Welcome to Fordyce Lake Camp Site, a unique and challenging camping destination nestled in the heart of California. As part of the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Fordyce Lake offers an experience unlike typical campgrounds. It's important to note that this is not a traditional campground with designated facilities.
Environment:
Fordyce Lake is characterized by its rugged and remote environment. The shoreline is primarily exposed granite, punctuated by waterfalls flowing from higher reservoirs. The lake itself provides opportunities for kayaking, though water levels can fluctuate, sometimes requiring short walks to access deeper water. The area also bears visible evidence of past mining activities, adding a historical dimension to the landscape. While not the typical lush alpine lake, its stark beauty and unique features make it a spectacular destination.
Services and Features:
Promotional Information:
For those seeking an adventurous and challenging camping experience, Fordyce Lake Camp Site offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of California's backcountry. If you possess a capable 4WD vehicle and are prepared for primitive camping, Fordyce Lake promises an unforgettable experience. Be prepared for a remote experience with no facilities. This is a place for those who truly want to get away from it all and connect with nature on a more primal level. Please be mindful of the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Good for kids
Definitely an out of the way place. I have a 4WD Tundra with the off-road package and I think I was at the limit of what I was comfortable with on the second half of this road (from the top of the pass down to the lake). There were a lot of off-road buggies with giant wheels that made easy work of the rocky road. We went there as a day kayaking trip in late October and there was still sufficient water in the lake for a lazy 2 hour kayak. The low level meant we had to walk the kayaks a few hundred meters, but if the lake was full it may be closer to access. Not a heavily forested shore line with a lot of exposed granite and a handful of waterfalls pouring down from higher reservoirs. An enjoyable day, with the drive as much fun as the kayaking.
The road in is quite rough and requires a lifted vehicle and 4 wheel drive. It's not a campground as a series of campsites spread out along the southern end of the lake. There is no water and there are no toilets. The area was heavily mined and there is still lots of evidence of mining in the area. It's not the pretty Alpine lake that Sterling Lake, but it is quite spectacular. It's also the back way into Fordyce 4 wheel drive road, on some weekends there are a lot of off roaders in the area.
The dirt road was a bit rough but not bad and that's part of the adventure! About an hour past cisco, fordyce lake campground sits right on the lake with a few designated spots, and also I believe you can camp anywhere as long as you have water and a shovel for a fire pit. The views are incredible! The weather was perfect. I would highly recommend this place to anyone in need of outdoor retreat! 5+ stars! I would rate it a 10 if I could!
Best Place To Camp Away from all the Glampers! No one is getting their pretty R.V. in here anytime soon :) Beautiful scenery, majestic mountain scapes and crystal clear water. Lits of Dirt Bike and A.T.V. trails and areas.
Beautiful place, looks like great fishing but not sure. Camp sites are shady and not really anyone out there. Bumpy fun road on the way out.