Going to Convict Lake next week for the first time. Going over Google satellite photo I see the dump is on the main road going up between lodge and CG. Is there potable water to fill my tank so as not to haul that extra weight? I don't see where there is a kiosk or location for campsite check-in? Is this a good place for an inflatible kayak? And lastly, are there bike trails or should we leave them home?

Potable water is available but with all things it could be out of commission for a day or two. Nothing better to me than full fresh water and empty waste tanks. Then I'm ready for anything. Dump is easiest to access headed back to U.S. Hwy 395. You will love this area.

Water levels are low throughout California. I would not travel with an empty tank in the hopes that water will be available at my destination. Fill up before you leave home and don't worry about hauling "that extra weight" - your mileage sucks regardless.As the Convict Lake campground is run by the USFS, I do not believe there is a potable water hookup available. They tend to only have a few spigots around the campground for filling dish pans, etc, not for filling RV water tanks.Again, with this being a USFS campground and not a state campground, things are a bit more basic. If you have a reservation, there will be a tag on a pole at your campsite. There likely won't be a formal checkin process or kiosk - if there is a host, they might stop by to say hello. If no reservations, first come first sites will be paid for using an iron ranger.According to one website, there are "challenging moutain bike trails" nearby at Rock Creek. It looks like otherwise bikes are limited to the roads and campground. There are a lot of hiking trails.It sounds like kayaking would be good. The "no-wake" lake has a 6hp and 10mph speed limit. This is more of a fishing lake than a water sport lake - so it will be a quiet and calm lake.

"so it should be a quiet and calm lake"... if the wind isn't howling

Try to pad your budget a little bit so you can splurge one night and go to their restaurant. Their lodge is some of the best fine dining we've ever had.

Fresno Tundra Driver wrote:"so it should be a quiet and calm lake"... if the wind isn't howlingHind howling is still way nicer than drunks screaming and speeding in boats. :)

Convict Lake, CA questions?? | Good Sam Community

Fresno_Tundra_D
Explorer
May 08, 2021
With water spigots available nothing wrong with filling any fresh water tanks manually with 6 gallon water jugs.
DAS26miles
Explorer II
May 08, 2021
Fresno Tundra Driver wrote:
With water spigots available nothing wrong with filling any fresh water tanks manually with 6 gallon water jugs.

That's what I was hoping we could do if there was no potable water at dump station. It's only my brother and 3 nights. I could always spare 20 gallons for him if needed. I have 2 blue 2 1/2 gallon water jugs.
toedtoes
Explorer III
May 08, 2021
Using jugs to supplement your onboard water is fine. Attaching the hose to the spigot to fill your tank is not.
DAS26miles
Explorer II
May 08, 2021
toedtoes wrote:
Using jugs to supplement your onboard water is fine. Attaching the hose to the spigot to fill your tank is not.

Yes I agree! Saw a camper run a 100' hose from the restroom across the road to his RV in Upper Pines in Yosemite to fill his tank. By the time a ranger showed up, he was full. Got just a warning.
Anyone know if there is cell coverage at Convict Lake? I read it's 1 bar for Verizon. that meanslittle to nothiong from my experience. Their coverage map shows 4G up to the lake. But that doesn't mean anything.
profdant139
Explorer II
May 09, 2021
It's a beautiful place -- nice hiking trail around the lake. I don't think there is a good bike trail in the immediate area. Riding up Rock Creek Canyon from Tom's Place to Mosquito Flats Campground is a lot of fun, especially the glide back down the canyon.

Yes, bring the kayaks, but watch the afternoon wind:

Wind on Convict Lake
profdant139
Explorer II
May 09, 2021
I just re-watched that video -- hilarious! You can't understand a word I'm saying other than "40 or 50 knots." Which is all that needs to be said, right?
DAS26miles
Explorer II
May 09, 2021
profdant139 wrote:
I just re-watched that video -- hilarious! You can't understand a word I'm saying other than "40 or 50 knots." Which is all that needs to be said, right?

Dan do you have Convict Lake in your travel log? If so, what month and year?

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