Silver Lake’s clear blue waters reflect mirror images of aspens, conifers, and the towering granite of Carson Peak. Kayaking, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding and more fishing are some of the activities to enjoy. Photo by Debbie Black
By Debbie Black
Silver Lake, Silver Lake…it’s camping time in the mountain. Sing along with me now.
Whether you’re a tent camper, a popup camper, a trailer camper, or a motorhome camper you’ll be singing the praises of Silver Lake Campground. The backside of the Sierra Nevada never disappoints.
Silver Lake (elev. 7200’) is easy to get to — just off Hwy 395 on the June Lake Loop where you’ll also find its equally stunning sister-lakes, Grant, Gull, and June lakes. The pristine alpine setting is worth the drive. Silver Lake’s clear blue waters reflect mirror images of aspens, conifers, and the towering granite of Carson Peak, at nearly 11,000’. Come twilight, this dramatic backdrop turns a peachy glow in the setting sun. As the sky darkens, Nature quiets, settles, and releases the next shift of creatures—bears, raccoons, skunks and coyotes who go about their nightly activities unseen by us.
The High Sierra are so serene and majestic. Patient and steadfast. You feel just how old these mountains are, how many millennia they’ve witnessed, how enduring they are compared to our short human lives, and how tiny they make us feel. And yet, it’s we humans who appreciate, to the depths of our souls, how magnificent the Sierra are. You can see why Ansel Adams, John Muir, and others were drawn to them and felt most at home here.
It’s your time now to pull into camp, set up, sit down, breathe deeply, and take it all in. No matter which site you’ve chosen, the views will be spectacular. The evening birdsong will delight you. The night-sky display will take your breath away—so it’s a good thing you’ve prefilled your lungs with that clean alpine air.
The campground offers 63 generous, level sites separated by small willow trees that provide some privacy but no shade. Only sites 16-19 have some shade. Lakeside sites are 18-28. Sites 31-42 are along Rush Creek. You’ll be dry camping—no hookups, and no dump station. There’s water and clean bathrooms with showers ($). You’ll meet camp hosts Mark and Betty—famously friendly and helpful.
You’ll find awesome hiking in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. But for most people, Silver Lake is all about being on water—kayaking, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, fishing and more fishing. There’s a new marina where you can rent boats and kayaks. The lake is well-stocked with trout—rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook. And there’s a sweet little trail along Rush Creek for some creek fishing.
Across the street, is the General Store for groceries and more. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch at the Silver Lake Café. And for those who’d prefer not to dry camp, the manicured Silver Lake Resort has 85 hookup sites and a laundry. While you’re across the street, see if the pack station is open (summer) for a memorable horseback ride.
When you leave Silver Lake, stop at Aerie Crag Picnic Area for lunch. Then, don’t miss the opportunity to see bizarre Mono Lake, which is over a million years old! First, go to the Mono Basin Visitors Center in Lee Vining where you’ll get info about the lake’s origins, political history, and the myriad bird species that migrate through. Allow time for the short drive to South Tufa Area (off of Hwy 120) where you can walk among the surreal tufa towers—white spires of calcium carbonate that line the water’s edge.
If you’re ultimately headed to Yosemite, consider first staying the night in Lee Vining at Mono Lake Resort—a tidy family-owned RV park with full hookups and laundry. Maybe plan an extra day and book a Mono Lake kayak tour among the tufas—an experience like none other! Go to www.calderakayak.com.
On your drive west toward Yosemite on the Tioga Pass Road, stop at spectacularly beautiful Tenaya Lake. Alpine lakes don’t get any prettier! Plan time to do some walking, relaxing, and fishing. Our golden retriever, Chase, thought Tenaya was the best place to swim since Gull Lake!
This is my third article chronicling our “Lakes Trip” when we camped at Convict Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, and Silver Lake—one of our all-time favorite trips! I hope this has convinced you to start building an itinerary for your own “Lakes Trip.” Please note: Silver Lake is very popular. Plan ahead and make reservations at www.recreation.gov.
Visit www.debbienobleblack.com/rv-camping-in-your-own-backyard for extended articles on these lakes and other campgrounds. In my next article on November 2, husband Garth shares his fish tales, as well as tips for fishing on these alpine lakes. Until then, Happy Camping!
So, let’s hear it one more time. Silver Lake, Silver Lake…it’s camping time in the mountains.
You’re welcome for the “earworm!”
