Spring Cove
Sierra
California
Date filmed:2024-06-30
Number of sites:62
GPS:37.3017574, -119.5420238
Max vehicle length:30 Feet
Check in:2:00 pm
Check out:12:00 pm
Quiet hours:10:00 pm - 6:00 am

Amenities and Activities

Amenities
Drinking Water
Fire Ring
Picnic Table
RVs
Tents
Accessible Sites
Flushing Toilets
Trash Collection
Shade
Lake Access
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Boating
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Photography

Things to Do

Experience Yosemite’s beauty from the valley floor to Glacier Point. Stop at iconic spots like El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Tunnel View before ascending to breathtaking panoramas overlooking Half Dome and the vast wilderness beyond. Yosemite National Park is a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and no visit is complete without experiencing both the valley floor and the breathtaking views from above. Driving through the valley, you’re surrounded by towering granite cliffs, lush meadows, and roaring waterfalls. Stops at iconic locations like El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Sentinel Meadow offer different perspectives of the park’s grandeur. Tunnel View, one of Yosemite’s most famous overlooks, provides a classic postcard-worthy scene of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one stunning panorama. As you ascend toward Glacier Point, the scenery transforms. The winding road climbs high above the valley, revealing sweeping vistas of Yosemite’s dramatic landscape. At the summit, Glacier Point offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park, with a commanding view of Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the vast wilderness stretching into the distance. From this vantage point, you gain a whole new appreciation for the scale and majesty of Yosemite. Whether exploring the valley’s tranquil meadows and towering cliffs or gazing down from the heights of Glacier Point, this journey showcases Yosemite’s incredible diversity. The contrast between the intimate, immersive experience of the valley floor and the sweeping, bird’s-eye perspective from above makes for an unforgettable adventure.

Kaiser Pass Road in California's High Sierra winds through stunning alpine scenery, leading to remote lakes, trails, and campsites. Its narrow, steep sections challenge drivers, but the breathtaking views make it worthwhile. Kaiser Pass Road in the High Sierra of California is a rugged and scenic route that takes travelers deep into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Winding through pine forests and granite peaks, the road offers stunning views of pristine alpine lakes and lush meadows. Starting near Huntington Lake, it climbs steadily to over 9,000 feet, leading to remote destinations such as Florence Lake, Edison Lake, and Mono Hot Springs. For outdoor enthusiasts, this road is a gateway to some of the region’s best hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The road is narrow, with steep drop-offs and hairpin turns, making it a challenging drive, especially for larger vehicles. Despite its difficulties, Kaiser Pass Road attracts those seeking solitude and natural beauty. In winter, snow closes the road, making it accessible only during the warmer months. Whether you’re heading to the backcountry or simply taking in the breathtaking vistas, Kaiser Pass Road offers a unique and memorable journey through California’s High Sierra wilderness.

Welcome to a campground overview video. Kelty Meadow Campground in the Sierra National Forest is a beautiful and quite little campground in a dense pine forest, bordered by meadows. The campground sits at the base of the Fresno Dome, and is less than an hour from the south gate of Yosemite National Park. Bass Lake, another scenic area in the National Forest, is also about a half an hour away, with other National Forest Campgrounds in the area. Kelty Meadow is a horse-friendly campsite, as evidenced by the hitching posts found in each site. And of course, chances are you'll have heard of cows wander through your campsite during your stay!!!

Hetch Hetchy - A Man Made Wonder

Hiking Hetch Hetchy Trail at Yosemite

Featured: Crane Flat, Deer Creek, Forks, Hodgdon Meadow, Kelty Meadow, Lower Pines, Lupine, North Pines, Rancheria, Spring Cove, Upper Pines, Wawona

Located within Yosemite National Park is a separate valley that allows visitors to experience the splendor of the park with a fraction of the crowds. Hetch Hetchy is a gorgeous reservoir with hiking trails, waterfalls, and lots of history. Tucked away within Yosemite National Park is a hidden gem that one seeking to avoid crowds has to check out. While not as large and missing the well-known features of Half Dome, El Capitan, or the awe-inspiring waterfalls, Hetch Hetchy valley still has some absolutely stunning views and features its own waterfalls. This area is perfect for those wanting to stretch their legs a bit and hike around the reservoir. At one point in time, the Hetch Hetchy Valley was filled with tall grasses, flowers and rivaled the majesty currently found within Yosemite Valley as both were carved out by the same glacial weathering. Naturalist and environmentalist, John Muir, fell in love with the valley and fought to protect and maintain it how it was from the opposition who wanted to dam the area in order to provide water to San Francisco. Unfortunately, the tremendous damage by fires that San Francisco endured during the 1906 earthquake made the case for needing an additional source of water, and in 1923 the O’Shaughnessy Dam was completed. The valley filled with water and what was left was a clean source of water for San Francisco and a beautiful area for visitors to Yosemite to hike around. Despite the changes created to the valley by a manmade structure, Hetch Hetch still provides plenty of wow factor for visitors, especially to those looking for solitude or a quiet moment. There are a number of trails for day hikers to take including the very popular hike to Wapama Falls. This 5-mile round trip, out-and-back moderately rated trail takes hikers through a tunnel bored into the mountain and around the reservoir to Wapama Falls. Depending on the time of year and water flow, spray from the falls can cover the bridge so take care when visiting the area during these times. To get to Hetch Hetchy Valley from the east, visitors will enter Yosemite National Park, exit, and enter through the Hetch Hetchy Entrance gate. From the west, visitors will and follow CA Highway 120 to Evergreen/Hetch Hetchy Rd and enter through the Hetch Hetchy entrance. It is roughly 30 minutes to the Hetch Hetchy parking lot from CA Hwy 120.

Campground Overview

Spring Cove Campground – Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, California

Spring Cove Campground is a small, scenic lakeside campground located on Bass Lake in the Sierra National Forest. Known for its quieter atmosphere and close proximity to the water, this campground offers a more relaxed alternative to the larger, busier campgrounds around the lake. With forested campsites, easy shoreline access, and beautiful lake views, Spring Cove is a great choice for campers looking to enjoy Bass Lake at a slower pace.

Location & Setting

The campground sits along the shoreline of Bass Lake, tucked into a cove that provides a slightly sheltered feel compared to more open areas of the lake. Surrounded by mixed conifer forest and granite terrain, Spring Cove enjoys a classic Sierra Nevada setting with cool summer evenings and clear mountain air. Its location places campers within a short drive of marinas, boat launches, and nearby resort areas while still feeling removed from the busiest parts of the lake.

Campground Overview

Spring Cove Campground is relatively small, with campsites arranged close to the water and shaded by tall pines. Sites are best suited for tents, vans, and small to mid-sized trailers, and many are within easy walking distance of the shoreline. The campground’s compact size and natural vegetation contribute to a calm, low-key atmosphere that appeals to couples, families, and campers seeking a quieter Bass Lake experience.

Amenities

Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Potable drinking water is typically available during the main camping season. There are no electrical hookups, showers, or dump stations within the campground, so visitors should plan to be self-sufficient. Additional services such as boat rentals, small stores, dining, and fuel are available nearby around Bass Lake. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods, and campers should always follow current Sierra National Forest regulations.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Bass Lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and boating, all easily accessible from Spring Cove Campground. Anglers commonly target bass and trout from shore or by boat. The surrounding forest offers opportunities for short hikes, scenic walks, and wildlife viewing, while nearby trail systems and forest roads provide access to additional outdoor adventures throughout the Sierra National Forest.

Summary

Spring Cove Campground offers a peaceful lakeside camping experience on Bass Lake, combining forested campsites, easy water access, and a quieter setting than many nearby campgrounds. Its small size and scenic location make it well suited for campers who value relaxation, natural beauty, and convenient access to lake recreation. For visitors seeking a calm and comfortable base at Bass Lake, Spring Cove Campground is an appealing choice.

Nearby Campgrounds