Shaver Lake is about a four-hour drive from Los Angeles and has officially earned a spot on my list of favorite lakes in California for paddle boarding, kayaking, and truly tuning into nature. There are tons of campsites around the lake, making it an ideal summer camping destination. But since this was a summer trip with Diego’s two grandpas, we opted to rent a house through Airbnb instead.
You’d never know it unless someone told you, but Shaver Lake is actually a massive man-made reservoir. Still, it feels timeless: pristine, surrounded by dense forest and massive granite boulders that are perfect for a little boulder hopping.
The main reason we chose Shaver Lake for our Fourth of July getaway was that we had just purchased a paddle board and a kayak. We were craving somewhere where you could paddle out and feel completely surrounded by wilderness.
Getting to Shaver Lake
There are multiple entrances to Shaver Lake, so depending on the activities you have planned, you’ll want to choose the right one. For example, if you need a boat ramp or want to rent a kayak, head through the Camp Edison entrance to access the Shaver Lake Marina. There’s also a great beach there.
Our trip to Shaver Lake was during Fourth of July week, and on our second day at the lake we arrived late, so it was packed. If parking fills up, they’ll turn you around. However, you may still be able to find a spot at another entrance, which happens to be my personal favorite: Dora Belle Campground.
Dora Belle feels like a hidden gem, almost like a lake within a lake a quiet inlet with a more relaxed vibe. We were able to grab a spot with natural shade along the tree line. I’m not usually a fan of bringing canopies, but they’re completely acceptable here. It does get pretty hot, so if you’re planning to spend the whole day and don’t have a campsite, you’ll definitely appreciate having some shade.
Location:
- Shaver Lake Day Beach – 42699 Tollhouse Rd
- Shaver Lake Water Sports – 42000 Tollhouse Rd
Where to Eat
Be sure to pack everything you’ll need for food and drinks, especially on busy days. In-and-out access may not be allowed, and parking can be limited. There is a grocery store in town, but keep in mind that prices tend to be higher, even for very basic items. With that in mind, I recommend doing your main grocery run before driving up to Shaver Lake.
P.S. You’re allowed to grill, so hot dogs, burgers, or carne asada are definitely doable here.
An Important Note
Alcohol is not allowed on the lake, and there are patrols on horseback that regularly come by to check.
Where to Rent Kayaks, Jet Skis and Pontoons
You can rent kayaks, jet skis, and pontoons from different marinas around the lake, so if you don’t want to bring your own gear, you don’t have to. One of the reasons we bought a kayak and stand-up board was because we didn’t want to deal with rental time limits.
Another area we wanted to check out but just didn’t have time for is Dinkey Creek. It’s known for its natural water slides and swimming holes.
Next time.
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