Lakes and rivers near Sacramento
11 lakes and rivers within about 180 miles of Sacramento, closest first, with boat rentals, camping and fishing for each.
40% full
Folsom Lake
Sacramento's backyard lake. Ski boats, beaches and the American River trail.
South Fork American
California's most-run whitewater. Class II-III through Coloma.
83% full
Lake Berryessa
Napa County coves, the Glory Hole spillway and calm morning ski water.
63% full
New Melones Lake
Gold Country reservoir known for kokanee and quiet houseboat coves.
44% full
Lake Oroville
Spotted bass capital with floating campsites and boat-in camps.
Clear Lake
Largest natural freshwater lake fully inside California. Trophy bass water.
170 cfs
Russian River
Lazy summer canoe floats through redwoods and wine country.
Lake Tahoe
Alpine blue water at 6,225 ft. Paddleboards, beaches, and cold-water trout.
Merced River
Big spring whitewater just outside Yosemite.
216 cfs
Upper Sacramento
Blue-ribbon rainbow trout drifting below Keswick Dam in Redding.
51% full
Shasta Lake
California's biggest reservoir, with 365 miles of shoreline and houseboat coves.
Distances are straight-line miles from the city center. Drive times are longer in the mountains.