Vacation Rentals in Shaver Lake

If you're planning a fishing vacation, you'll find no lack of accommodation possibilities. Some of the best options for fishing fans are in Shaver Lake itself, as close as possible to the water. These include log cabin style homes, in keeping with the resort's logging past, usually with plenty of space for vehicles, fishing equipment and groups of friends to relax.

There are also plenty of outstanding vacation rental options for families. Some are further away from the lake in the Sierra National Forest, and have thick stone walls, fireplaces, and cosy living quarters. Whether you're heading for some summer recreation on the lake, or a winter skiing trip, these properties have room for every family member.

Shaver Lake is a resort town in California's Sierra National Forest around 30 minutes' drive northeast of Fresno, not far from San Francisco. Once a major timber producing town, it's now centered around the lake and the nearby forests, offering a rich blend of fishing, hiking, water sports, and Alpine activities.

If you're coming from outside California, it's probably best to fly into nearby Fresno-Yosemite Airport, which is served by airlines like Delta, American, and United. Fresno also has an Amtrak station, which connects the city with the Bay Area via the San Joaquin service.

Before you go, think about where in Shaver Lake you want to stay. The vacation rental options in the area include plenty of waterfront cabins, alongside some properties in the town of Shaver Lake, and places in the mountains where having a 4x4 is definitely a good idea.

If you love trout fishing, you'll love Shaver Lake. The reservoir is well-stocked with rainbow trout, along with catfish and small mouth bass – to name just a few species.

Winter brings a reliable coverage of snow in Shaver Lake, and resorts like China Peak become major Alpine destinations, with multiple slopes for skiers and boarders.

Hiking is major activity in Shaver Lake, with hundreds of miles of trails heading off into the Sierra. Don't forget that the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are right next door too.

Thanks to the Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project, the lake is constantly restocked with trout. The Marina is the place to charter a boat and pit your trolling skills against the lake's monsters.

The sequoias at McKinley Grove are some of the state's most elegant inhabitants, soaring up to 85 meters into the sky and growing to a width of around 8 meters.

There's a lot going on underneath Shaver Lake, resulting in hot springs like Mono, where you can ease into tubs which reputedly help to cure ailments like rheumatism.

The Sierra Nevada has been dubbed the “Range of Light” due to the dazzling interaction of its rocks and the sun. It's a gorgeous place to hike, especially popular spots like Dinkey Lake and Rancheria falls.

In summer, the lake is a brilliant water sports venue. Visitors can enjoy everything from water skiing and sailing to wind surfing, jet skiing, and pontoon boating.

The Sierra's distinctive climate is very different to places like Los Angeles. Winters can last from November through April, and last longer at higher altitudes. The lake itself is 1,700 meters above sea level, which means that you can expect summer to arrive around late June. But when summer comes, it really blossoms, with highs averaging over 80 in July and August. So factor in those timings when choosing a time to arrive.

Another thing to remember is the annual schedule in the area. Highlights include the BrewFest, which shows off California's craft beer scene in July, while the Fall Festival offers craft markets and music in October. You might even think about heading into Fresno for events like the Rogue Festival (held in March), one of California's finest alternative culture festivals.