Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Sacramento, with its prime location in California, is surrounded by an array of beautiful lakes waiting to be explored. Each offers a unique blend of recreational activities, ranging from fishing to hiking to water sports, with something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Let’s dive in and discover the 15 most beautiful lakes near Sacramento.
Shasta Lake
California’s largest reservoir, Shasta Lake is a hub of water activities. Covering 30,000 acres, the lake is a summer haven for water sports, boating, and fishing. Along the extensive 370 miles of shoreline, visitors can fish for various species, admire soaring bald eagles, or rest on a vacation houseboat, enjoying the scenic views of the snow-covered Mt. Shasta.
Lake Natoma
Shaped by the Nimbus Dam, Lake Natoma is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. It features 11 miles of paved bicycle trails and 6 miles of multi-use trails for land-based adventures. It’s also an excellent fishing spot year-round, with fish species including brown trout and crappie.
Folsom Lake
Just 30 miles from Sacramento and with its 75 miles of shoreline, Folsom Lake, a man-made reservoir formed by the Folsom Dam, is a destination filled with possibilities. From horse riding and cycling trails to some excellent year-round fishing spots for both warm- and cold-water fish species, there’s something for everyone.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, sitting high in the Sierra Nevada range, offers a mix of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery all year round. It might be over 100 miles from Sacramento, but it’s well worth the journey. Renowned for its deep blue waters and encircling mountains, this alpine lake is home to a variety of activities like kayaking and swimming. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or a summer vacation, Lake Tahoe guarantees an outstanding and memorable visit.
Jenkinson Lake
Known for a mix of water-based and land activities, Jenkinson Lake is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can swim, fish, or water ski, as well as rent paddle sports equipment for a day on the water. For those preferring the safety of land, the lake is framed by over 9 miles of trails, suitable for hiking, biking, and horse riding. If your idea of adventure is a laid-back picnic, day-use areas with convenient facilities are scattered throughout the park, just steps away from Jenkinson Lake.
Lake Clementine
Lake Clementine, sitting in the Auburn State Recreation Area, offers beauty and tranquility in its Lower and Upper lakes. About a 45-minute drive from Sacramento, visitors to this Northern California treasure can enjoy a wide variety of water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, boating, and swimming. Its main sandy beach offers ample space for an enjoyable summer day, making Lake Clementine a perfect retreat for fun and relaxation.
Lake Sonoma
Set in the coastal foothills of Sonoma County amongst world-famous vineyards, Lake Sonoma offers a rich blend of history and natural beauty. The lake expands over 2,700 acres when full, providing a vast playground for all sorts of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike, swim, ride horses, boat, camp, fish, or hunt along its 50 miles of inviting shoreline, making Lake Sonoma an excellent destination for adventure seekers.
Loon Lake
Located in Eldorado National Forest, Loon Lake is a man-made reservoir formed by the Loon Lake Dam, built back in 1963. Whatever the season, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the area, from winter recreation at the popular Loon Lake Chalet to summer water sports and camping by the lake. Covering a vast 76,200 acre-feet, Loon Lake offers plenty of space for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa, around 70 miles west of Sacramento, is the largest lake in the region and a haven for water sports lovers. From fast-paced activities such as boating, a day of water skiing, and tubing to peaceful pastimes like kayaking and fishing in its quiet coves, there’s something for everyone. During the summer season, the lake offers a delightful escape from the heat, with water temperatures often reaching a comfortable 75 degrees.
Lake Amador
Lake Amador, a tranquil 400-acre destination, is equipped with boat launches, full hook-up RV sites, and a year-round 150-site campground. While waterskiing and jet skis are off-limits, small motors are welcome, allowing visitors to leisurely navigate the 13.5 miles of beautiful shoreline. With incredible fishing opportunities, including weekly trout plants and a notable record for largemouth bass, Lake Amador offers year-round fishing opportunities.
New Melones Lake
As the fourth largest lake in California, New Melones Lake offers a variety of recreational activities. Around 85 miles southeast of Sacramento, it’s the perfect day trip where you can enjoy water skiing, boating, and options for camping. Its deep, secluded bays make it a favorite among fishing boats. Thanks to New Melones’ ample space and outdoor activities, it’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Central California.
Clear Lake
It might be a two-hour trip from Sacramento, but Clear Lake is truly a must-visit for any lover of fresh water. Known as the oldest lake in North America and the largest in California, Clear Lake offers over 100 miles of shoreline for water sports enthusiasts, drawing 15,000 recreational boaters each year. In addition to recreational boating, its waters are home to largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and catfish, making it the perfect spot for fishing.
Rollins Lake
Conveniently off Highway 174 between Grass Valley and Colfax is Rollins Lake. The lake boasts 250 campsites spread across four separate campgrounds, all equipped with amenities, including stores, restaurants, and rental services. It’s a desirable destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to catch Rainbow and Brown Trout, and various types of Bass.
Donner Lake
Located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, Donner Lake, formerly Truckee Lake, offers a variety of recreational activities throughout the year. In summer, enjoy camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, hiking, and mountain biking. In winter, the lake transforms into a frozen hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With 154 camping sites, a day-use area, and a lakeside interpretive trail, Donner Lake is the perfect destination for a day trip or a week-long outdoor vacation.
Mather Lake
Built in the 1950s alongside the historical Mather Air Force Base, Mather Lake is a favored recreational destination located just east of Sacramento. Now surrounded by the 1,600-acre Mather Regional Park, the lake offers a popular spot to fish and bird watch. It is stocked with trout and bass at various times throughout the year, making it a local favorite. Just make sure you have a valid California Fishing License to join in the fun!
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