Lakes Basin

Well to start off, there was no water at all. They have not turn the water on yet and for July 5. It should’ve been on and running by then I would think and the pit toilets hadn’t been cleaned out since the year before they were about a foot below the seat, which was pretty darn gross. So I think I should have my money back to tell you the truth except for my family being there it was a pretty bad experience especially for them that were camping in tents with no water. Thank you.

Lakes Basin is a beautiful campground with many amazing recreational opportunities. Wonderful area and we enjoyed our hikes and swims!

This is a beautiful campsite in a spectacular area with great hiking. Lots of wildflowers this trip in early July. The reason I did not give it a better rating is that there is no potable water and we were not advised of that. Evidently there has been no water at the site since last fall. This should have been made clear to anyone booking a site. Had to go into Graeagle to buy water and get our container filled up. Also to buy firewood as there was no camp host or firewood to buy at campsite. Some of the campsites were in bad shape with broken tables. I think from a severe winter and lack of good management at the campsite this year. Hopefully this will get sorted out as it has always been very well run before.

Great campground. We stayed in site #2 July 20-26. Site was reasonably level - only 1 "Lego" needed for 27 foot motorhome. Warm during the day, cool at night. Lots of nearby hikes. Our dog loved it too!

I love this place and visit here as often as possible. We have been coming here for 20 years. In the last 2 years the long time camp host retired. It is usually free this time of year, because they shut off the water, but I wanted to secure my spot, just in case. I reserved spot #18 for 4 nights, and when I got there a couple had definitely moved in. I was flexible and chose another spot. The new camp host was very apologetic and neither of us wanted to make someone move. But my site was in the shade, (but still beautiful!) and it got down to the mud 40’s. Just wanted you to know that there was definitely a communication problem. I’m guessing because the host was new that it was on their end. I plan on using rec.gov again and definitely staying again at Lakes Basin, but hoping my next reservation is for the site that I chose and paid for.
Thank you!!

Great location with hiking trails to several beautiful lakes. The Long Lake-Big Bear Lake Loop is a must do!

Lakes Basin Campground is an excellent location for hiking in that area. However facilities are minimal and spaces have little privacy. Water from spigots was rusty. Didn’t look at the outhouses as we had our own facilities. It was very quiet though.

Lakes Basin has been our annual camping trip destination since 2012, with the exception of a couple of years. We love the area and love the campground. The camp hosts are always nice. This year, the camp host, Steve was super helpful. I was having trouble backing our trailer in (which usually is not an issue but for some reason this year, it wasn't happening!) and Steve came to the rescue and dropped it right into position! There are lots of places to hike, many trails leading from or not far from the campground. Sierra Buttes is a 5-10 minute drive. Check out Bassett's Station while you're there, at the Hwy 49 end of Gold Lake Road. Open end of May to end of October. Great breakfasts, great burgers, and other lunch goodies. We always make a point to have one of our meals at Bassett's while we're camping. Looking forward to next year!

Great campsite with wonderful host. Excellent hiking trails from the campground and refreshing swimming in the stream.

Our family booked the group site as it was the only site available for a last minute reservation. What a fantastic site!! Just loved our views, the mixed shade and sunshine. Lovely hikes to the lakes right from the campground and an easy drive into Bassett's if you need provisions. Dogs welcome and our pooch loved this campground. Nice and quiet and was a lovely complement to our first half of the week down the hill at Wild Plum (along a creek in the woods).