Lost Lake Recreation Area

We spent five days at Lost Lake Campground while were waiting for Tioga Road to open so that we could go over the mountains to Mammoth Lakes, California. The campground is pretty with large trees and access to the San Joaquin River. The picnic area is a popular local spot, but the campground doesn't get busy even on the weekends, most likely because the campsites are not reservable. Anyone over 62 is eligible for a substantial discount. There isn't a fee box and the camp host works during the day. She pounded on our door at 6:00 in the morning so try to catch her when she comes home in the afternoon. One of the regulars told us that he puts his payment in an envelope and throws it in her yard which is fenced to keep the free roaming dog contained. It's all a bit strange but we enjoyed staying there. 

The campsites are roomy but there's little privacy because of the lack of vegetation. Most of the sites are usable for wheelchairs. The sites designated as accessible have large parking pads with concrete under the table, the fire ring and the water faucet. 

We spent a few hours every day exploring the park. The road through the picnic area makes a nice walking trail.

A sandy trail at the south end of the park makes a loop through boulders with grinding holes made by the Native Americans. The trail is not accessible due to the loose sand.

A paved trail at the north end of the park leads to the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery. The Salmon Conservation and Research Facility is not open to the public but trout hatchery building and the outdoor trout tanks are all open to the public. Fish food is supplied for visitors to feed the trout in the outdoor tanks.  

A short trail for kids with facts about trout and play equipment branches off the main trail. Native California plants line the trail near the hatchery. 

The trout hatchery building is accessible, but the tanks are too high to see into from a seated position. The outdoor tanks are easy to see into and feed the fish. The kid's trail is accessible.  Park   36.98276, -119.72553