395 Campfire Cooking: The Ultimate Guide to Campfire Meals & Trout Fishing in June Lake Loop
The June Lake Loop is one of the most beautiful sections of Highway 395, known for its pristine alpine lakes, epic fishing, stunning mountain views, and peaceful campgrounds. Whether you’re grilling a tomahawk steak under the stars, frying up fresh trout from Silver Lake, or kayaking across Grant Lake at sunrise, this guide will help you make the most of your campfire cooking and outdoor adventure.
This 395 Campfire Cooking guide covers where to camp, how to fish, the best cooking techniques, and beer pairings for your outdoor meals.
🏕️ Best Campgrounds & Outdoor Cooking Spots in June Lake Loop
June Lake is a true outdoor paradise, with lakeside campgrounds, easy access to fishing spots, and plenty of room for campfire cooking. Here are some of the best places to set up camp:
🔥 Best Campgrounds in June Lake Loop
✔ Oh Ridge Campground – Right on June Lake, offering stunning views, fire pits, and picnic tables for campfire cooking.
✔ Reversed Creek Campground – A peaceful, shaded site near Gull Lake, great for camping and grilling.
✔ Silver Lake Campground – One of the best trout fishing spots in the area, with direct lake access.
✔ Grant Lake Campground – Perfect for those who want seclusion, boating, and open-fire cooking.
🔥 Pro Tip: Fire restrictions may be in place—check local regulations before starting a campfire.
🎣 Fishing in June Lake Loop: Best Spots & Tips
The June Lake Loop is famous for its fishing, offering rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in some of the clearest waters in California.
🐟 Best Fishing Lakes in June Lake Loop
✔ June Lake – Great for boat fishing, shore casting, and float tubes. Known for large rainbow trout.
✔ Gull Lake – A smaller, less crowded lake with trophy-sized brown trout.
✔ Silver Lake – One of the best spots for fishing in the Eastern Sierra, stocked regularly with rainbow trout.
✔ Grant Lake – Larger, deeper water, perfect for trolling big brown trout.
🐟 Best Time to Fish for Trout in June Lake
⏰ Early Morning (6-9 AM) – Best time for trout activity.
⏰ Evening (4-8 PM) – Another excellent window for bites.
🎣 Best Bait & Lures for Trout
🐛 Live Bait: Nightcrawlers, mealworms, and crickets.
🎣 Lures: Kastmasters, Panther Martins, and Thomas Buoyants.
🦐 Fly Fishing: Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Buggers, and Adams Dry Flies.
🧂 PowerBait: Garlic and chartreuse work best for stocked trout.
🔥 Campfire Cooking: Beef, Pork, Poultry & Trout in June Lake
After a long day of fishing, hiking, or kayaking, nothing beats a campfire-cooked meal. Here’s how to cook 395-style campfire meals:
🥩 Beef: Open-Fire Favorites
✔ Tomahawk Steak: Cook over an open flame using 395 Smoked Garlic & Chili Rub, finish with butter.
✔ Carne Asada: Marinate in 395 Citrus & Herb Rub, grill, and serve in fire-roasted tortillas.
✔ Campfire Cheeseburgers: Mix 395 Whiskey Pepper Rub into ground beef, cook in a cast-iron skillet.
🐖 Pork: Smoky & Juicy
✔ Campfire Pulled Pork: Slow-cook in foil with 395 Carolina BBQ Rub, shred and serve on buns.
✔ Baby Back Ribs: Smoke over a low fire with 395 Applewood Honey Rub.
🐓 Poultry: Perfect for Open Fire Cooking
✔ Fire-Roasted Chicken: Rub with 395 Cajun Heat Rub, grill over medium heat.
✔ Campfire Wings: Toss in 395 Buffalo Wing Rub, grill, then coat in hot sauce.
🐟 Trout: Fresh Catches, Campfire Flavors
✔ Whole Grilled Trout: Stuff with lemon and garlic, season with 395 Campfire Blend, cook in foil.
✔ Blackened Trout: Coat in 395 Cajun Rub, then sear in a cast-iron skillet.
✔ Garlic Butter Trout: Use 395 Smoked Garlic Rub, cook skin-side down until crispy.
🌲 Outdoor Activities in June Lake Loop
June Lake is more than just a fishing town—it’s a summer adventure hub!
🔥 Must-See Landmarks
✔ June Lake Scenic Loop – One of the most beautiful drives in California.
✔ Fern Lake Trail – A challenging hike with epic mountain views.
✔ Parker Lake Trail – A quieter hike with a gorgeous alpine lake at the end.
🚣♂️ Outdoor Adventures
✔ Kayaking & Paddleboarding – June Lake and Silver Lake are perfect for early morning paddles.
✔ Hiking & Trail Running – The area offers endless trails for all levels.
✔ Rock Climbing & Bouldering – Excellent climbing spots along the 395 corridor.
🔥 Pro Tip: Bring 395 Campfire Cooking seasonings to upgrade your lakeside lunch while hiking or paddling!
🍺 Beer & Cocktail Pairings for Campfire Meals
🔥 For Steak & Burgers: IPA or Bourbon Old Fashioned (bold, smoky flavors).
🔥 For Pulled Pork & BBQ Ribs: Amber Ale or Whiskey Sour (sweet & smoky).
🔥 For Grilled Chicken: Wheat Beer or Classic Margarita (citrusy, light).
🔥 For Fresh Trout: Pilsner or Gin & Tonic (crisp, refreshing).
🔥 Fire Safety & Outdoor Cooking Tips
✔ Check Local Fire Restrictions – Fire bans are common in June Lake.
✔ Use Designated Fire Pits – Keep fires contained and safe.
✔ Keep Water & Sand Nearby – Always be ready to put out your fire.
✔ Respect Wildlife – Store food properly to avoid attracting bears.
🏕️ 395 Campfire Cooking: June Lake Loop Edition
The June Lake Loop is a dream destination for campfire cooking, trout fishing, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're grilling fresh trout, sipping a cold beer on the lake, or hiking to Parker Lake, 395 Campfire Cooking is here to make sure you’re cooking like a pro in the great outdoors.
🚗🔥 Next Stop: Bridgeport, CA—Stay tuned for more 395 Campfire Cooking tips!
