Want to visit this popular Fresno County lake this weekend? Here’s what you need to know
Many Fresno County residents had hoped Shaver Lake would reopen by Memorial Day weekend, in time for the traditional summer kickoff.
The popular boating/recreation spot, 50 miles east of Fresno at 5,500 feet elevation, has been closed since April as caution against the spread of COVID-19. It has finally been approved to reopen.
Shaver Lake will begin a limited reopening on Saturday, according to Southern California Edison, which operates the lake.
The lake, its shoreline, boat slips, marinas, day-use areas and adjacent trails will all be opened from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., along with area parking lots — though the main lot used for day parking will be limited to 50% capacity.
The lot next to the boat launch facility will remain at full capacity.
Visitors to the lake are still being asked to observe appropriate physical distancing, wear masks and limit the duration of visits.
Under the state’s Resilience Roadmap, the lake’s 252 overnight camp sites at Camp Edison have not been approved to reopen.
Shaver Lake fireworks
News of the lake’s reopening comes the day after the Shaver Lake Visitors Bureau announced the cancellation of this year’s Independence Day Celebration. The event had been scheduled for July 3 with a boat parade and fireworks show.
“We’ve held on for as long as possible and crossed many thresholds to keep the 2020 dream alive,” the bureau posted on Facebook. “In canceling, we are respecting all organizations and individuals that have continually kept this event safe for families and clear of calamity every year.”
This story was originally published June 5, 2020 at 10:26 AM.