone else take the wheel—is a must. One of the best ways to do that is with Yosemite Adventure Company, which specializes in guided off-road experiences in the Sierra National Forest. Their tours take you along rugged dirt roads, through pine forests, and up to panoramic overlooks of Bass Lake that most visitors never get to see. The views from these high vantage points are breathtaking, with the lake shimmering below and the Sierra Nevada peaks stretching out in the distance. It’s a fantastic option if you want to combine outdoor adventure with insider knowledge of the area’s history and hidden gems.
Another unforgettable drive near Bass Lake is the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, a 100-mile loop through some of the most beautiful back-country landscapes in the Sierra Nevada. This less-traveled route takes you past granite domes, alpine meadows, and historic sites that showcase the natural and cultural richness of the region. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of scenic pullouts for photography and short hikes, making it easy to spend a full day exploring at your own pace. The Byway is usually open from late spring through fall, depending on snow levels, and is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the Sierra’s quieter side.
Osprey fledglings in a nest above Bass Lake
Wildlife Watching
Part of the magic of Bass Lake is the wildlife that calls this area home. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and ospreys soaring overhead, especially in the Willow Cove area near The Pines. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting woodpeckers, hawks, and the occasional great blue heron stalking the shallows. Deer are frequently spotted around the shoreline and in the surrounding forests, and as always in the Sierra Nevada, be mindful of black bears—sightings near the lake are common, so keep your eyes peeled while driving and always properly store your food.
The Forks Resort stand up paddleboard rental on Bass Lake
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
I’d like to give a special thank you to Visit Yosemite | Madera County, an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip to Yosemite National Park and the surrounding regions. Stop at the Oakhurst Visitor Center for expert advice, access to maps, and insider tips. Here you’ll discover the many hidden gems of Madera County, and make sure to download your free visitor guide at YosemiteThisYear.com for answers to all your questions about visiting California's Southern Gateway to Yosemite.
The Pines Resort chalet in Bass Lake, CA near Yosemite
Know Before You Go
• Remember the Leave No Trace Principles and pack out everything you pack in.
• Bass Lake and Sierra National Forest are home to black bears. While out on the lake or adventuring in the region, make sure to properly store your food and don’t leave any scented items in your vehicle.
• There are two public boat launching sites if you bring your own vessel. For more information on bringing your own boat, as well as for details on the rules for safe boating on Bass Lake, check out the full Bass Lake Safe Boating Conduct Guidelines prior to heading out on the water.
• Bass Lake is open year-round, but the optimal months for water sports are typically from May to September when the lake temperatures are warm and water levels are high.
• Both The Forks Resort and Miller’s Landing Resort are seasonal, typically open from around March-October. Visit their official websites and call ahead to confirm dates and availability.
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Jones Store homemade pie & ice cream
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week just south of Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of my time in Bass Lake, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Tubing on Bass Lake near Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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