Lake Valley State Recreation Area

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Parks

California

Nearby: Washoe Meadows State Park Wilderness Desolation

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Lake Valley State Recreation Area is a picturesque destination located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.

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Summary

It offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and camping. The park is home to several species of wildlife and has several points of interest to explore.

There are many reasons to visit Lake Valley State Recreation Area, including its stunning natural beauty and excellent recreational opportunities. The park has several campsites, picnic areas, and fishing spots that provide visitors with a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. The park is also a great place for birdwatching, as it attracts a variety of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl.

One of the main points of interest at Lake Valley State Recreation Area is its namesake lake, which offers excellent fishing opportunities for trout and bass. The park also features several hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the historic remains of the Silver Mountain City, a mining town that was once located in the area.

Interesting facts about Lake Valley State Recreation Area include that it was established in 1963 and covers an area of over 3,200 acres. The park is situated at an elevation of 6,100 feet and is surrounded by forested mountains and meadows. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer.

The best time of year to visit Lake Valley State Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is open for camping and hiking. Visitors should be prepared for chilly nights, even in the summer, and should pack appropriate clothing and gear. The park is open year-round for day use, but access may be limited during the winter months due to snow and ice.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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