01
Best overall pick
Diaz Lake
Just South Of Lone Pine • Classic Eastern Sierra Swim Beach • Best Overall Pick
A laid-back lake with easy access, big Sierra views, and room for swimming, paddling, and picnics.
About 20 minutes north of Keeler, Diaz Lake is where Lone Pine locals go when they want a real swim without heading into the high country. There’s a broad shoreline with places to wade in, space to spread a blanket, and typically mellow water on calmer days. Pair a dip with a picnic and long looks at the Sierra crest rising straight up behind the lake.
02
Closest shore escape
Owens Lake Playa – Keeler Shore
Keeler Shoreline • Quiet High-Desert Shoreline • Best For Staying Close To Keeler
A stark, photogenic stretch of salt-crusted shoreline and shallow water pockets just steps from town.
This is not a swimming beach, but it is Keeler’s backyard shoreline and worth a slow walk when the light is good. The salt flats, restored shallow ponds, and bird life create a surreal, wide-open scene that feels more like an art installation than a traditional lakefront. Go for sunrise or sunset, stay on established routes, and treat it as a contemplative stroll rather than a place to get in the water.
03
Low-key swim spot
Klondike Lake
North Of Big Pine • Casual Local Lake Hangout • Best For A Mellow Afternoon Dip
A small reservoir with a sandy edge, popular on designated days for swimming and non-motorized fun.
Around an hour north of Keeler, Klondike Lake feels like a low-key community beach day without much fuss. On open days, locals come to swim, float, and paddle in clear water with a dusty-sage backdrop and big-sky sunsets. Check current access rules before you go, then pack chairs, sun protection, and plenty of water, as amenities are minimal.
04
Fishing-first favorite
Crowley Lake
South Of Mammoth Lakes • Windy, Wide-Open Reservoir Shore • Best For Fishing Trips With A Swim
A large Eastern Sierra reservoir where anglers, paddlers, and hardy swimmers share wide, windswept shorelines.
Crowley Lake is known first for trout fishing, but on warm days its coves and access points double as rough-around-the-edges beaches. Expect more gravelly shore than soft sand, along with frequent wind and chop, but also huge views and plenty of space to spread out. It’s a good choice if you want to combine time on the water, a casual swim, and a stop in Mammoth for food on the way home.
05
Classic alpine beach day
June Lake Beach
June Lake Loop • Scenic Alpine Lake Beach • Best For A Full Summer Beach Day
A true sandy beach on a turquoise alpine lake, with shallow water and big mountain views.
If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, June Lake Beach delivers the most classic beach experience within reach of Keeler. The north shore has soft sand, gentle shallows ideal for wading or paddleboarding, and a postcard backdrop of steep granite peaks. Go early on summer weekends to secure parking and a good shoreline spot, and plan to spend most of the day—it feels more like a Sierra getaway than a simple quick dip.