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Hotels Close to Smith Lake

  • Super 8 Cameron Park Ca (21 miles - starting at $64)
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  • Pine Cone Acre Motel (32 miles - starting at $65)
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  • Howard Johnson South Tahoe (32 miles - starting at $45)
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  • Information on Smith Lake

    Information on Smith Lake:

    Permits are required for day and overnight use. A quota on overnight permits is in effect from Memorial Weekend through September 30. Although not required, reservations for permits are recommended. Please contact the Pacific Ranger District for more information.

    The Desolation Wilderness is managed according to the Wilderness Act of 1964 to "ensure an enduring resource of Wilderness for present and future generations." The wilderness character of the Desolation and its unique values of solitude, physical, and mental challenge, scientific study, inspiration and primitive recreation will be protected, and where necessary, restored.

    Several dispersed campsites exist, with generally very limited camping. To preserve the wilderness condition, either camp in obviously already used sites, Please limit group sizes. Open campfires are not allowed.

    Directions to Smith Lake:

    From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campgound.

    Fishing at Smith Lake
    Species of fish in Smith Lake: Brook Trout
    It is your responsibilty to know local fishing regulations (See below)

    Smith Lake Facts:
    Smith Lake is a Natural Lake
    The elevation of Smith Lake is 8700 feet

    Visiting Info for Smith Lake
    Best Season to visit Smith Lake is: Open year round

    For more information on Smith Lake contact:

    National Forest or Park: Eldorado National Forest
    District: Pacific Ranger District
    Address: 7887 Highway 50
    City: Pollock Pines Zip: 95726
    Phone: 530-647-5415
    Email: Mailroom_R5_Eldorado@fs.fed.us

    Rules and Regulations for Smith Lake. These may not always be up to date so make sure you double check before recreating or fishing at Smith Lake.

    Please do not leave fish entrails in the water or bury them, as they do not decompose in high elevations. It is preferable to pack them out or scatter them in a discrete location where animals can consume them. Please bury human and dog waste and toilet paper 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

    Hiking only. Smith Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats.

    This lake is reached by parking at the Twin Lakes parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Grouse Lake Trail. This 3 mile hike is considered a difficult hike.

    Attractions Near Smith Lake

    Lakes

    South Fork American River (4 miles)
    Camp Creek (4 miles)
    Silver Fork American River (4 miles)
    Long Canyon Creek (17 miles)
    Rubicon River (17 miles)

    Beaches

    Cressey and Half Moon Beaches (92 miles)
    Muir Beach (124 miles)
    Stinson Beach (126 miles)
    Half Moon Bay (134 miles)
    Moss Beach (135 miles)

    Lakes

    Lahontan Reservoir (87 miles)
    Upper Klamath Lake (259 miles)
    Ruby Lake (291 miles)

    Mountains

    Mammoth Mountain (114 miles)
    Mount Shasta (199 miles)
    Ruby Mountains (295 miles)

    National Parks

    Yosemite National Park (88 miles)
    Devils Post Pile National Monument (112 miles)
    Muirwoods National Monument (123 miles)
    Lassen National Park (127 miles)
    Golden Gate National Recreation Area (128 miles)

    State Parks

    Dayton State Park (63 miles)
    Rye Patch State Park Recreation Area (175 miles)
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