Beardsley Lake, California, USA

Also known as:  Beardsley Reservior, Beardsley Lake Reservoir

Nearly 60 years ago, the effort to provide water to the orchards and farms in California’s Central Valley brought about the creation of beautiful Beardsley Lake. The artificial reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest filled with water after construction of a dam across the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. Water collected here from snow melting in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is diverted to irrigate fields in…
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    • All About Beardsley Lake, CA

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - California - High Sierra Region, CA -

    Nearly 60 years ago, the effort to provide water to the orchards and farms in California’s Central Valley brought about the creation of beautiful Beardsley Lake. The artificial reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest filled with water after construction of a dam across the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. Water collected here from snow melting in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is diverted to irrigate fields in the Valley during the drier months. Originally dammed in 1957, the Beardsley Dam is one of several water control structures in the Tri-Dam Project of the San Joaquin Irrigation District.

    Along with Donnells Dam upstream and Tulloch Dam downstream in Calaveras County, the precious water collected at Beardsley Lake plays a major part in keeping the Central Valley green and growing. About 117,500 acres growing almonds, grapes, walnuts, vegetable crops and pasture are irrigated by the conserved water. The ability to deliver hydroelectric power was added later. The many opportunities for outdoor recreation are an important part of the lovely lake, with camping, fishing, boating and nature viewing making Beardsley Lake a favorite weekend and vacation spot. Local visitors come from Sonoma, 40 miles to the west, and from San Francisco Bay area three hours away.

    The setting is spectacular. Long, narrow Beardsley Lake nestles below the towering ridge of a deep canyon surrounded by thousands of acres of the Stanislaus National Forest. Nearly a million acres of rugged, forested peaks and rushing streams are tucked between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. The Summit Ranger District maintains the primitive campground and picnic areas, and provides maps and backcountry permits for backpackers and dispersed camping. The lake is open to fishing all year, but roads are likely not passable due to heavy shows in winter. The campground is usually open by late May, but this may vary due to weather. Prospective visitors should check the Forest Service webpage for road and camp conditions.

    Besides the 16 primitive campsites located within sight of shore, a new Day Use area offers picnic tables, grills, a swimming area, flush toilets and boat ramp. Nearby, a nature trail encourages visitors to enjoy the pristine beauty of the national forest. Beardsley Lake’s north shore borders the Tuolumne State Game Refuge, encompassing over 100 square miles of natural habitat for native species, including deer, bear, mountain lion, bobcat and smaller mammals. The four-mile trail along the lakeshore provides for plenty of opportunity to enjoy the variety of trees and animal life in the area, with great places to fish from shore. Although the lake holds crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass and channel catfish, the main fishing targets are rainbow trout and brown trout. About 35,000 brown and rainbow trout in the 12-14 inch range are stocked here each year, but older specimens are sometimes caught weighing over 10 pounds.

    Although motorized boats and water sports are permitted, water levels are often quite low, particularly with the prolonged drought California is facing. The road to the lakeshore is downhill and somewhat steep, while the boat ramp can often open into rather shallow water. So, although fishing boats can usually manage to launch without problem, those with larger boats will want to check water levels before making the trip. Many fishermen use tube floats for fly fishing and canoes and kayaks to paddle the shallower waters. Below the dam, the Beardsley Reservoir Afterbay is also a popular spot for fishing, with nearly a mile of usually quiet water. A California fishing license is required for all fishermen with special fishing regulations applying to the Afterbay.

    Beardsley Lake is ideally situated to provide plenty of recreation to outdoor lovers year round. The many trails within the Stanislaus National Forest are favorites for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, while a number of small resorts and guest cabins in the area provide lodgings with far more amenities that the primitive campground. The nearby towns of Strawberry, Cold Springs and Pinecrest offer stores for provisions, bait shops, restaurants and organized outdoor adventure opportunities.

    As this area was a bustling gold mining area in the past, many artifacts and relics remain of those exciting days. All historical features located within the National Forest are protected but usually open for viewing. The Columbia State Historic Park is located just over an hour away from Beardsley Lake; the park offers the chance to pan for gold and enjoy touring a restored Mother Lode town complete with stage coach, blacksmith shop and unique small shops and ice cream parlors. For those on a budget, Columbia State Historic Park is a bargain; admission and tours are free, as are many activities. Not far from Columbia, Railtown 1897 State Historical Park offers steam train excursions, a museum and lots of historical information about steam trains. The Museum offers special events of interest to photographers, sells reproduction railroad china and all sorts of train-related items including the modern favorite, Thomas The Tank Engine. Proceeds go to support the California State Railroad Museum.

    Several ski areas are located in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Beardsley Lake. Camping is also offered at nearby Pinecrest, a resort community complete with marina, shops and several restaurants. Pinecrest is a very popular area in mid-summer and may be quite busy, but spring and fall are usually less hurried. There is no better place to enjoy the majestic scenery in the Sierra Nevada foothills than at Beardsley Lake. So, pack up the tent, load the kayaks and head on up.

    Things to Do at Beardsley Lake

    These are some activities in the Beardsley Lake, CA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Tubing
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • National Forest
    • Museum

    What Kind of Fish Are in Beardsley Lake?

    Beardsley Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Brown Trout
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
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    More Sites to Book a Beardsley Lake Vacation

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    Beardsley Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Oakdale and San Joaquin Irrigation District

    Surface Area: 720 acres

    Shoreline Length: 6 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 3,315 feet

    Water Volume: 97,500 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1957

    Beardsley Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
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