Halfway between Lake Tahoe and Mount Whitney there are two lakes tucked away in the Eastern Sierra mountains filled with fish, readily available fishing, and a glassy waters that are asking to be paddled upon. Located in Bridgeport, California, Twin Lakes are a hidden gem perfect for a weekend get away, or a week long family camping trip. Not only does Twin Lakes have some of the best flatwater kayaking, accessible to all levels of kayakers, but there is stellar hiking, hot springs to soak in, and trees to hang a hammock.
Twin Lakes in Bridgeport, California is a premier flatwater kayaking destination for outdoor enthusiast and fisherman alike. These two lakes, tucked in the Eastern Sierra mountains, have a stunning mountainous view from anywhere on the lake. Many kayakers come to Twin Lakes because you can bring your own kayak and launch for free. The calm waters make this lake accessible for families and beginner kayakers as well.
Read on to discover where to access Twin Lakes, places to camp, boating rules, and so much more.
DIRECTIONS TO TWIN LAKES:
Twin Lakes is located off of Highway 395 in the town of Bridgeport. To get here, turn on Twin Lakes Road and drive the twelve miles until it dead ends into the lakes. You’ve made it!
Driving directions to Twin Lakes
WATER ACCESS TO TWIN LAKES:
Twin Lakes in Bridgeport, California has some of the easiest accessed flat water kayaking. You can launch a kayak, for free, from the shore as most pull outs have a trail leading to the water. If you would like a dock and a ramp, you can go to the campground for paid launch.
One of the main attractors to kayaking on Twin Lakes in California is that you can bring your own kayak and launch it for free. This option significantly cuts down the cost and allows paddlers to enjoy the public lands in the Eastern Sierra.
WHY IS TWIN LAKES ONE OF THE BEST FLAT WATER KAYAKING LOCATIONS:
Kayaking on Twin Lakes is one of the best flat water kayaking spots of Northern California because the mountain backdrop is one of a kind. The jagged peaks to the west of Twin Lakes is called the Sawtooth Range, which is home to some of the best rock climbing in the High Sierra. Additionally, Twin Lakes and the town of Bridgeport are “off the map” for mainstream tourism, so the area is quiet and tranquil.
After a long day of kayaking on Twin Lakes you can soak your sore muscles in Travertine Hot Springs or Buckeye Hot Spring.
Lastly, Twin Lakes is an amazing area to kayak in because there is splendid free camping in the area as well as several paid campgrounds with bathrooms.
Can you Kayak on Twin Lakes in California?
Kayaking on Twin Lakes in California is free and open to the public. When you arrive at these two lakes, you will find several families and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the lake in a variety of way. Many use kayaks to access the larger fish in the middle of the lake, as well as for fun with kids. Twin Lakes in a fantastic flat water lake that can be paddled on by any level kayaker.
Can you rent kayaks at Twin Lakes?
Twin Lakes has a variety of places to rent kayaks by the hour, for the day, or several days. Some of the kayak rental places will require you to return the kayak each night, so make sure to ask what the rules are if you are renting for several days. Some of the most popular places to rent kayaks at Twin Lakes are:
Are motorboats allowed on Twin Lakes in Inyo National Forest?
Upper Twin Lake has a 35 mph boat speed limit and allows jet and waterskiing, whereas Lower Twin Lake’s boat speed limit is 5 mph. The only boats I saw on either lake while I was there were a couple of small fishing boats and a number of kayaks pulled up on the shore. Otherwise, I had these two lakes entirely to myself. After a satisfying paddle on the water, this superb kayaking experience will leave you full, rested and wanting more.
Is there camping at Twin Lakes?
There are three options for camping at Twin Lakes. All three options provide a unique experience and are varied in prices. Your options for camping in the Twin Lakes area are:
The U.S. Forest Service has built several campsites that are “first come, first serve” that come with a fire pit, a parking spot (this usually fits two vehicles), a bench, bathroom, and a tent spot. These spots range from $15-25 a night.
Twin Lakes Resort offers two different campsites with several amenities for $40-55 a night for RV campsites. These campsites come with power and bathrooms.
In the surrounding areas of Twin Lakes there is free dispersed camping located on BLM land. The rules of these free camp sites are constantly changing, so please make sure you are following the ever changing rules.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE OTHER ADVENTURES NEARBY:
Climb Matterhorn Peak
Hot Spring at Buckeye
Kayaking on the breath taking Twin Lakes of Bridgeport, California. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discovered where to access Twin Lakes, places to camp, and the boating rules it is your turn to get out and paddle on these gorgeous lakes. Please, if you have any additional information that you think would/could be helpful to other kayakers, please, leave a comment and share your knowledge to help build a better community.
