Beardsley Lake
Camping at Beardsley lake was a perfect overnight stay while i was out exploring nearby trails and scenic spots (especially mono lake!). It’s located off a forest service road, meaning no permits needed! But, if you want a gauranteed campsite then check out Beardsley dam campground which is right next to where i camped out. I’ll cover both spots, in case you’re curious!
My trip in a nutshell:
Travel Month: June, Saturday-Sunday
# of Nights: 1
Permit Required. No (woot woot)! It’s a forest service road, Meaning you can camp anywhere along the side of the road without permits! Just remember to pick up your trash and leave the site better than how you found it!
Campsite Info (forest service road 5n02):
Exact campsite Address: Click Here
This is public land, meaning you can park and camp overnight in any pre existing site (i.e., a little carved out dirt spot). If you don't find parking in the same area as us (see pic), look for available spots along the right hand side of the road. There are about 5-ish campsites that are on a first come first serve basis.
beardsley lake it super pretty, not heavily trafficked, and has available camping spots literally right next to the lake. but there are a few downsides: the “beachy” areas are fairly rocky and the camping spots are located right off the main road. luckily there aren’t a lot of passing cars.. but just keep this in mind!
Permit required. no!
Shower. No.
Toilets. no, but you could probably sneak into the nearby campground.
Dogs allowed. Yes!
Drones allowed. YESSSSSSSS, finally found a spot where drones weren’t banned.
cellular service. Verizon= yes ; at&t= no :(
Ps. the spots on the service road is likely too small for a rv camper. so if you have a sprinter van/camper, your best bet is to get a reservation at Beardsley dam campground.
Beardsley dam Campground:
I believe this campground is TEMPORARILY closed for the remainer of the season, but should open again in 2020!
Permit required. yes.
Shower. No.
Toilets. Yes.
Dogs allowed. Yes!
Parking. They have parking right next to your campsite.
My Trip!
This site was the perfect half way point from the bay area to mono lake. it was super quiet and a super relaxing get away.
sadly i camped at this place before i started this blog, so i don’t have pictures of the exact campsite! but here’s some photos of the GORGEOUS lake.. with a video (I’m becoming so high tech)!
There’s a few really great hikes in the area. if you go toward Beardsley dam Campground, there are a few short hikes that go down to the water and further into the forest:
The doggies were able to join on this trip, annnd they had a blast. Also they are so effing cute:
Overall, beardsley lake is gorgeous and i recommend staying here for a night or two if you’re in the area. it’s a less populated lake so it was a relaxing car camping experience.
Leave comments and questions in the comment section below!