Fremont
Lake was created thousands of years ago when glacial ice deposited
a moraine at the lower end, trapping the mountain waters. The lake
is over 600 feet deep at its deepest point, and it was named after
John C. Fremont, who surveyed the area in 1842 while mapping the
Oregon Trail.
Fremont
Lake is Pinedale’s water supply and the drainage
is designated a municipal watershed where special restrictions apply
for those recreating in the area. The lake sits on land managed by
the Bridger-Teton National Forest. A few summer homes exist on the
lower end of the lake, however most of the shoreline is undeveloped.
The only commercial facility is Lakeside Lodge Resort and Marina
which operates under permit of the Forest Service. There are two
public boat ramps on the lake and one developed National Forest campground
managed by the Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National
Forest.
ACCESS
Access to the lower end of Fremont Lake is paved roadway, seven miles
from Pinedale. Watch for potholes and wildlife along the way.
The road typically opens sometime in
May after the snow melts. The Campground is typically open
mid-June to mid-September. Access depends on
weather conditions
for the road and campground/trailhead/boat launch area.
The nearest full-service community is Pinedale, 4 miles from
the lower end of the lake. The Pinedale Ranger District recommends
calling them for current conditions at 307-367-4326.
Maps and information
are available at sporting goods stores in Pinedale.
BOATING
Fremont Lake is a favorite destination for
those with sailing boats and for fishing and waterskiing. Boats up
to 35 feet can launch from the Lower Boat Dock when water depths
are normal. Kayakers, canoeists and windsurfers also enjoy the lake.
Mornings tend to be calm on the lake, with winds picking up in the
afternoon and afternoon thunderstorms common in the summer. Afternoon
winds tend to come from the west and waves with whitecaps are not
uncommon. Boaters should watch carefully for rocks that can sit in
shallow water some distance from shore. Boater should not dispose
black or grey water in the lake. Bring enough safety equipment
and floatation devices for all the members of your group on board.
FISHING
FREMONT LAKE
Fremont Lake contains populations of lake, rainbow and brown trout and some
kokanee salmon. The Pinedale Boat Club and Lakeside Lodge host summer and
winter fishing derbies throughout the year. Current information about boating
and fishing regulations, lake conditions and campground availability is available
from the Pinedale Ranger District Forest Service office in Pinedale. Always
bring safety and first aid equipment with you and wear a life vest when you
are on the water.
RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES
Developed Campgrounds: There is one developed National
Forest campground near the lower end of Fremont Lake, accessed by a level,
paved road. Fremont Lake Campground has drinking water, trash disposal
and a number of large RV pull-through campsites. Vault toilets are located
at developed recreation areas around the lake. There are no showers, electricity
or phones at the campground. The Upper Fremont Lake Campground is accessible
only by boat.
Boat Ramps: There are two public and two private boat ramps
on Fremont Lake. The Lower Boat Ramp is located on the lower end of Fremont
Lake. Boats up to 35 feet can launch from the Lower Boat Dock when water depths
are normal. The second public boat ramp is at the Fremont Lake campground. Small
boat launches are also located at Lakeside Lodge and at the Fremont Lake summer
homes, which can accommodate canoes and small boats.
Sandy Beach Day Use Area: The
Pinedale Ranger District manages Sandy Beach day-use area on the lower end
of the lake. This little gathering area is centered around a natural sandy
beach on the lakeshore. This recreation area has restrooms, volleyball net
poles and an adjacent picnic area. Children enjoy building sandcastles in the
sand and swimming in the clear blue water. Note that no dogs are allowed on
Sandy Beach.
Dispersed
Recreation: The Fremont Lake shore
is the result of ancient glacial moraines that deposited many large
boulders throughout the landscape. Dispersed camping opportunities
can be found, but are quite scattered along the lower and southeastern
side of the lower lake. Better places for dispersed camping are located
further up Fremont Lake Road/Skyline Drive, past the turnoff for
Half Moon Lake Resort. Because the lake is the water supply for the
town of Pinedale, special camping distance regulations are in place.
Dispersed camps must be more than 200 feet of the lakeshore or any
water source that drains into the lake. Pet owners must clean up
dog’s waste. Visitors should use onsite toilets or bury human
waste more than 200 feet from water sources. Horses are not advisable
near Fremont Lake due to the rocky terrain. There are no corrals
and few trails appropriate for riding.
HIKING
Most
of the shoreline around Fremont Lake is undeveloped with lots of
room to roam. There are many game trails around the lake, but no
designated hiking trails. The northwestern side is a lateral glacial
moraine in mostly open, grassy slopes with many boulders strewn across
the land. The southeastern shore of the lake is a mixture of open,
rolling sagebrush-covered hills with aspen groves dotting the shoreline.
Large boulders are strewn about here too. Closer towards the mountains,
the lakeshore terrain steepens and the vegetation transitions into
conifer forest mixed with aspens. Game trails are plentiful through
the area. Deer, moose, elk and cattle range the nearby sidehills.
COMMERCIAL
LODGES
Lakeside
Lodge Resort and Marina is located on the lower end of Fremont
Lake. They offer food, motel and cabin room, RV camping and a private
boat launch. For information about Lakeside Lodge, visit www.lakesidelodge.com
CCC
PONDS
The CCC Ponds are located at the south end of Fremont Lake, at the end of
a short dirt road. The CCC Ponds are a series of wetland areas created for
a fish and wildlife habitat interpretive area. There is a large parking
lot with a near-by handicapped-accessible vault toilet. There are paved and
unpaved bike/walking paths and benches along the paths. Many species of wildlife
can be observed in the area. A developed walking/bike bike path loops from
the parking area to the Pinedale cemetery on Fremont Lake Road. In June,
Kids' Fishing Day takes place at the CCC Ponds This event is sponsored by local
government agencies and Trout Unlimited to teach kids proper fishing
techniques, fish biology and fishing ethics. The CCC Ponds also serve
as an "outdoor
classroom" for
local science teachers, who arrange field trips so students can grasp basic
theories of wetland habitat management.
EVENTS
ON THE LAKE
Fishing derbies are scheduled both summer and winter on Fremont Lake,
hosted by the Pinedale Boat Club. The Fremont
Lake Sailing
Regatta is held each August, hosted by the Pinedale Boat Club
WINTER
ON FREMONT LAKE
Fremont Lake freezes over with several feet of ice each winter, making the
entire 11 miles of surface area accessible to ice fishermen, snowmobilers,
cross-country skiers and skaters. This is a "use at your own risk" activity,
and anyone going out on the frozen lake surface should make sure the ice is
thick enough and solid to be crossed safely. A parking/turnaround area is cleared
of snow at a fork in the access road, not far from where it leaves Fremont
Lake Road. The left fork of the access road is plowed to the Lower Boat Dock
on the south end of the lake. Fremont Lake Campground is closed in the winter.
Camping is now allowed on the ice.
BEARS
Both grizzly bears and black bears inhabit the mountains and forests around
Fremont Lake. It is not unheard of to have a bear come into a developed
campground, but it is not common. Fremont Lake Campground has bear proof
storage containers. It is important for campers to be "bear aware" and
keep a clean camp at all times. Food and garbage are required to be stored
where it is impossible for a bear to reach, such as in a closed vehicle.
Local Forest Service offices have pamphlets and information handouts on
how to camp in bear country.
PETS
Pets must be kept under control at all times. It is the obligation of dog owners
to keep their pet under control at all times to avoid injury to horses, riders,
hikers and other forest visitors. Dog owners are asked to be considerate of
others and not leave pet waste on trails or in campsites.
DIRECTIONS
To reach Fremont Lake, take Fremont Lake Road just east of Faler's
General Store. At 2.5 miles, you will reach an overlook with an
historical marker and great view of the lake. At 3.2 miles, a sign
will direct you to turn left for Fremont Lake. After you turn onto
this access road, there is a fork with signs pointing the way to
the campground, Sandy Beach, CCC Ponds and other features.
Other
Considerations:
ELEVATION: This is HIGH
ELEVATION RECREATION, and your physical performance may
be affected if you are not acclimated. Be sure to take it easy
and drink extra FLUIDS. If you do start
to notice shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches or dizziness,
get to a lower elevation as quickly as possible. Please be aware
that natural water sources may contain Giardia lamblia or other
bacteria. A fine filter (0.2 microns or less) is recommended
for all water you use. Water from campground hydrants is regularly
tested by the Wyoming State Health Department.
WEATHER: Afternoon
thunderstorms and rain showers are common in the summer and can
build quickly. While summer days may be warm, nights are generally
cool. Bring warm clothing. Also, bring and use SUNSCREEN! At this
high elevation sunlight is more intense than you may be used to
and serious sunburns can happen quite quickly.
TRIP ITINERARIES: If
you wish to file your trip itinerary with someone, contact the Sublette
County Sheriff's Office at 307-367-4378,
rather than the Pinedale Ranger District. Forms are available at
the Ranger District office. In emergencies, or for Search & Rescue,
call the Sheriff's Office 24 hours a day.
Businesses & Services
Bridger-Teton
National Forest
Pinedale Ranger District
29 E. Fremont Lake Road
PO Box 220
Pinedale, WY 82941
(307) 367-4326
Sublette
County Visitor Center
PO Box 176
Pinedale, WY 82941
307-367-2242
888-285-7282 (Toll Free)
Email: info@visitsublettecounty.com
www.VisitSubletteCounty.com
