If you enjoy the outdoors, you are bound to have a list of your favorite lakes. Today I will share three of my favorite lakes. If you were lucky enough to find this blog post, then you will get an inside scoop into some of my most sacred spots on the planet. But I won’t go and share all of my secrets in this post. Stick around for long enough and may just get to learn about some more hidden gems.
Bowman Lake is one of the most infamous lakes in the greater Lake Tahoe area. Just far enough out of the way to not be a tourist trap, but it still somehow attracts hundreds of people for the 4th of July. To find this lake, you can simply type in “Bowman Lake, CA” into Google Maps. You can either go down Highway 20 past Emerald Pools or take a backroad off Highway 89 north. On the way up, you will pass by many different alpine lakes (all of which have incredible camping). While an AWD vehicle is recommended, I have seen a Honda Civic or two up there (not that I would recommend that at all).
Boca Reservoir is an essential lake on this list. The highly popular reservoir off of the Hirshdale exit on I-80 is a staple entry-level camping destination. You can select campsites right on the edge of the water or venture deep into the forest to find dispersed camping. Make sure that you pay attention to all signage, as fires are open seasonally. There is even a hidden public shooting range just by the dam, which can be a fun activity while out camping. Most roads are accessible with any type of vehicle, but make sure to check any dirt roads that could be muddy.
June Lake is the third and final lake on this list, and the only one not within the Tahoe National Forest. June Lake is located just outside of Mammoth Lakes, CA, and is a high-elevation alpine lake. This lake is fairly large, and parking must be paid for, but if you are able to get out early enough to find a spot, then you will enjoy the crystal-clear, shallow blue waters with the beautiful June Mountain in the background. Definitely bring your thick skin, though, as if you are not used to cold water, it can be quite shocking in the early summertime after all the snowmelt. Any car can access the general parking lot, and almost all roads are paved. There is also a camping site right by the lake where you can bring an RV or tent to camp.
What are some of your favorite lakes to camp?
Book a campsite at June Lake here
Book a campsite at Boca Reservoir here
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