California's 'Lost Sierra' Recreation Area Offers Idyllic Lakefront Camping And Hiking

The stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains hold some of California's most majestic natural gems, including the towering waterfalls of Yosemite National Park. Millions of visitors flock to the region annually to hike, camp, and explore the Golden State's green heart. However, if crowds are something you're looking to avoid in the Sierras, consider visiting the more isolated Lakes Basin Recreation Area at the heart of what's been nicknamed California's "Lost Sierra."

This quiet, northeastern corner of California between the Sierra Buttes and Mount Lassen is largely wild and open; you'll find, on average, just six residents per square mile, according to California.com, leaving you plenty of space to explore the trails and nearly two dozen glacial lakes in the recreation area. Here, you have the option to drive or even backpack to your lakeside campsite — the views will be incredible no matter which transportation method you choose. 

Historically, reaching California's "Lost Sierra" was a challenge, with a local legend stating that Pony Express riders first called the area the Lost Sierra due to its isolation. While it's much easier to reach now, at less than an hour and a half from Reno, Nevada, access is still seasonal. Visitors from the Bay Area and Sacramento can expect a four-hour and three-hour drive, respectively, to Lakes Basin. The stunning, 15-mile-long Gold Lake Highway serves as the main route to the recreation area but closes during the winter months, reopening once the snow melts in spring. If you visit during the early part of the season, double-check whether your campground is open, as some may still be closed.  

While picturesque Huntington Lake in the Sierra Nevadas offers a nature escape, it's not your only option to get away and embrace nature. Visitors looking for drive-up access to this beautiful region shouldn't miss shimmering Gold Lake, the largest lake in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Sitting at about 6,400 feet, Gold Lake was once, as legend has it, surrounded by gold, and though that's no longer true, the golden views are still there. When open, the main Gold Lake Campground has 37 total campsites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables to serve up fresh trout caught in the lake, or for roasting marshmallows in the evening. Along the shore, you'll find two electric, canoe, or paddleboard launches to start a fishing trip or a day of paddling. One area hotel, the Gray Eagle Lodge, advertises inflatable kayak rentals, in case you don't have your own.

Campers looking for basic creature comforts, including water, vault toilets, and garbage facilities, should consider setting up a base at the Lakes Basin Campground. Though it's not on a lake, it provides easy access to some of the region's natural treasures, including Long Lake and the three Bear Lakes.

Travelers seeking a real camping adventure, or who want to experience traditional camping, have several campgrounds to choose from. Goose Lake has a primitive, dry campground with just the basics, including vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. For campers looking for a backpacking adventure, dispersed camping is permitted north of Mount Elwell, and no permit is needed in the national forest areas. Gold Lake also has a second, 4x4 campground that is up a rocky road, though this campground requires campers to pack out all waste, including human waste. All are reservable on Recreation.gov. 

Like many of the area campsites, picture-perfect views are also readily accessible. Drive, bike, or trek from the Gold Lake Campground or Lakes Basin Campground to the Frazier Creek Trailhead. From there, the well-traveled, half-mile-long path leads to a scenic viewpoint of the mountains and Frazier Falls, a seasonal, 176-foot waterfall. Near the Lakes Basin Campground, you'll find other trailheads leading to many of the region's spectacular hikes, including the moderately challenging 4-mile Bear Lakes and Round Lake Loop and the 2.5-mile Lakes Basin loop hike to Long Lake and Big Bear Lake. More adventurous hikers have the option to combine several of the trails to see five stunning lakes on a breathtaking 7.3-mile day in the Sierras. Reviewers on AllTrails recommend bringing a swimsuit to cool off on a hot day and wearing boots due to the trails being rocky and rough.

Before pulling into your campsite or hitting the trail, be sure to have all of the food and water that you'll need for your trip or hike, and be aware that you're exploring in bear country. You'll be able to find groceries and other essentials in Graeagle, about 9 miles away. As there are bears in the area, be sure to store all food in bear boxes if available, and bring your own for storing food on your hikes. Note that there is also nearly no cell service in this part of the state – which makes it easy to go analog during your camping trip.