Lakes and rivers near Orange County
6 lakes and rivers within about 180 miles of Orange County, closest first, with boat rentals, camping and fishing for each.
Lake · CA · 28 mi from Orange County
Lake Elsinore
Natural lake with open-speed boating and a lakefront campground.
Lake · CA · 46 mi from Orange County
Diamond Valley Lake
Southern California's largest reservoir and a serious bass fishery.
Lake · CA · 64 mi from Orange County
Big Bear Lake
Mountain lake at 6,750 ft with pontoon rentals and pine-shaded camping.
90% full
Lake · CA · 71 mi from Orange County
Castaic Lake
LA County's go-to for striped bass and a separate no-wake lagoon.
25% full
Lake · CA · 138 mi from Orange County
Lake Isabella
Kern River Valley reservoir, wind-friendly for sailing and windsurfing.
River · CA · 145 mi from Orange County
Kern River
Steep Sierra whitewater above Lake Isabella, and trout below the dam.
Distances are straight-line miles from the city center. Drive times are longer in the mountains.