My favorite holiday has now come and gone, and this post will be a mix between a journalistic personal document of my 4th of July on Bass Lake and why Bass Lake is the best place to watch fireworks this summer.
Every year at 8 p.m., the lake has a no-wake policy and boats slowly make their way out to the dock where the fireworks are launched off of. Boats speckle the water with their lights on and land-dwellers line along the shore with BBQs and umbrellas. Horns honk and people cheer for especially impressive fireworks. Since the lake is in a valley, the booms echo off the sides of the surrounding forest. Sometimes you hear a startled child shriek and cry after the first boom, but it’s all part of the experience.
Usually I take this as an opportunity to tread water (which is about 77 degrees) while the fireworks shoot up above me. The fireworks are so close, the ashes barely burn out before they hit the boats and water.
This year, my little sister and friend watched them from the comforts of an inner tube while the rest of my family gazed from our boats tied together.
It definitely beats fireworks shot at a high school football stadium where you have to fight your way through hoards of middle school lovebirds for a small patch of damp grass.
My 4th of July:
8:00 a.m. We woke up early to wakeboard before the lake became too choppy–the 4th of July in Bass Lake is the busiest day of the year for this town so it was imperative that we made it out before the tourists and first-time boat drivers. Even my dad got his shred on, wakeboard style.
10:00 a.m. After a fun and refreshing session, my little sister and I made matching patriotic fruit parfaits!
11:00 a.m. Followed by self made manicures — I admit that mine looks like a 2 year old painted my nails while blindfolded, but I’m still proud. My toes were done in a similar fashion.
1:00 p.m. Bass Lake is famous on the 4th of July for having a young, rowdy crowd, take over the island on the lake’s most popular cove. Bass Lake is overall family friendly, especially compared to the Colorado River, but I’d hesitate on bringing my children over here on this particular day. The little ones might be asked to take a “celeb shot” at one of the communal beer pong tables.
4:00 p.m. BBQ time. We feasted on burgers, fruit salad, potato salad, and jalapeno peppers of spicy doom. The night before, my stepmom, friends, and I frosted some festive cupcakes.
8:00 p.m. We crept out of our cove and into the lake on our boat where we waited for the show to ignite!
9:00 p.m. The show begins!
Bass Lake Travel Tips
Where to eat in Bass Lake: The Forks has budget-friendly, homestyle cooking and is located near the lakeside. It’s the perfect spot to find souvenirs and offers accommodation as well.
Where to rent a boat in Bass Lake: Miller’s Landing on the lake is family owned and operated, providing a fair price on boats. It’s the spot I recommend to all families traveling to Bass Lake for summer. They also have a small shop with tackle, ice cream, and other treats.
Where to stay in Bass Lake: If you want to stay in a vacation home that has a pool, jacuzzi, tennis court, is walking distance to the lake, and safe for kids, consider renting out my family’s Bass Lake Vacation Rental. Otherwise, The Pines Resort is a great spot for something more upscale.