The reservoir's waters are impounded by Vermilion Valley Dam (National ID CA00441), which was completed in 1954 (71 years ago) (1954).

The reservoir discharges into Mono Creek,[2] a tributary of the South Fork San Joaquin River.

[2] Located in Sierra National Forest near the Pacific Crest Trail, Lake Thomas A Edison is the centerpiece of Vermilion Valley Resort and Vermillion Campground, which support boating, camping, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding.

The United States Forest Service does not recommend it for buses, large motor homes, or vehicles towing trailers.

[6] The lake was named after American inventor Thomas Edison to mark the 75th anniversary of his invention of the incandescent light bulb.