01
Closest full lake day
Black Butte Lake – Buckhorn Recreation Area
West Of Artois Near Orland • Warm-Water Lake Beach • Local Favorite For Easy Swim Days
Black Butte is the go-to beachy shoreline for Artois locals who want quick swimming, picnics, and sunset views over the water.
The Buckhorn side of Black Butte Lake has gentle, walk-in access to the water, plenty of shoreline to spread out, and a casual, local feel. Bring shade, a cooler, and floaties and you can easily settle in for an entire afternoon. It is close enough for an after‑work dip but has enough space and facilities to feel like a proper lake getaway.
02
Best for a quiet lake escape
Stony Gorge Reservoir – Eagle Pass Area
Foothills West Of Elk Creek • Relaxed Fishing-Friendly Shoreline • Best For Boating And Uncrowded Swims
Stony Gorge pairs low-key shoreline spots with calm water that feels a world away from the valley, especially on weekday afternoons.
The Eagle Pass side of Stony Gorge offers pockets of gravelly beach, swim-friendly coves, and easy access for small boats or kayaks. It is less busy than Black Butte, which makes it a solid choice if you want to combine a dip with fishing or a mellow paddle. Expect simple amenities and wide-open views rather than a manicured park feel.
03
Top quick river escape
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
Sacramento River Near Corning • Shaded River Sandbar • Best For Hot-Day Cool-Downs
Woodson Bridge offers easy access to Sacramento River sandbars where you can wade, cool off, and watch the current slide by.
This riverside park trades classic sand for a mix of gravel bars and sandy pockets, backed by big trees and plenty of shade. On hot days, locals slide down to the water to wade along the edge, let kids splash in the shallows, and picnic under the cottonwoods. River levels and currents change, so it is smart to stick close to shore and keep a close eye on weaker swimmers.
04
Best for camping with kids
Clear Lake State Park Swim Beach
Shore Of Clear Lake Near Kelseyville • Classic Campground Swim Beach • Best Mix Of Camping And Lake Swimming
Clear Lake State Park’s swim beach offers a mellow, roped-off area that works well for family lake days and weekend camping trips.
The designated swim area here has gradual entry, warmer water than the coast, and enough space for kids to splash without feeling crowded. Picnic tables, nearby restrooms, and campground loops make it easy to turn a simple swim into a full overnight trip. It is a bit of a drive from Artois, but the combination of lake access and facilities makes it a dependable summer basecamp.
05
Worth-the-drive ocean escape
MacKerricher State Park Beach
Mendocino Coast At Fort Bragg • Wild Pacific Coast Beach • Best For Real Surf And Sea Air
MacKerricher delivers the classic Northern California ocean day, with long sandy stretches, tidepools, and big-sky Pacific views.
When you are ready for real waves instead of lake chop, MacKerricher is the Artois crowd’s make-a-day-of-it coastal run. The beach is wide and rugged, with room to walk, watch harbor seals, and explore tidepools at lower tides. Pack layers—the wind and fog can roll in fast—but on clear days the combination of dunes, surf, and cool air is hard to beat after a hot stretch in the valley.