California's 'Mini Lake Tahoe' Is An Underrated Mountain Town Without The Crowds

Northern California is home to some of the United States' most beautiful natural wonders. From the towering peaks of Yosemite to the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe, this region is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. For travelers looking for an escape into nature without the crowds or expense of popular places such as these, look no further than Shaver Lake. Situated in Sierra National Forest near Fresno, California, this mini Lake Tahoe is a beautiful retreat surrounded by pine forests and 22 miles of sandy coastline. 

A great destination in any season, this underrated mountain town is packed with activities for the whole family. With miles of trails for hiking and biking, ski resorts, snow parks, fishing, dog sledding, camping, boating, and other water sports, Shaver Lake has similarities to Lake Tahoe that make it a great vacation alternative without breaking the bank. Although an outdoor lover's paradise year-round, the region is best enjoyed by first deciding what's on the itinerary and planning your trip accordingly from there.

If camping, hiking, and water sports are your cup of tea, the best times to visit this area are late spring through early fall, when the weather is nice and the water warms up. If you're considering visiting during the spring, it's best to watch the weather. With the elevation of Shaver Lake being at over 5,000 feet, it can be pretty snowy and icy fairly late into the season. Of course, summer is the most popular time to visit many natural beauties, but the great thing is that this lake is nowhere near as busy as its counterparts. Still, booking accommodations ahead of time makes sense if you're looking to come during the busier season. 

Luckily, there are a few options to choose from for those who love to sleep under the stars. First is Camp Edison, a full-service campsite with over 250 sites, a recreation area, a marina, and an area set up for day use. Of the three local campsites available, this is the one with the most facilities. Camp Edison requires a two-night minimum stay during peak season, which is from May 15th to October 15th, and reservations are required. Second is the Dorabelle campsite, which is a more basic site with fewer amenities. It does, however, also have a day-use area with parking and lake access. Reservations are required three days in advance to book a stay. Lastly is the Swanson Meadow campground, which takes campers on a first-come first-served basis. Here there are only eight tent camping sites, and there is no running water available, so come prepared. Once you've got all your supplies, make lugging it back and forth easy with this camping hack for transporting gear.

For those much more interested in winter activities, Shaver Lake is chock full of them. From December to February, this area sees great amounts of snow, so these times are the best for those who want to visit nearby mountain resorts. The closest resorts to town are Balsam Meadows Sno Park, Tamarack Sno Park, and China Peak Mountain Resort. The Tamarack Ridge area, where Tamarack Sno Park is located, is a year-round outdoor recreational center. Visitors can spend spring through fall enjoying horseback riding, hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, or winter enjoying snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, and cross-country skiing. 

China Peak Mountain Resort is another spot that's great for year-round activities. The resort is meant for mountain biking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. During the summer months, the landing just outside the resort is a launch point for kayakers, boaters, anglers, and more. Balsam Meadows Sno Park, open from November 1st through May 30th, is a great place to take the family for a day spent sledding and playing in the snow. Whether your ideal vacation is spending time outside soaking up the sun, gliding down snow-covered mountains, or camping under the stars, Shaver Lake is a great destination that should be at the top of any outdoor lover's bucket list. Better hurry and book your trip before this great underrated American town becomes as crowded and expensive as Lake Tahoe.