15 Gorgeous Lakes In Northern California That You Must Check Out This Summer

Have you been to one of these gorgeous lakes in California? Do you have your summer trips in NorCal marked on your calendar? Northern California has a boatload of lakes to spend some time camping and fishing. Perhaps you want to go skiing or just relax on the shore with some binoculars. So much fun is available at some of the best lakes in Northern California. Here are our suggestions for some awesome summer fun.

1. Scotts Flat Lake, Nevada County

Would you believe Scotts Flat Lake is located at a 3,100-foot elevation? Yes — it is true! Over 850 acres of glassy water with more than 7.5 miles of shoreline. Here there is plenty of room to invite your entire family and friends for a picnic!

2. Shasta Lake Dam, Shasta County

Shasta Lake Dam is a behemoth of a lake that holds over 4.5 million gallons of water. The dam was built between 1935 and 1945 and impounds this massive beast. Lake Shasta is a popular destination for boating and skiing. I've heard lots of stories from friends, who stayed on houseboats and had a blast. Check out one of the most amazing lakes in Northern California.

3. Abbotts Lagoon, Marin County

Abbotts Lagoon is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a sand dune. Once the home of coastal Miwok Indians, they used this lagoon to water their cattle. Now, enjoy this popular spot to spy on birds in their natural habitat and a lot of other cool things! What activities do you enjoy here, at this Northern California lake?

4. Goose Lake, Modoc County

Goose Lake is located on the California-Oregon border. At the longest part, this lake spans over 42 miles. The neat thing about it? The Northern half of Goose Lake is in Oregon, while the southern half is in California. You can hang out in two states on one adventure. Sounds good to me!

5. Tioga Lake, Mono County

Tioga is an Iroquois Indian word meaning "where it forks" or "swift current." Tioga Lake is off the beaten path. Because of its seclusion, campers especially enjoy this lake. John Muir was one of the very first folks to survey this area. Pretty neat, right?

6. Lake Temescal, Alameda County

Lake Temesca is a 20-foot lake at its deepest, came to be in 1868 after folks damned up Temescal Creek to create a reservoir for drinking water. Due to the sediment that collects, it needs to be dredged regularly.

7. Lake Aloha, El Dorado

Lake Aloha is at an 8,100-foot elevation. It's pretty much in desolation wilderness, because it is inaccessible unless you hike in from Echo Lake. Apparently, there are a lot of you crazy folks who do it, because it is pretty well known. Enjoy! I'll be reading a book at Lake Tahoe instead.

8. Snag Lake, Lassen County

Located in the eastern part of Lassen National Volcanic Park, this pretty, 300-acre body of water known as Snag Lake just beckons you to come and sit awhile.

9. Folsom Lake, El Dorado County

Folsom Lake is a reservoir that keeps the Sierra run-off from flooding the lower American River. It is one of the prettiest lakes in the Sacramento area. You can fish or boat here, and a picnic by the lake is an easy pick-me-up for the week.

10. Lake Camanche, San Juaquin County/Amador County

The area around Lake Camanche was settled during the Gold Rush, when three towns popped up. As the gold rush slowed, the population dwindled, and people began to move away. Settlers from Iowa named the largest and most populated town "Camanche," after a town in Iowa. When the dam was built, this town was evacuated by officials and is now underwater.

11. Clear Lake, Lake County

Some historians believe Clear Lake to be one of the oldest lakes in all of Northern America. It is approximately 19- x 6-miles large. This is a beauty to behold, no matter what the season. (Maybe best to just look at!) But summertime is the best time to make some lake plans to take in the stunning waterscape.

12. Donner Lake, Sierra Nevadas

Donner Lake was named after the ill-fated Donner party. About 154 campsites dot the lakeside shores. Whether it's fishing, camping, boating or just spending the day at the lake for a picnic — Donner Lake is where you need to be!

13. New Melones Lake, Tuolumne County

Biking? Check.

Hiking? Check.

Boating? Check.

Hunting? Check.

Fishing? Check.

Boating? Check.

All of that and more can be done at one of the most beautiful lakes in Northern California known as New Melones Lake.

14. Fallen Leaf Lake, El Dorado County

Only one mile south of Lake Tahoe, lots of folks don't even realize Fallen Leaf Lake is here. A one-lane road leads into the lake region, and the lion's share of the area around the lake is publicly owned which keeps the traffic down. But if you have not taken a hike around Fallen Leaf Lake, then this must be on your bucket list.

15. Bon Tempe Lake, Marin County

Mount Tamalpais has a sparkling beauty at her north side. There are a few watershed lakes, but Bon Tempe Lake is our favorite. Come and enjoy all the amenities that a lake provides. Feel like taking a hike? If you go all the way around the lake, you will walk an entire 4 miles. Might as well keep your Fitbit working, right?

Do you spend all your time wishing you were at the lake? Stop that and start putting a few of these down on your calendar. Whether it is the seclusion you crave or a bustling, crowded spot, go to the best lakes in Northern California where everything is available. Come unwind at the lake; you deserve it!

We've included links to campgrounds and campsites for several of the lakes. If you don't own your own camping equipment but would love the experience, consider checking out RVShare, where you can simply rent an RV that perfectly fits your camping needs!