Less than an hour drive northeast of Fresno in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada enroute to Yosemite National Park. Lake activities include water skiing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
Maybe — confirm before you go.
Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact (559) 673-5151
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Hensley Lake — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Hensley Lake?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Hensley Lake. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you swim here?
Yes — swimming is available at Hensley Lake. There are typically no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check conditions.
Yes Can you camp at Hensley Lake?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Road 8087, Shaw-Shuck nature Trail. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Hensley Lake is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is there winter recreation?
Yes — snow and winter activities are available seasonally. Check conditions and closures before you head out.
Nearby sites
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Eastman Lake
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
No machine-readable author provided. Kjkolb assumed (based o / CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Millerton Lake
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
