Bass Lake Recreation Area — Hotel in Oakhurst

Very scenic lake with almost clear water. Went to a couple of different spots around the lake during our Yosemite trip and the lake is just beautiful. We didn’t engage in any of the boating or water sports activities as the family enjoyed taking a dip in the lake more than anything. It’s funny, the Pinepoint picnic site is actually very rocky and the Rocky Point picnic site is devoid of rocks. Also, a few feet into the lake, the sand was Golden. Not sure if it is mica or actually fine traces of gold - this being in Sierra Nevada Goldfields, the center of “Gold Rush”, and close to the cities of Coarse Gold and Fine Gold. Also, we were aware of Gold panning activities for family and kids around the area. Regardless, for our pleasure, we assumed it to be Gold, and now deeply regret not carrying a boatload of this sand back...

10.17.23 Bass Lake was clean & didn't smell funky at all, it's huge! But there's a lot of algae near the beach/shoreline. All along 1 side of the lake are waterfront residentials, the other side is State Park territory. Nice clean bathrooms at each recreational area, wood tables/benches, grills, a very powerful fresh water rinse off spout near entrance towards to lake from the parking area. We rinsed off the bottom of our shoes, too much wet sand!

But you really can't fish off the side of the lake, too shallow, you need a boat to fish (and paid CA fishing license).

FYI; -You'll be greeted by a barrage of sand flies in your face upon exiting your car, always unpleasant little buggers. -GPS...

Tldr: 10$ surprise parking fee. We parked there without looking the site up beforehand, looking for a place to rest. No signs indicating parking fees or any ways to pay for parking, so we naturally assumed it was free. When coming back after 20 minutes we had a parking fee ticket under our windshield wiper. We went up to the office to pay and to let them know they would benefit from at least putting up signs, as all the other cars around ours also fell for it. The lady happily took our money but ignored all feedback, like talking to a brick wall. The area is nice and a fee is not a big deal, but this frankly just felt like a scam. Do better for others in the...