01
Best overall pick
Camp Edison Day Use Beach
Shaver Lake – Camp Edison Shoreline • Family-Friendly Beach • Local Favorite
A broad, sandy lakeshore with easy access, restrooms, and classic Shaver Lake views.
If you ask locals where to spread a towel at Shaver, Camp Edison is usually the first name you hear. The main day-use beach has plenty of space, gentle water for kids, and nearby amenities that make a full day at the lake simple. Arrive earlier on summer weekends, as parking and the best shoreline spots fill quickly.
02
Best low-key Shaver spot
Dorabelle Campground Beach
Shaver Lake – South Shore • Quiet Lakeside Cove • Best For A Relaxed Swim
A smaller, more sheltered strip of sand and shoreline tucked below the pines near Dorabelle Campground.
Dorabelle’s little beach feels more low-key than the larger day-use areas, especially on weekday afternoons. The shoreline is a mix of sand and natural granite, with enough room to launch floaties or just wade out into the clear water. It’s ideal if you want a simple, mellow swim spot without quite as much foot traffic.
03
Most convenient from town
Shaver Lake Marina Day Use Beach
Shaver Lake – Near Shaver Lake Village • Lively Marina-Side Beach • Best For Quick Dips And Rentals
A compact, busy swim area steps from the marina, with easy access to snacks and boat rentals.
For visitors staying near the village or just up for the day, the marina-area beach is hard to beat for convenience. You can swim, rent a kayak or pontoon, then grab an ice cream or sandwich without moving your car. Expect more boat traffic and activity here, but also a lot of energy and people-watching.
04
Coolest escape in midsummer
Lakeshore Day Use Beach, Huntington Lake
Huntington Lake – Lakeshore • High-Country Lakeshore • Great For Breezy Afternoons
A grassy-and-sandy shoreline on windier, higher-elevation Huntington Lake, ringed by steep forested ridges.
Twenty to thirty minutes past Shaver, Huntington Lake sits higher and typically runs cooler, which feels perfect in the middle of summer. The Lakeshore day-use area offers places to wade in, spread out a picnic, and watch sailboats tack across the water. Bring an extra layer—the afternoon breeze that makes the lake famous can feel surprisingly crisp even on hot valley days.
05
Best day-trip from Shaver
Recreation Point Beach, Bass Lake
Bass Lake – North Shore • Resort-Style Lake Beach • Worth-The-Drive Day Trip
A broad, gently sloping swim beach on Bass Lake with warm water and a classic summer-lake vibe.
If you don’t mind a longer, scenic drive, Recreation Point at Bass Lake delivers a more traditional beach feel than most high-country lakes. The water here tends to be warmer, and the shoreline is well-suited to families who want to mix swimming, sand play, and paddle time. Pair a few hours at the beach with a stop for lakeside tacos or ice cream before heading back toward Shaver.