Gold Lake Primitive Camping & Day Use Area Road:

Gold Lake was the cause of its own gold rush during the early 1850s. Thankfully, the pace is a bit slower and the setting more relaxed today. This is probably the one lake not to be missed. But certainly not the only one to be enjoyed within the Lakes Basin.

Although you can’t see it from Gold Lake Road itself either of two access roads will bring you to the east shore. To the west across this large lake is the Sierra Crest. A boat or a 4-wheel drive road and off-road vehicle (OHV) campground are the two ways to get to the western shore. On a windy day you’ll see several wind surfers enjoying the crisp breeze – and there seem to be more windy days that calm ones. Boating and fishing are still too good to be missed. Small, paddle craft such as canoes and kayaks can find little to buffer them from the winds.

By choice, camping facilities are rustic and primitive; there are more plush campgrounds and one great lodge nearby, but none offering the views that the sites near the shoreline offer.