Shaver Lake Dispersed Camping

[Delkat]

I was wondering if there are any recommended trails near Shaver Lake that have nice dispersed camping opportunities. I wanted to take some newbies down and thought we’d spend the first night at Camp Edison then find some more remote camping for a night or two depending on how they do.

Are any of the routes we used for last year’s OB Shaver Lake trip good candidates? It looks like there’s quite a bit of public land in that area according to the info on Gaia.

Thanks

 

[Neal A. Tew]

In what state is Shaver Lake?

 

[Delkat]

Southwestern Sierras in CA. It’s where they hold the Overland Bound West Rally event every year.

 

[snozberries]

Decent spots if you go up Bald Mountain area, somewhere near: 37.123125, -119.174988. Obviously if you go up that way, you'll be away from water/lake. If you can make the run up to the tower, got some good views up there.

 

[Delkat]

Yes, we went to the top last year during the OB event. I wasn't sure if that is all BLM land and camping is allowed. Great views but it was partially clouded/fogged in, windy and chilly. I heard most of the snow is gone and it should be good this weekend.

 

[Joseph Mongillo]

Just a heads up, the following forest service page claims that much of the trails in this area are still closed. Maybe give em a call to confirm.
Sierra National Forest - Home

 

[Delkat]

Yes, you are correct. We went to the top of Bald Mt. on Saturday and talked to the ranger there. They are still working on many of the other trails and should be open soon. We had to go up and back from Dinkey Creek because the north route was still closed. The trail was super busy due to it being the only one open.

The ranger suggested calling the Prather ranger station for the latest updates.

 

[Brian T.]

Yes, you are correct. We went to the top of Bald Mt. on Saturday and talked to the ranger there. They are still working on many of the other trails and should be open soon. We had to go up and back from Dinkey Creek because the north route was still closed. The trail was super busy due to it being the only one open.

The ranger suggested calling the Prather ranger station for the latest updates.

So did you just come back or still looking to go? I'm heading up there Thursday, also looking for some remote camping spots....the weekend looks like it will be very busy, camp Edison pretty much booked up. So I may have some advice next week based on what we find.....I hate going to the mountains and finding crowds, but that's pretty much the norm these days.

 

[Delkat]

Yes, I was there last week. There were a couple of spaces available for Friday night at Camp Edison so we grabbed one. There are lots of spots along the road into Dinkey Creek but most of them were taken by large groups with RVs and trailers for their crawlers and other toys. Once you get into the off-road sections I didn't notice a lot of dispersed camping but there was only one road open and I came through late morning so people were probably already packed up. There should be more roads open next week so y ou should be able to find a spot.

 

[NoOneBetter]

Just checking in for any updates. I'm probably heading to Bald Mountain this weekend. Was hoping to hit Strawberrry Lake but looks like the trail wont be open until the 15th.

 

[shoredreamer]

Was up in the area last weekend. Confirming that yes, only Bald Mtn Trail is open. All the lake trails are expected to open the 15th.

 

[ootnaboot]

I was just at Courtright Reservoir this past weekend. So beautiful! We stayed near the Maxson Trailhead. There's a OHV trail that takes you to Voyager Rock primitive camping. Not sure how to get access to it. (The gate was down.) But it's a gorgeous area if you decide you want to venture east of Shaver. Cheers!

 

[NoOneBetter]

Was up in the area last weekend. Confirming that yes, only Bald Mtn Trail is open. All the lake trails are expected to open the 15th.

I was just at Courtright Reservoir this past weekend. So beautiful! We stayed near the Maxson Trailhead. There's a OHV trail that takes you to Voyager Rock primitive camping. Not sure how to get access to it. (The gate was down.) But it's a gorgeous area if you decide you want to venture east of Shaver. Cheers!

Thanks for the updates. Really hoping that the trail isn't too busy but might not be the case since the others arent open yet.

 

[ghettoflow21]

Thanks for the updates. Really hoping that the trail isn't too busy but might not be the case since the others arent open yet.

Where you planning on heading? Bald Mountain? We were thinking of doing Bald Mountain and camping there Friday night, then hitting Strawberry Lake Saturday morning and camp there for one night.

Do you think people with stock rigs can get to Strawberry Lake? Saw your post on your T4R build thread and we'll have a stock 5th Gen with us.

 

[NoOneBetter]

Where you planning on heading? Bald Mountain? We were thinking of doing Bald Mountain and camping there Friday night, then hitting Strawberry Lake Saturday morning and camp there for one night.

Do you think people with stock rigs can get to Strawberry Lake? Saw your post on your T4R build thread and we'll have a stock 5th Gen with us.

Just went to Bald Mountain this past weekend. Strawberry lake is going to be tough for a stock rig. I doubt it'd be passable with a stock 5th gen. Last time I ran Strawberry, I was lifted 3" and still had some minor bumper scrapes.

 

[ghettoflow21]

Just went to Bald Mountain this past weekend. Strawberry lake is going to be tough for a stock rig. I doubt it'd be passable with a stock 5th gen. Last time I ran Strawberry, I was lifted 3" and still had some minor bumper scrapes.

Any recommendations on an easier trail near Bald Mountain to spend a night?

 

[muddtaco]

Any recommendations on an easier trail near Bald Mountain to spend a night?

I've got a stock tacoma 2nd gen and am headed up this way this weekend. Did you happen to find a dispersed site that was doable for a stock rig?

 

[Brian T.]

Lots of good spots.....take Dinkey Creek Road, turn left on Rock Creek Road.... go past the staging area for the Bald Mountain trail (which is on the left)....then you can explore a bit, lots of little off shoots to camp and find spots.

 

[MysticZT4R]

Here are a bunch of coord. we used.

Shaver Lake Trapper Springs Campground, 37.1002225, -118.9853907
Voyager Rock trail head: 37.082331, -118.963362
Bald Mountain trail head: 37.101400, -119.169700
Strawberry Lake/ Red Mountain trail head: 37.195251 -119.204286

Here is ham repeater we used in the area.

Local Repeaters 2M Shaver Lake repeater 146.820 - PL 141.3

One of our 120 club member NoOneBetter video of Shaver Lake trip 2016 in his almost stock Runner.