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Lake Hensley Vacation Rentals

Lake Hensley, California, United States
37.1202° N, -119.8949° W
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Lake Hensley
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Lake Hensley (also known as H.V. Hensley Lake) is a year-round reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Located northeast of Madera in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this lake is open daily from sunrise to sunset and offers wide-open space for camping, boating, horseback riding, and archery. The Hidden View Campground features over 50 campsites, including equestrian-friendly loops. Fishing is excellent for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. A boat ramp and picnic shelters make this an easy day-trip destination. Hensley’s oak-studded landscape and uncrowded setting offer a quiet alternative to larger, busier lakes.

Surface area (mi)
3.77
Max depth (ft)
131.99
Elevation (ft)
544.62
Shoreline length (mi)
22.68
Best time to go
Visit Lake Hensley from late spring to early fall, particularly June and September. Experience pristine waters and warm sun for boating and fishing, with fewer tourists allowing for serene sunsets and vibrant wildflowers—a perfect escape into nature's embrace.
Water Quality
Hensley Lake's water exhibits a deep blue hue, with clarity ranging from clear to stained, depending on seasonal and environmental conditions.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
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Marinas on Lake Hensley

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Lake Hensley has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, swimming is allowed at Hensley Lake. There are designated swim areas, including the Buck Ridge Swim Beach, where life jackets are also available for loan.

  • Hensley Lake is a popular destination because it offers various recreational activities. It provides opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The lake also features a swim beach, picnic sites, and a wildlife area for bird watching and hunting.

  • For fish caught in Hensley Lake, California, women ages 18-49 and children should not eat black bass or catfish. They can safely eat one serving per week of Common Carp, crappie, or sunfish. Women 50 and older and men 18 and older can eat up to four servings of Common Carp or two servings of crappie or sunfish per week.

  • Yes, there is a public beach at Hensley Lake with a swimming area. The Buck Ridge Recreation Area has a swim beach, and life jacket loaner stations are available nearby.

  • Hensley Lake is near the towns of Raymond, Madera, and Fresno. It is located about 45 minutes north of Fresno in rural Raymond. The lake is also a short drive from other nearby towns like Oakhurst and Bass Lake.