Lake Thomas A. Edison Camping

Fresno County

Lake Thomas A. Edison, CA
Lake Thomas A. Edison, CA

Lake Thomas A. Edison Camping

Fresno County


Camping at Lake Thomas A. Edison

Lake Edison
Map

Lake Thomas A. Edison is owned by Southern California Edison and is located within the Sierra National Forest. A single Forest Service campground - Vermillion Campground - is situated right at the lake, while a number of other Forest Service campgrounds are scattered around the area between Lake Edison and Florence Lake.

Vermilion Valley Resort offers a variety of lodging and camping options. Because of the difficulty of driving over the narrow Kaiser Pass Road, large trailers and RVs are not recommended.

Most of the Sierra National Forest is open to Dispersed Camping. Fire Permits are required for building campfires or using a camp stove outside established campgrounds. Wilderness Permits are required for overnight trips into the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses.





Vermilion Valley Resort

Vermilion Valley Resort is located on the west end of Lake Edison, north of the dam.
(559) 259-4000     Website: Vermilion Valley Resort
Resort Facilities Various Accommodations, Dining, Store, Water Taxi, Transportation Service, Showers, Internet, Telephone, Boat Rentals
Electricity: The resort is powered by a generator which is switched on at 7:00 AM and off at 10:00 or 11:00 PM.

Accommodations:

Regular season (mid-June to mid-September) very reasonable rates; discounts for early or late season.

  • Motel Units: Two Double Beds, Private Bathrooms with Shower
  • Motel Units with Kitchens: Two Double Beds, Private Bathrooms with Shower, Kitchen
  • Yurt Cabin: Queen Bed, Kitchen
  • Trailer: Queen Bed or Double Bed, Kitchens, Bathrooms
  • Tent Cabin: Metal frame beds with mattresses. Supply your own bedding. Sleeps 4

Vermilion Valley Resort provides numerous services to backpackers, especially those traversing the Pacific Crest - John Muir Trail, which passes only a mile from the ferry dock at the east end of the lake. Among the services available for backpackers (and many for the general public) are . . .

  • Ferry Shuttle:   June - early August, Departs Resort at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, 30 minutes to east end of lake; Departs east end of lake at 9:45 AM and 4:45 PM. Times vary during periods of low water.
  • Shuttle to Fresno: A shuttle van can carry up to 5 passengers and their gear to or from Fresno. They can also connect to Mono Hot Springs and Florence Lake.
  • Message Board: Allows solo hikers to find other hikers who need transportation and to split the cost.
  • Backpackers Re-supply: Backpackers can mail food and supplies to the resort and pick them up on their way through. See their website for detailed instructions: Vermilion Valley Resort Backpackers Resupply
  • Hiker Barrels: Hikers with extra food or supplies donate to the barrel, those in need take what they want.
  • Hiker Tent Cabin: Share a dormitory-style tent cabin. Or backpackers can pitch their own tents in the free camping area.
  • Communications: Internet and VOIP (Phone via Internet). AT&T cellular coverage usually works from the beach.
  • Showers and Laundry: Showers with towels provided (free for those renting rooms) and Laundry.
Vermillion Campground, Lake Thomas A Edison, CA

Vermillion Campground


Mono Hot Springs Resort

Off the Kaiser Pass Road, 6 miles from Lake Thomas A. Edison
(559) 325-1710     Website: Mono Hot Springs
Resort Facilities: Hot Springs Spa, Massages, River Rock Cafe, General Store, Post Office, Cabins, Tent Cabins, WiFi
Accommodations:

  • Cabins: More than 20 Rustic Cabins, 1 - 7 People, Most with Housekeeping, Most with Bathrooms
  • Tent Cabins: 1 - 7 People, Restrooms and Water Nearby, Beds, Bring your own Bedding, Outside Fire Rings and Picnic Tables
  • Camping Cabin - sleeps 4 - bring your own bedding.


Nearby Campgrounds


Ward Lake Campground

Location: Near Ward Lake, 9 miles from Lake Edison, 2.5 miles from Florence Lake
Campground Facilities: 17 Campsites, Vault Toilets, No Water
Campsite Amenities: Picnic Tables, Grills
Reservations: None
National Forest Website: Ward Lake Campground
Season: Open June - October
Fees: $32 for single site, $63 for double; during holidays fees increase $2 per site.
Nearby Facilities: Florence Lake Resort, Mono Hot Springs

Jackass Meadows Campground

Below Florence Lake on South Fork San Joaquin River
Campground Facilities: 44 Campsites, Vault Toilets, No Water
Campsite Amenities: Picnic Tables, Grills and Fire Rings
Reservations: Jackass Meadow Campground Reservations
National Forest Website: Jackass Meadow Campground
Season: Open June - October
Fees: $38 for single site, $77 for double
Nearby Facilities: Florence Lake Resort

Mono Creek Campground

near Lake Edison, 21 miles east of Huntington Lake via Kaiser Pass Rd. and Lake Edison Rd.
Campground Facilities: 11 Campsites, Vault Toilets, No Piped Water
Campsite Amenities: Picnic Tables, Grills and Fire Rings
Reservations: Mono Creek Campground Reservations
Season: Open June - October
Fees: None
Nearby Facilities: Lake Edison, Vermilion Valley Resort

Vermillion Campground

at Lake Edison, 24 miles east of Huntington Lake via Kaiser Pass Rd. and Lake Edison Rd.
Campground Facilities: 31 Campsites, Vault Toilets, Piped Water
Campsite Amenities: Picnic Tables, Grills and Fire Rings
Reservations: Vermillion Campground Reservations
Season: Open late May - October
Fees: $37 per night
Nearby Facilities: Lake Edison, Vermilion Valley Resort

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