Discover the Best California Lakes For A Camping Vacation

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You’ll love this list if you’re searching for the best California lakes to pitch your tent or park your RV. These lakes are perfect for a weekend adventure or an entire vacation. Here are some of our top picks, from secluded Alpine Lakes to huge freshwater reservoirs. Activities include fishing, boating, hiking, and lakefront camping opportunities. Discover the best places to camp by a lake in California.

Lake Shasta Miles of Shoreline & Houseboats

Many visitors rent one of Shasta Lake’s houseboats and spend their entire vacation floating on the Lake. Ski boat rentals are also available at a few locations around the Lake. You can rent a houseboat at Lake Shasta in three marinas: Bridge Bay, Jones Valley, and Silverthorn. Numerous campgrounds are situated around the Lake for those who prefer to stay on land. Shasta Lake is located in northern California, about 10 miles north of Redding. It is conveniently situated right off Interstate 5, making it easily accessible by car, as the interstate crosses right over Shasta Lake.

Lake Oroville Floating Campsites

Lake Oroville is a wonderful destination for a camping vacation. It is located about 75 miles north of Sacramento and offers over 160 miles of forested shoreline. Campers can choose from lakeside campgrounds, boat-in camping, or the popular option of floating campsites. To reach the floating campsites, you will need a boat, either your own or a rental. Each floating campsite can accommodate up to 15 people, and the state manages only 10 of these sites, so reservations are essential. Additionally, houseboat vacation rentals are available from Lake Oroville Marina. Website.

Bass Lake Recreation Area Fun for the Whole Family

Bass Lake Recreation Area in the Sierra National Forest has long been considered a hidden gem by Northern California campers, hikers, and anglers. The Lake is known for its warm water, reaching nearly 80 degrees during the summer. The area offers over 250 tent camping sites, many of which have full electrical, water, and sewer hookups for recreational vehicles. Additionally, lakefront hotels and vacation cabin rentals are available. Bass Lake Recreation Area is the perfect location for a family camping trip. Bass Lake Campgrounds.

Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe a Postcard Come to Life

Emerald Bay State Park offers typical lakefront state park amenities like two piers, a beach, two campgrounds, and a visitor center. One of the campgrounds, the “Boat-In Campground,” is only accessible by boat and is designated for tent campers, with around 20 lakefront sites available. The Eagle Point Campground has 100 campsites. Situated in South Lake Tahoe, the park is 22 miles from Tahoe City and only open during summer. Website.

June Lake Loop: The Crown Jewel of the Eastern Sierra

The June Lake Loop has four lakes: Gull, Silver, Grant, and June Lake. Gull Lake has the best campgrounds in the area and is the favorite of fishermen. Silver Lake is the most attractive of the lakes to hikers interested in exploring the backcountry. Silver Lake Campground has 58 campsites. Grant Lake has a marina and campground and is the largest Lake in the loop. June Lake is the most significant town, with quaint shops, restaurants, lodges, and taverns. June Lake Campground has 27 campsites. Visit the June Lake Loop website.

Convict Lake: Stunning alpine Lake with Crystal Clear Water

Convict Lake is situated south of Mammoth Lakes in California’s Eastern High Sierra mountains. The Convict Lake Campground is primitive, with pit toilets and no hookups, but the picturesque surroundings make roughing it bearable. Across the road, you’ll find Convict Lake Resort, where you can get assistance finding an available campsite or enjoy some creature comforts of home. The resort offers cozy lake-view chalets, perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation. Convict Lake Resort Website.

Folsom Lake: The Perfect Spot for a Family Camping Trip

Folsom Lake is an excellent vacation spot for families who enjoy camping. Camping options include Beals Point, which provides 49 sites, BBQs, and a lifeguard on duty in the summer swim areas. If you have a self-contained boat, you can enjoy boat-in camping with designated mooring/camping areas on the Lake. For those who prefer shore camping, there are over 100 sites at Peninsula Campground. Folsom Lake is located near Sacramento, California—Folsom Lake SRA website.

Huntington Lake: Some of the Best Campgrounds in the Area

Huntington Lake is located 80 miles northeast of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Deer Creek Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds at Huntington Lake, as it is located just a stone’s throw away from the Lake’s shore. Catavee Campground offers more secluded campsites, giving campers the feeling of being completely alone while still being close enough to access the Lake. There are five additional Forest Service Campgrounds around the Lake’s shores and nearby vicinity. All campgrounds have reservations available and are usually open from June through October—Huntington Lake Resort website.

Lake Isabella: The Crown Jewel of Kern County

Lake Isabella is located in the Kern River Valley, between two sections of the Sequoia National Forest. It’s an artificial reservoir that’s perfect for various water activities. The area has plenty of campgrounds, including those along the Lower Kern River, Lake Isabella, and the Upper Kern River. You can find state-run campgrounds, private resort-style campgrounds, and accessible camping areas along the Kern River Valley. The Kern River is approximately three hours north of Los Angeles.

Cachuma Lake in the Santa Ynez Mountains

Cachuma Lake is home to some of the best campgrounds in the area. Santa Ynez, in particular, offers stunning views of the Lake and plenty of amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and showers. There are over 550 campsites, with 90 offering full electrical, water, and sewer hookups for recreational vehicles. Additionally, Lake Cachuma provides yurts and cabins for a more comfortable camping experience. This location is perfect for escaping the city without leaving behind too many creature comforts. Lake Cachuma is located 23 miles from downtown Santa Barbara along Highway 154. Website.

Castaic Lake Recreation Area Los Angeles County

Castaic Lake boasts 29 miles of shoreline and two bodies of water: one for calm canoeing and the other for boating enthusiasts. The Castaic Lake State Recreation Area provides 60 self-contained overnight camping sites at its lower lake lagoon, suitable for travel trailers, campers, and RVs. Limited tent camping is also available. The campground is ideal for establishing a “basecamp” for various recreational activities—Park website.

Clear Lake, Northern California

Located in Northern California, Clear Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state. You can rent motorboats for water skiing and pontoon boats for leisurely lake exploration from various locations surrounding the park. Accommodation options like hotels, campgrounds, and cottages are also available nearby. Additionally, Clear Lake is surrounded by a growing wine region boasting nearly 40 wineries to visit. Website.

Butte Lake: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Butte Lake is located at an elevation of nearly 6,100 feet in the northeastern part of Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California. The campground offers visitors a perfect mix of seclusion and access to amenities, surrounded by mountain hemlock, Jeffrey pine, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and many other tree species. The park is famous for its volcanic history, with the entire area resting on soft volcanic soils. One of the most unique features of Butte Lake is its underwater lava field, which has created a remarkable shoreline, providing an exciting area for hand-propelled watercraft exploration—Park website.

Don Pedro Lake: California Sierra Nevada Foothills

Don Pedro Lake is one of the few lakes where camping along the undeveloped lakeshore is permitted. It’s the perfect place for those who want to escape it all. The fishing opportunities here are excellent, with a whopping 13,000 acres of water surface, making it an ideal spot for boating and fishing. Whether you prefer fishing in the Lake’s open water or the stream’s calm waters, you’ll find plenty of options. The Lake also has a marina and fish cleaning station. Website.

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