California has more than 3,000 named lakes and over 18 million acres of national forest land, making it one of the most diverse states for outdoor recreation. Data from the U.S. Forest Service and California State Parks shows that lakeside campgrounds are among the most visited sites, often drawing hikers and nature lovers for their mix of trails and water views. Below are eight of the most scenic lakeside camping spots, each known for hiking access and natural beauty.
Big Bear Lake: Trails Above 6,000 Feet
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 6,752 feet, Big Bear Lake campgrounds offer direct access to more than 100 miles of hiking trails, including the Pine Knot Trail that connects to the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. According to Forest Service visitation data, Big Bear is among the top five most visited recreation areas in Southern California, combining high-altitude hiking with lakeside camping.
Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay’s Iconic Overlook
Emerald Bay State Park, on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, is a UNESCO-designated National Natural Landmark. The Eagle Lake Trail here is one of the most hiked in the Sierra Nevada, with trail counters recording over 50,000 visitors annually. Campers at the lakeside sites are within walking distance of Eagle Falls, granite cliffs, and panoramic views of the lake’s striking blue waters.
Shasta Lake: Northern California’s Largest Reservoir
Shasta Lake spans 30,000 surface acres, making it California’s largest reservoir. The lakeshore campgrounds in Shasta-Trinity National Forest provide access to trails such as the Bailey Cove Trail, a 4.2-mile loop rated as moderate by AllTrails and popular for its wildlife viewing. U.S. Forest Service reports note that Shasta Lake attracts nearly 2 million annual visitors, particularly hikers and boaters.
Clear Lake State Park: Oldest Natural Lake in the State
Clear Lake, estimated to be over 2.5 million years old, is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California. Its state park campgrounds provide access to more than 20 miles of hiking trails, including the Dorn Nature Trail with interpretive signage about volcanic geology. According to Lake County tourism data, Clear Lake is one of the region’s most-visited attractions, especially for hikers interested in birdwatching.
Bass Lake: Gateway to Yosemite Adventures
Bass Lake, in Sierra National Forest, sits just 17 miles from Yosemite National Park’s south entrance. The lake’s campgrounds provide quick access to the Willow Creek Trail, where hikers can reach Angel Falls and Devil’s Slide Falls within a few miles. Forest Service statistics show Bass Lake receives more than 1.5 million visitors annually, many combining camping with day hikes before heading into Yosemite.
Lake Isabella: Kern River Canyon Access
Lake Isabella is one of the largest reservoirs in Southern California, covering 11,000 acres in Sequoia National Forest. Its campgrounds provide a base for hikers exploring the Kern River Canyon and nearby trails such as the Remington Hot Springs route. According to U.S. Forest Service reports, Lake Isabella campgrounds are heavily used during summer, drawing visitors looking for a mix of mountain scenery and riverside hikes.
Mammoth Lakes: Twin Lakes Alpine Basecamp
Twin Lakes Campground, the only lakeside campground within the Mammoth Lakes Basin, sits at 8,600 feet in the Inyo National Forest. Campers can access the Panorama Dome Trail directly from the site, which offers sweeping views of the Sierra. Data from the Town of Mammoth Lakes shows over 2.8 million annual visitors, with hiking listed as the most popular activity among summer travelers.
Lake Arrowhead: A Private Lake With Public Trails Nearby
Although Lake Arrowhead itself is a private reservoir, the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest campgrounds make it a base for hiking. The nearby Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail, a 4.6-mile round-trip hike, offers striking views of the lake and mountains. Local tourism data notes that the Lake Arrowhead area draws over 4 million visitors annually, with hiking and camping consistently ranking among the top recreational activities.
