Nearly 60 years ago, Beardsley Lake was initiated to provide water for California’s Central Valley farms and orchards. This artificial reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest was formed by constructing a dam across the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. During the drier months, water from melting snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is diverted to irrigate fields. One of the various buildings in the San Joaquin Irrigation District’s Tri-Dam Project is Beardsley Dam, first dammed in 1957.
About 117,500 acres of vegetable crops, grassland, grapes, walnuts, and almonds are irrigated by Beardsley Lake’s stored water in conjunction with Donnells Dam above and Tulloch Dam downstream in Calaveras County. Hydroelectric power generation was added later. Beardsley Lake offers significant outdoor recreation, attracting visitors from Sonora, 40 miles west, and the San Francisco Bay area, three hours away. Activities such as camping, fishing, boating, and nature viewing make it a favorite spot for weekend getaways and vacations.
In the Stanislaus National Forest, Beardsley Lake is situated in a breathtaking setting, tucked behind the soaring ridge of a deep canyon. Between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe are nearly a million acres of rocky, wooded peaks and gushing streams. The rustic campground and picnic sites are maintained by the Summit Ranger District, which also issues permits and maps for backpackers and scattered camping. Fishing is permitted in the lake year-round, though heavy winter snow may make access difficult. Weather permitting, the campground usually opens by late May. Check the Forest Service webpage for up-to-date information on camp and road conditions.
In addition to the 16 primitive campsites near the shore, a new-use area offers picnic tables, grills, a swimming area, flush toilets, and a boat ramp. Visitors are encouraged to discover the national forest’s unspoiled splendor via a nature trail. Beardsley Lake’s north shore borders the Tuolumne State Game Refuge, providing habitat for deer, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and smaller mammals. The four-mile lakeshore trail offers ample opportunities to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna. The lake hosts crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish, but the main fishing targets are rainbow and brown trout. Annually, about 35,000 trout in the 12-14 inch range are stocked, with older specimens sometimes reaching over 10 pounds.
Motorized boats and water sports are permitted, but water levels can be low, particularly during droughts. The road to the lake is steep, and the boat ramp may open into shallow water. Fishing boats usually launch without issue, but larger boats should check water levels before visiting. Many fishermen use tube floats, canoes, and kayaks to navigate the shallower waters. Below the dam, the Beardsley Reservoir Afterbay offers nearly a mile of quiet water for fishing. A California fishing license is required, with special regulations for the Afterbay.
Beardsley Lake provides year-round recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails in the Stanislaus National Forest are popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Nearby towns like Strawberry, Cold Springs, and Pinecrest offer provisions, bait shops, restaurants, and organized outdoor activities. Once bustling with gold mining activity, this area still holds many artifacts and relics. An hour away, the Columbia State Historic Park offers gold panning and tours of a restored Mother Lode town. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park provides steam train excursions and a museum. Several ski areas in the Sierra Nevada foothills are near Beardsley Lake, and Pinecrest offers camping, a marina, shops, and restaurants.
Beardsley Lake is an ideal location to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Whether camping, fishing, or hiking, it offers a perfect retreat into nature.
