Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving Bass Lake, California from over 450,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 21, 2026
Bass Lake nestles in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Madera County, a mountain resort community centered around a crystal-clear reservoir that draws summer visitors seeking escape from Central Valley heat. At approximately 3,400 feet elevation, this unincorporated community of around 600 permanent residents transforms seasonally, with summer populations swelling tenfold as vacation cabin owners and tourists arrive. The lake itself spans over 1,000 acres and offers the quintessential Sierra experience just 14 miles from Yosemite's south entrance.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 525,000 |
| Population | 600 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.75 |
The original Crane Valley, named for the abundant cranes that nested there, was flooded in 1901 when Pacific Gas & Electric dammed Crane Creek to create the reservoir now known as Bass Lake.
The area served as a lumber center in the late 1800s, with the Sugar Pine Lumber Company operating one of the largest flumes in the world to transport timber to the valley below.
Bass Lake became a popular resort destination in the 1920s and 1930s, with lodges and cabins catering to San Joaquin Valley residents escaping summer heat.
Bass Lake operates on seasonal rhythms, with the permanent community of retirees and remote workers giving way to summer influxes of vacationers and second-home owners. The local economy revolves entirely around recreation and tourism, with marinas, restaurants, and vacation rentals defining commercial life. Winters bring snow and quiet, with only the most dedicated residents remaining year-round. The community maintains a mountain village atmosphere with strong resistance to overdevelopment.
Second-home buyers from the Central Valley and Bay Area seek weekend retreats. Retirees attracted to the quiet mountain lifestyle make permanent moves. Investors purchase cabins specifically for vacation rental income during summer season. Remote workers discover they can live permanently in this resort setting.
Bass Lake real estate operates as a resort market with limited inventory. Median prices range from $450,000 to $600,000 for cabins and homes, with lakefront properties commanding significant premiums. Properties can sit on market for extended periods awaiting the right vacation-home buyer. Strong seasonal rental income supports higher valuations.
Goat Mountain Lookout, accessible via forest roads, offers 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada, Bass Lake, and on clear days, the Central Valley far below. The historic fire lookout tower can be reserved for overnight stays through recreation.gov.
Yosemite Proximity: South gate access to Yosemite National Park makes Bass Lake an ideal base for exploring the park's Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point.
Four-Season Recreation: Summer water sports transition to fall foliage, winter snow activities, and spring wildflowers.
Vacation Rental Income: Strong short-term rental demand creates income opportunities for property owners during peak season.
Mountain Lifestyle: Elevation provides escape from valley heat while remaining accessible via well-maintained roads.
Coverage index for AI citation and geographic reference.
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving Bass Lake who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
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