Regarded as Lake Tahoe’s little cousin, Bass Lake may be smaller than its High Sierra counterpart but it packs a big punch when it comes to fun. To see what all the fuss is about, take a look here on FlipKey where you’ll find rental properties perfect for both summer and winter vacations.

About Bass Lake

Bass Lake, California is a 5-mile-long body of water located at an altitude of 3,415 feet in the Sierra National Forest, 14-miles south of Yosemite National Park.

A village was established here in 1895 before the lake was expanded as a reservoir to provide hydroelectricity to central California.

Today, Bass Lake has a population of around 500 and they're almost entirely employed in the local tourism industry.

As pretty as a postcard, Bass Lake is the closest recreational body of water to Yosemite National Park and an excellent base for a California mountain adventure.

With a lower elevation than its High Sierra cousins, Bass Lake has a blissfully warm summer temperature of 75 degrees. This means it’s ideal for a wide range of water sports from stand-up paddle boards to water-skiing and sailing. You’re sure to find an activity you enjoy!

What to do in Bass Lake

The big attraction of Bass Lake is its proximity to Yosemite National Park and all that lies within—giant, ancient sequoia trees, towering waterfalls and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Depending on how adventurous—and how fit—you are, hike to the top of Half Dome and cross it off your bucket list. The views are spectacular! But make sure you’re properly equipped and pay close attention to the weather conditions which can be unpredictable and dangerous.

With so many exciting hikes and vistas inside Yosemite, consider trying to emulate famous American photographer Ansel Adams with some masterful snaps of your own.

Back at Bass Lake, enjoy your time out on the water or swimming. If fishing is the something that appeals, try your hand at catching a Kokanee Salmon—a landlocked version of the Sockeye. Other fish include trout, catfish, crappie, bluegill and—the Lake’s namesake—bass.

Top travel tips for Bass Lake

Be responsible and clean up your mess while also using refillable bottles and water filters.

Summer is of course the best time to visit Bass Lake and Yosemite, but the winters are fun too with fewer crowds and things to do like cross country skiing, snow tubing, ice skating. Of course, you can always sip a hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire, too, when you book a vacation rental.

Surrounded by pine-clad mountains with no light pollution, Bass Lake is ideally situated for stargazing and meteor showers.

If you need an adrenaline rush, head to Mammoth or Lake Tahoe for some downhill excitement.

Bass Lake is a year-round destination with plenty of things to do for the entire family. Being close to Yosemite, it also represents a great base from which to explore the National Park. To find the perfect rental property, start your search on FlipKey and you’re sure to find an option that suits your needs.