Welcome to Bass Lake

Bass Lake (Crane Valley Reservoir) Located in the tall pines of the Eastern Madera County’s Sierra National Forest is one of California’s most frequented vacation spots, Bass Lake. Bass Lake is located in the southern Sierra Nevada at approximately 3,500 feet in elevation. This beautiful lake is approximately 4 ½ miles long and a ½ mile wide and is one of the only “warm water” lakes in California. The lake’s main water source is the north fork of Willow Creek, a tributary of the San Joaquin River. Crane Valley, originally a lush green meadow, was discovered by the Mariposa Battalion, led by Major J. D. Savage, while on maneuvers during the Indian wars of 1850 and 1951.

Bass Lake was created when a small dam was built in 1899. A larger reservoir was formed in 1905 and work began on the present dam in 1909 as part of California’s first hydroelectric project. Today, Bass Lake boasts a year-round population of about 2,195 and is a summer paradise for boating, camping, fishing and picnicking. There are three full-service marinas (The Pines Marina, The Forks Resort and Miller’s Landing) on Bass Lake that offer boaters gasoline, grocery and deli, restaurants and moorage. Well maintained campgrounds line the south shore of Bass Lake while the north shore hosts a thriving community of year-round and seasonal vacation homes.

Yosemite National Park is only a short 14 mile drive north on Highway 41. For high sierra adventure, take a drive up Beasore Road and explore the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway or visit one of the areas many back country lakes. Iron, Grizzly, Bare Island and Chiquito Lakes are about an hours hike from trail heads located off of Beasore Road. Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides offers guided tours of the high Sierra and back country.

The Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce sponsors the regions only Fourth of July Fireworks display and the annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby the first weekend in May. Area residents and visitors alike can enjoy live music every Friday evening throughout the summer at Ducey’s Jazz on the Lake. In addition, Bass Lake hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. Visit the Bass Lake Chamber website for an annual event calendar.