20 Best Lakes Near Sacramento, CA 2023 (Local’s Guide)

Are you looking for the best lakes near Sacramento for a day trip or a camping getaway?

We did the work for you and visited all the lakes around Sacramento to ensure that you can find the perfect option whether you plan to go fishing or are planning a family camping trip.

We included everything you will need to know the top amenities to what the lakes are best known for.

Now all you have to do is dig into this list and pick the perfect lake destination for your trip.

20 Best Lakes near Sacramento, CA

1. Lake Natoma

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 23 miles, 19 minutes
• Fees: $10 for day-use parking (cash only)
• Camping: No
• Amenities: Picnic tables, BBQs, restrooms with flush toilets, and tap water.

Lake Natoma is a dammed section of the American River designed to help regulate water releases from Folsom Lake.

The highlights of this narrow stretch of the lake are the combination of hiking trails and paved bike paths that traverse both sides and are connected by bridges on both ends.

No motor-powered boats are allowed on the lake, meaning the water is nice and flat, perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or rowing.

This is why they host the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship (WIRA) and the Pac 12 conference championships each year at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center on the lake.

Lake Natoma offers up miles of shoreline to enjoy a day of fishing or relaxing by the water. 

The most popular areas to visit are the Willow Creek Recreation Area and the Black Miner Bar, which offers amenities like picnic areas and full restrooms.

If you visit during the Chinook Salmon run in the fall, stop by Nimbus fish hatchery to see the fish jump up the salmon ladder on their way to spawn.

Local Tip: There is a cool local Sacramento brewery closeby that you should check out once you’re done visiting Lake Natoma.

2. Folsom Lake 

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 25 miles, 30 minutes
• Fees: $12 for day-use parking (cash only), $33 for tent camping 
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Flush toilets, showers, potable water, lifeguards, boat ramp, marina with bait shop and gasoline

Folsom Lake is a large man-made lake located at the connection point of the south and north forks of the American River.

The lake has over 75 miles of shoreline and a surface area of over 10,000 acres. 

This means you will not have trouble finding a quiet stretch of beach for a picnic or fishing.

The lake is also surrounded by countless trails that follow the shoreline, with some stretching all the way to Auburn.

Folsom Lake is a popular spot for boating in the Sacramento area, especially with water skiers or wakeboarders in tow. 

There are several boat launch areas around the lake, but the most popular option is Brown’s Ravine, which has the best amenities, including a bait shop and gasoline.

The top places to visit along the lake are Beal’s Point which has year-round camping options, and the Granite Bay main beach, which offers reservable large picnic areas.

This Sacramento lake is one of the best California lakes for swimming if you plan to bring kids, as the beaches at Beals Point are nice and shallow, and there are lifeguards on duty during the summer.

3. Lake Clementine

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 40 miles, 42 minutes
• Fees: $10 for day-use parking (cash only)
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: floating porta-potties, boat ramp, paddle sport rentals

Lake Clementine is a part of the Auburn State Recreation Area and is a dammed-off section of the north fork of the American River.

This long narrow lake is separated into two sections, with the lower lake reserved for motorized boating and water skiing. 

This lower section does have a day-use beach, but it is only accessible by non-motorized boats or paddle boards. 

Upper Lake Clementine is a popular area for its rocky beach which is perfect for paddling in the slow-moving crystal clear water.

This lake is one of the best swimming lakes near Sacramento, as there are many shallow areas to get in the water.

The entirety of the lake is a popular spot for fishing for trout, bass, and catfish. 

If you want to stay overnight, Lower Lake Clementine has 15 boat-in camping spots that can be booked at reservecalifornia.com.

It’s important to note that dogs are not allowed at the lake as there is a toxic cyanobacterium found in the water that can be lethal to these animals.

Local Tip: If you decide to go kayaking here, make sure to wear proper water shoes, as some of the beaches have sharp rocks.  

4. Lake Camanche

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 50 miles, 58 minutes
• Fees: $18 for day-use parking, $38 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: BBQs, picnic areas, potable water, restrooms, showers, boat ramp, boat rentals

Lake Camanche is a man-made reservoir located in Ione, California, and is one of the best lakes near Sacramento.

Lake Camanche is best known for being a hotbed for fishing, as the waters are stocked with over 60,000 pounds of trophy-sized trout and large and smallmouth bass. 

While the lake is fairly isolated in the California gold country, Lake Camache offers all the amenities you will need for a fun day trip or a multiday camping trip.

They even have a cafe by the lake, a soft-serve ice cream shop, and a marina store that carries everything from beer to firewood.

The lake is also popular for waterskiing and relaxing with friends on party boats that can be rented at the marina.

Visitors to Lake Camanche can book several options for overnight stays ranging from tent campgrounds to cottage-style vacation rentals for those who do not like roughing it.

5. Lake Berryessa

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 40 miles, 46 minutes
• Fees: $5 for day-use parking, $45 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Boat ramp, marina with watercraft and paddlesport rentals, restrooms, potable water, picnic area

Lake Berryessa is located in the Vaca Mountain Range, which separates the charming town of Winters from the historic Napa Valley wine region.

There is much to explore around the large lake’s 165 miles of shoreline, which stretches over 23 miles from north to south. 

The lake is well known and often photographed for its famous glory hole, which drains the lake down into Putah Creek.

Lake Berryessa is a popular spot for hiking and a well-known spot for freediving in the lake’s deep clear water.

This lake near Sacramento also offers a few options for camping, including the Putah Canyon campground and Spanish Flat, which is a popular RV resort.

You can also book a campsite or a cabin and rent boats ranging from kayaks to ski boats at the Pleasure Cove Marina.

6. Spring Lake (Sonoma)

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 89 miles, 1:48 hours
• Fees: $7 for day use parking, $37 for camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: picnic area, a fire ring, swimming lagoon, dog park, boat ramp, paddle sport rentals

Spring Lake is a tranquil refuge located on Healdsburg’s outskirts in Sonoma County.

This medium-sized 72-acre lake features several easy trails for a stroll and is a popular destination for a family picnic. 

If you love paddling, you can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddle board to explore the lake. 

The lake also features a campground with 31 sites suitable for tents or RVs and three cabins for those that prefer a bed.

Spring Lake is a popular destination for fishermen that are in pursuit of a trophy-sized largemouth bass.

During the warmer summer months, there is a swimming lagoon that includes a sandy beach, lifeguards, and a shaded lawn area.

This dog-friendly lake near Sacramento has a dog park where they can get in the water after the summer swim season is over.

7. Lake Sonoma

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 123 miles, 2 hours
• Fees: $5 for day-use parking, $25 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, showers, picnic/bbq area, boat ramp, horse staging area, boat and paddle sport rentals

Lake Sonoma is a 2700-acre lake located near the town of Geyserville that is best known for the gorgeous views that can be found on the miles of singletrack trails in the surrounding hills.

These trails also make it a great place for horseback riding, with guides available at the Ranch at Lake Sonoma.

If you want to get out on the water, there is a marina that offers boat rentals ranging from pontoon to water ski boats.

You can also rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards if you want to get a little exercise out on the water.

For an educational experience, make sure to check out the Warm Springs fish hatchery, where you will find Coho Salmon and Steelhead preparing to head back to the Russian River.

Lake Sonoma also has several options for camping, ranging from first come, first serve boat-in campsites to primitive sites around the lake, but don’t expect restrooms or other amenities. 

8. Union Valley Reservoir

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 82 miles, 1:43 hours
• Fees: $28 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, boat ramp

Union Valley Reservoir is located just southeast of Lake Tahoe in the El Dorado National Forest.

Of the lakes near Sacramento for camping, this man-made lake may be the most popular destination for camping amongst the trees, with eleven campgrounds to choose from.

This includes a large group area and dispersed camping away from the lake.

Union Valley reservoir is also a great place to put your boat in the water for a day of waterskiing or sailing in the mountain breezes.

If you love to fish, there are plenty of quiet places along the shore to cast your line for a chance to reel in a rainbow or a brown trout.

If you love to hike, there are also several great trails in the area, with a trek up to Bassi Falls being the star of the show.

Be bear aware, as we had several bears visit our campsite during our trips to Union Valley Reservoir.

9. Bullards Bar Reservoir

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 78 miles, 1:20 hours
• Fees: $24 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes.
• Amenities:  Picnic area, flush toilets, potable water, marina with watercraft and paddle sport rentals, boat ramp, general store with prepared food

Bullards Bar Reservoir is a popular destination for a lake getaway located 1.5 hours north of Sacramento. 

The biggest draw to this lake near Sacramento is for partygoers looking to rent a houseboat for a few days of relaxing on the water.

Not only can you rent a houseboat at the Emerald Cove Marina, but they also offer almost every type of recreational watercraft, from jet skis to pontoon boats.

For bass fishermen, you can launch your boat at the marina and troll the shoreline for a monster largemouth.

There are several options for camping along the lake shore, but the best option is the Schoolhouse campground which is the most scenic and has the best facilities.

Be prepared that the environment in the campgrounds can be on the festive side with a party vibe that can carry on till the late hours.

10. New Melones Lake

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 85 miles, 1:42 hours
• Fees: $8 for day-use parking, $22 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Marina, boat ramp, boat and houseboat rentals, restrooms, picnic area, boat launch, showers

New Melones Lake is located right in the heart of the California gold country and is just a short drive from the historic town of Sonora.

The lake is best known for fun on the water, including waterskiing and riding jet skis. 

Even if you do not only have your own watercraft, you can rent one at the New Melones Marina. 

The marina even rents houseboats where you and your friends or family can book a getaway for a weekend of living on the lake.

For those that prefer to sleep on land, there are several campground options with great facilities, including Ironhorse, Tuttletown, and Glory hole recreation areas.

It’s also worth a visit to see the Mark Twain cabin where he wrote about the famous jumping frogs of Calaveras County.

11. Donner Lake

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 98 miles, 1:49 hours
• Fees: $10 for day-use parking, $35 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic/bbq area, boat ramp, marina, boat and paddle sport rentals

This relatively small sister lake to Lake Tahoe is stunningly picturesque and offers crystal-clear waters that are surrounded by mountain peaks.

Donner Lake is best known for being a tranquil destination where people catch some rays or relax under the pine trees that line the shores while reading a good book.

The best option for a day by the water is at West End Beach or at Shoreline Park, which offers great facilities, including full restrooms, boat rentals, and picnic areas.

There is a little offshoot called the Donner Lake swim area where the water is shallow for kids to swim or for some stand-up paddle boarding in the slow-moving current.

For those that want to stay for the night, there are three well-equipped campgrounds on the east side of the lake, along with several lodges and hotels to choose from.

For a vacation by the lake, there are also lots of great house rentals to choose from that range from mansions to quaint cabins in the woods.

Donner Lake is also a hotbed for anglers that are hoping to catch a trophy-sized Kokanee Salmon or a massive Mackinaw trout.

LOCAL TIP: Check out the best stops for a Sacramento to Reno drive in this article.

12. Clear lake

• Distance from Sacramento: 101 miles, 1:41 hours
• Fees: $26.00 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Boat ramp, marina, vault toilets, showers, potable water, picnic area

Clear Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state of California, with 68 square miles of surface area. 

The lake is a bit of a drive from Sacramento, but it is just over the hill from the northern end of Napa Valley. 

Clear Lake is best known as the bass fishing capital of the west coast and is home to an annual professional bass tournament. 

In fact, the lake was rated as the 3rd best bass fishing lake in the U.S. and the best on the west coast.

If you are not into fishing, there are countless marinas around the lake where you can launch or rent a boat for a day of water skiing or cruising the water.

This is not one of the lakes near Sacramento for swimming, as there are lots of algae along the shore which gives off a sulfur smell.

What we loved most about the lake were the incredible sunsets that are best visible from the east shore looking toward Mount Konocti.

While there are a few campgrounds in the area, it is best to look for a hotel or a vacation rental in the area with good access to the lake.

13. Rollins Lake

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 54 miles, 1 hour
• Fees: $10 for day-use parking, $39 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes, They are open year-round
• Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, showers, marina, general store, picnic area, boat ramp, boat and paddle sport rentals

Rollins Lake is located off Highway 80, just north of Colfax, on the way to Lake Tahoe and Reno.

This beautiful man-made lake is nestled amongst the pine forests and offers a tranquil refuge that is less busy than some of the other lakes with similar distances from Sacramento.

If you’re looking for a lake near Sacramento for camping, there are several campgrounds around Rollins lake that are very clean and offer excellent amenities like showers, full restrooms, and a restaurant.

You can rent small fishing boats and kayaks at the Orchard Springs Campground, and you can also rent larger watercraft, including pontoon and ski boats, at the Long Ravine Marina.

While there are several great accommodations around the lake, we found that this was a perfect destination for a day trip to decompress and relax by the shore.

14. Lake Tahoe

• Distance from Sacramento: 109 miles, 2 hours
• Fees: $41 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Everything you could need from boat rentals to restaurants

Lake Tahoe is one of the best lakes in northern California, if not the entire west coast. 

This alpine lake offers so much to do that you could easily spend the entire summer exploring Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains and never run out of things to do.

Top attractions to the lake include stand up paddle boarding at Sand Harbor with its crystal clear water or relaxing on the shore at places like Pope Beach or Sugar Pine Point state beaches. 

Lake Tahoe is one of the best lakes in California for boating of all kinds, which ranges from cruising on vintage wooden boats to water skiing in the chilly water.

You can even go for a ride on a historic paddle ship through Emerald Bay.

For us, we love to take in the views of the lake from viewpoints at the top of peaks, including Mount Talac and Maggies Peak, which are only reachable by a rewarding hike up the mountain.

For the fishermen, Lake Tahoe is prime for fishing for the elusive but massive Mackinaw trout that patrol the deep water in the lake. 

Book a guide and see if you can catch a monster.

Lake Tahoe is also home to some incredible camping, including Lower Eagle Point and Fallen Leaf campgrounds. 

You can also opt to book a room at one of the amazing Lake Tahoe hotels or vacation rentals that surround the lake.

Local Tip: Use this guide if you need to get to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento without a car. 

15. Shasta Lake

• Distance from Sacramento: 168 miles, 2:36 hours
• Fees: $10 for day use parking, $25 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Marina, boat ramp, showers, restrooms, private docking, boat and houseboat rentals

Located less than two hours from the Oregon border is this large lake that was formed by damming the Sacramento River in 1944.

Shasta Lake since has become a mecca for house boating enthusiasts that flock to this reservoir for a chance to live the good life out on the water.

There are eight main marinas surrounding the lake, and each has its own amenities that range from restaurants to bait shops.

You can rent a houseboat for a few days or just a paddle board for a few hours of cruising the shoreline.

For those that prefer to be on the shore, there are many options for camping, which range from no amenity dispersed camping to full facilities at Bailey Cove, Antlers, and Lakeshore East.

Make sure to save some time to explore one of the best caves in California, Lake Shasta Caverns national landmark, which is accessible by a tour that includes a boat ride to the entrance.

16. Jenkinson Lake (Sly Park Lake)

• Distance from Sacramento: 63 miles, 1:10 hours
• Fees: $15 for day use parking, $35 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Boat ramp, picnic/bbq area, restrooms, vault toilets

Jenkinson Lake, which is also known as the Sly Park recreation area, is located 20 minutes east of Placerville off Highway 50.

This gorgeous reservoir is surrounded by a nine-mile trail that follows the shoreline and offers a chance to get away from other visitors for some quiet time in nature.

We love hiking out to Hazel Meadow at the far northeast side of the lake to see the waterfalls, where the Hazel Creek cascades down from a tunnel cut through the mountain.

While you can bring your own boat for a day of water skiing or cruising the lake, no personal watercraft like jet skis are allowed, which keeps it fairly tranquil.

You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes from Sly Park Paddle Rentals and explore the lake’s islands and hidden inlets. 

Of the lakes close to Sacramento for camping, Jenkinson Lake has some of the best facilities.

The campsites have plenty of space, great facilities, and the sites are spread out along the shoreline for easy access to the water.

The recreation area also has gorgeous picnic areas that are protected under the canopy of the tree-lined shore and offer great views of the lake.

This is a perfect lake to enjoy a day trip or spend the weekend, and you might get lucky and see some bald eagles, which is always the highlight of our trip.

Tip for dog owners: You may bring dogs to Jenkinson Lake, but they must be kept on a leash and are not allowed in the water under any circumstances.

17. Ice House Lake (Reservoir)

• Distance from Sacramento: 77 miles, 1:28 hours
• Fees: $10 for day-use parking, $28 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Picnic area, potable water, restrooms, boat ramp

Ice House Reservoir is a sister lake to Union Valley Reservoir which is only minutes away. 

This beautiful mountain lake is located in the El Dorado National Forest and is located off Highway 50 between Placerville and Lake Tahoe.

You can hike around the lake to Strawberry Point to relax by the tranquil south fork of Silver Creek, which feeds the reservoir.

There is also a nice picnic area on the western shore with a dozen picnic tables for a day trip to the lake. 

If you love to go camping, there are multiple first-come, first-serve campgrounds around the lake that are steps from the water but offer limited amenities like vault toilets.

Arrive early if you want to secure a campsite, as they fill up fast, especially around the holidays and during the busy summer months.

While the lake allows for watercraft, the surface area of the lake is better suited for paddling as it’s on the smaller side.

18. Lake Almanor

• Distance from Sacramento: 161 miles, 3 hours
• Drive time: 3 hours
• Fees: Free for day use, $15 and higher for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Marina, boat ramp, restaurants, restrooms, showers, potable water, bait shop, resorts

Because of its location away from major city centers, Lake Almanor offers a chance to escape the crowds of day trippers and weekend warriors as the lake draws fewer people than other options closer to Sacramento. 

For the extra drive, you will be rewarded with an amazing lake surrounded by pine trees and gorgeous views of Mount Lassen as a backdrop.

Lake Almanor is well known for fishing, as the lake is home to many massive Brown and Rainbow trout, landlocked King Salmon, and Large Mouth Bass.

There is a trio of areas to set up a tent along the lake that offer full facilities, including Rocky Point, North Shore, and Almanor campgrounds.

If you are up for a place to stay that is a little more comfortable, you can opt to book a vacation rental or stay at one of the resorts surrounding the lake that offer cabins, hotel rooms, onsite marinas, and other amenities.

Boating on this lake is the name of the game, and you will have no problem finding a great place to either launch or rent a watercraft.

19. Loon Lake

• Distance from Sacramento: 97 miles, 2 hours
• Fees: $10 for day use, $28 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: Boat ramp, potable water, restroom, picnic area

Loon Lake offers a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and disconnect with your phone, as you will not get any cell phone reception.

This is one of the best lakes in California for getting away as you can take advantage of the tranquil calm water to dip your toes or just relax and read a book.

Loon lake is a great place to go camping if you are comfortable with the limited facilities, as there are only vault toilets and no showers.

For those willing to rough it, you can choose between the Loon Lake and the North Shore campgrounds, which both offer great places to set up camp.

There is also the option of booking a night at the Loon Lake Chalet, which is a refuge with group sleeping accommodations with restrooms and a limited shared kitchen.

While it is allowed to use a waterski boat on the lake, there are several underwater boulders, and the water is very cold year round.

For those that love to hike and backpack, Loon Lake offers a great jump-off point for accessing Desolation Wilderness, but don’t forget to book your permits.

20. Sugar Pine Reservoir

• Distance from Sacramento: 63 miles, 1:25 hours
• Fees: $5 for day use parking, $25 for tent camping
• Camping: Yes
• Amenities: restrooms, boat ramp, picnic area, potable water

Sugar Pine Reservoir is a great location for a day trip or a summertime camping trip that is just over an hour from Sacramento.

This is a little bit of a hidden gem that is most popular with locals that live in the foothill areas near Foresthill.

One of the highlights of the lake is the mixed surface trail that follows the shoreline around the lake, with beautiful views along the way.

Fishing is one of the top activities at Sugar Pine Reservoir from both the shore and from the water.

Although boats are allowed on the lake, the majority are fishing boats, as the speed limit is only ten miles per hour.

This makes it a great kayaking lake near Sacramento that you can easily visit.

Sugar Pine Reservoir features several campgrounds to choose from, including family sites. The facilities are minimal, with vault toilets and potable water.

Map of Lakes near Sacramento, CA

Swimming Lakes near Sacramento

• Folsom Lake 
• Lake Clementine
• Spring Lake
• Donner Lake
• Lake Tahoe

Lakes near Sacramento for Camping

• Folsom Lake
• Lake Camanche
• Lake Berryessa
• Spring Lake
• Lake Sonoma
• Union Valley Reservoir
• Bullards Bar Reservoir
• New Melones Lake
• Donner Lake
• Rollins Lake
• Lake Tahoe
• Shasta Lake
• Jenkinson Lake
• Ice House Reservoir
• Lake Almanor
• Loon Lake
• Sugar Pine Reservoir

Lakes near Sacramento for Boating

• Folsom Lake
• Lake Berryessa
• Lake Camanche
• Lake Sonoma
• Bullards Bar Reservoir
• New Melones Lake
• Rollins Lake
• Lake Tahoe
• Shasta Lake
• Jenkinson Lake

Lakes near Sacramento for Kayaking

• Lake Natoma
• Folsom Lake
• Lake Clementine
• Lake Berryessa
• Spring Lake
• Lake Sonoma
• Union Valley Reservoir
• Donner Lake
• Rollins Lake
• Lake Tahoe
• Jenkinson Lake
• Ice House Lake
• Sugar Pine Reservoir

Fishing Lakes near Sacramento

• Folsom Lake
• Lake Clementine
• Lake Camanche
• Spring Lake
• Union Valley Reservoir
• Donner Lake
• Clear Lake
• Lake Almanor
• Lake Tahoe

FAQs: Sacramento Lakes

What is the closest lake to Sacramento?

The closest Lake to Sacramento is Lake Natoma which is only 20 miles and just over a 20-minute drive.

This small man-made lake is best known for the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, which offers kayak and paddle board rentals and is home to the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships.

While Lake Natoma is the closest, the larger Folsom Lake is only six miles farther away, which allows for boating and also has options for camping.

What is the best lake to go to Sacramento?

The best lake to visit in Sacramento is Folsom Lake which offers a wide variety of recreational activities ranging from water skiing to fishing.

There are numerous trails surrounding the lake for hiking and trail running, and there are plenty of beach areas for swimming or catching some rays.

Brown’s Ravine Marina on the lake offers everything you will need for a day of boating on Folsom Lake, from gasoline to a bait shop.

Are there lakes near Sacramento?

The area surrounding Sacramento has many lakes ranging from large alpine lakes to small reservoirs.

The closest options with their distance from Sacramento:

• Lake Natoma– 23 miles 
• Folsom Lake– 25 miles 
• Lake Berryessa– 40 miles 
• Lake Clementine– 40 miles 
• Lake Camanche– 50 miles 

Does Sacramento have lakes?

Yes, Sacramento has many small man-made lakes in parks and housing developments, but they do not allow for swimming or motorized boating and are generally not worth visiting.

There are also a few lakes in Sacramento County that are nature preserves for migratory waterfowl but are not open for water-related recreation.

There are many larger lakes in the areas surrounding Sacramento where you can water ski, fish for trophy trout, and do some paddling, including Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake.

What mountain lake is near Sacramento?

The nearest mountain lake to Sacramento is Jenkinson Lake, which is in the Sly Park recreation area.

This mountain lake is surrounded by pine trees, and bald eagles often make an appearance as they dive for fish.

Jenkinson Lake offers a large variety of amenities, including a boat launch, picnic areas, swimming beaches, and paddle sports rentals.

Wrap-Up: Best Lakes near Sacramento

Now that you have picked out the best lakes near Sacramento for some fun in and on the water, all you have to do is to gather up your friends and family for a day by the water.

Whether you want to camp for the weekend or fish for trophy bass, you now know where to head for your upcoming getaway.