Caples Lake Resort - Kirkwood, California

ryan R.

What a cozy little resort nestled right at the edge of a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains. This is an amazing area and it is served well by the resort. We enjoyed the warm service at breakfast and dinner. We stayed during winter so also enjoyed snowshoeing right out the front door and we saw a few people ice fishing as well. My only recommendation would be to make sure you bring your own soap/shampoo.

Would definitely stay again!

Suzanne M.

This resort is absolutely beautiful! We drive 50 minutes just to enjoy a glass of wine and the view! No cocktails are served here, just wine and beer. We have not enjoyed the restaurant here yet, just the lounge which has salads and hamburgers and sometimes appetizers. The ambiance is wonderful and the setting can not be beat!

Ben P. W.

We stayed at the Caples Lake Resort after skiing Kirkwood all day and had a really great time. Used the wood fired sauna and were blown away with the dining room experience. Highly recommend staying and getting dinner!

Sarah E.

We have had an amazing experience here. The place, the scenery, the hosts Mike and Gwen, the food by the very talented Peter, the staff with Aine and Jen were incredible. The rustic ambience was everything anyone could ask for. The lake outside your dorr was simply stunning.

Marian B.

What a treat to find this gem in such a beautiful area- it’s been a desert out there in terms of restaurants! First of all the setting is spectacular - it always has been. But the food is too- we shared a bunch of tasty appetizers and then salmon for the main. Really fresh sophisticated flavors nice simple wine list- has a nice French rose for $35. Excited to go back and try more of the menu.

Taylor G.

Great spot! We stopped by the restaurant for an afternoon hang out after a swim. Good beer options on draft, and their elevated food is a fun and unexpected highlight. Fun, campy space at the foot of the outdoors.

Timothy L.

Just returned from a short fishing trip to the Sierras. Decided not to tent camp yet and found The Caples Lake Resort to stay at. Stayed in the Lodge which had a awesome view of the lake and surrounding mountains. The bed was brand new and better than my bed at home. The accommodations were better than I expected with a rustic but very clean feel. In the morning they provided to Lodge guests a very nice continental breakfast. There are also cabins you can rent for more privacy if you wish. The Lodge showcased a beer and wine bar after 3pm and a nice dinner house after 5pm serving very fine meals. It is a true testament that many of the patrons were actually locals. We also rented a boat for a day which was fun with no issues. We definitely will do this again. Mike and Gwen have done a great job of bettering this place and I can see it only getting better and better. It was an awesome weekend!

Benjamin P.

The property is undeniably one of the most scenic spots I’ve visited, and the restaurant’s food is out of this world. However, the experience was marred by a host who could significantly improve in addressing customer needs without making them feel like second-class citizens. If you want a window seat, make sure to reserve it in advance if possible. It was evident that the host gives preference based on a client’s political beliefs and lifestyle choices. Not fitting their preferred profile, we received the cold shoulder and were seated in an unfavorable location, which made me seriously reconsider visiting the restaurant again.||The cabins, unfortunately, were spider-infested and not as well-maintained as one would expect for the price. I recommend bringing your own towels, sheets, and pillowcases. The water is undrinkable and can cause severe diarrhea, and the shower water was brown with dirt coming out of the showerhead. I wish I could add photos to illustrate these issues.||Moreover, they charge for everything, including a morning cup of coffee at $3.00 for a 10 oz cup, which was the last straw for us. Despite the beauty and relaxation offered by the property, the total cost for a five-day stay exceeded $1,500, which includes the overpriced coffee.||On a positive note, our server during our one and only dining experience was fantastic. I was impressed enough to leave a $100 tip for our dinner.||In summary, while the location and food are superb, the service and amenities leave much to be desired. We won’t be returning.