Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Located nine miles southwest of Graeagle, California, this recreation area has special geological features. There is breathtaking scenery and over 20 small lakes nearby, most of which are accessible by hiking trails. This area provides a multitude of recreational activities including camping, fishing, boating, hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, hiking, backpacking, swimming, windsurfing and nature study. In the winter visitors can snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe.

Current Conditions

Please check status of individual recreation sites in the area for seasonal closures.

General Information

Many glacially carved crystal clear alpine lakes await exploration along more than 30 miles of trails. Boat launching facilities are available at Gold Lake. Five campgrounds, and three rustic Sierra Style lodges are ready to serve your needs.

Collecting camp wood is allowed. However, cutting fuelwood in the Recreation Area is not allowed. Backpacking in Lakes Basin Recreation Area is allowed only to the north of Mt. Elwell. This area includes Smith Lake and the Little Jamison Creek area.

Backpackers in the Little Jamison Creek and Smith Lake area should have a California State Campfire Permit for their camp stove.

Address: 23 Mohawk Highway Blairsden, CA 96103
Phone: 530-836-2575
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Closed Midday for Lunch (Closed on federal holidays)