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Bass Lake Dam | Overnight Prohibited

United States

Details

Verified:
7 months ago
Elevation:
983.0 masl
Contributor:
mikehoward

Amenities

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Description

*Moderator Note: Overnight camping/parking is NOT available at this location.
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At the south end of a beautiful alpine lake and a 28-mile drive south of Yosesmite NP, this is a parking spot on the actual dam with unobstructed views of the water and mountains. It is adjacent to a boat ramp with private plumbed bathrooms (so also sinks to fill water bottles). About a dozen cars a day used the parking lot to access the nice trailheads down to the spillway (a cool short hike) and to the forest. That said, we were the only overnight campers and basically had it to ourselves most of the weekend. We almost parked at the boat ramp but a park employee said that was $40 and the dam was free overnight parking. We hiked and kayaked right from our spot. We would highly recommend, the only downside was no shade but great views, proper bathrooms, full 5G cell coverage, and lots of outdoor rec opportunities, lots to love!

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This is now closed off to camping, overnight parking. New signs everywhere read " prohibited".

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This place is permanently closed.

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As described, plenty of flat space with lake views and only a few joggers at sunset/sunrise. Toilets nearby, great for a night!

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Fairly busy place as it's one of the few free parking areas for the recreation path over the dam as well as fisherman and other people who like to sit in their cars at all hours. Triangular lot itself is somewhat level and can turn around big rigs unless clueless motorists block you in by parking. Barking dog across the lake ,yes sound travels, didn't like the presemce of others in the lot.FYI, everything's very expensive in Bass Lake, even the national forest campsites are $45 minimum and day use areas are $10. There are a few pull-offs along the narrow, bumpy road that winds along the lake, but I wouldn't want to stay there overnight. I opted for a $98 double wide spot at lupine campground. Area in general is not good for big rigs It can be done but I can't imagine it if it's busy You can get stuck very easily. Not a lot of level turnarounds even on the main road

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Slept unbothered in our 22ft RV. One other camper van here. Used the nearby bathrooms with no issue. Beautiful sunset! Sheriff was in the parking lot in the morning for a bit, but didn't interact with anyone, just seemed to be keeping an eye on all the tourists. One of the better gravel parking lots we've stayed in yet.
Photo is from a minutes walk on the damn from our RV.
Great 5G service with Verizon.
Decent service with AT&T.

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Camper van: Stayed here one night, nearest bathrooms were still closed for the season. Camp host got upset when we used bathroom on the way out by boat Launch, wrote us up with warning even tho we were only there 10 minutes tops . This is the only place to park overnight in Bass Lake area, so be be "self contained". We are but we stopped there on the way out to some where else. Won't stop here again.

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Stayed one night and was not bothered. Great views of the lake.

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It’s a parking lot. Nice quiet place. Stayed for one night.

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At the south end of a beautiful alpine lake and a 28-mile drive south of Yosesmite NP, this is a parking spot on the actual dam with unobstructed views of the water and mountains. It is adjacent to a boat ramp with private plumbed bathrooms (so also sinks to fill water bottles). About a dozen cars a day used the parking lot to access the nice trailheads down to the spillway (a cool short hike) and to the forest. That said, we were the only overnight campers and basically had it to ourselves most of the weekend. We almost parked at the boat ramp but a park employee said that was $40 and the dam was free overnight parking. We hiked and kayaked right from our spot. We would highly recommend, the only downside was no shade but great views, proper bathrooms, full 5G cell coverage, and lots of outdoor rec opportunities, lots to love!

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