01
Best overall pick
North Shore Main Beach, Lake Camanche
Camanche North Shore • Lakeside Swim Beach • Closest Sand And Swimming
The main swim beach at Camanche North Shore is the go-to spot for easy lake access, sun, and a quick cool-off close to camp.
Steps from the North Shore campgrounds and day-use parking, this beach is the most convenient place to get into Lake Camanche without a boat. Expect a gently sloping shoreline, clear views across the reservoir, and plenty of space to set up chairs or a canopy. It’s an easy choice if you want a classic lake day without leaving the North Shore area.
02
Great counterpart across the lake
South Shore Swim Beach, Lake Camanche
Camanche South Shore • Family-Friendly Lakefront • Best For Families
Across the reservoir from North Shore, the South Shore swim beach offers a broad, family-oriented waterfront with a relaxed campground vibe.
If you don’t mind a short drive around the lake, South Shore rewards you with a roomy day-use beach and more of a resort feel. The water entry is gradual, which works well for kids and cautious swimmers, and there’s usually plenty of space to spread out. Pair a swim with a picnic or a stroll through the nearby camp loops for an easy outing.
03
Most secluded feel
Eagle Beach Boat-In Area, Lake Camanche
On The Water At Lake Camanche • Secluded Boat-In Shoreline • Best For Boaters
Eagle Beach offers a quieter, more secluded stretch of shoreline you reach by boat, ideal for turning a lake cruise into a private beach day.
For campers and day users with access to a boat, Eagle Beach feels like a small escape within the larger reservoir. You pull up along a natural shoreline that’s far less trafficked than the main swim areas, with room to wade, swim, and linger in the sun. It’s a good choice if you want a more adventurous, self-contained lake day anchored in one scenic cove.
04
Best nearby in-town option
Lodi Lake Park Beach
Lodi • In-Town River-Lake Beach • Great For A Day Trip
Set on a calm bend of the Mokelumne River, Lodi Lake’s designated swim beach pairs lake-style water access with grassy park amenities.
About a drive west from Camanche, Lodi Lake is where locals go when they want sand, shade, and services in one spot. The small beach and roped-off swim area are backed by lawns, picnic tables, and walking paths, making it easy to turn a quick dip into a full afternoon in the park. It’s a good match if you’re mixing wine tasting, downtown Lodi, and a swim all in one day.
05
Best alternate reservoir
Acorn Recreation Area Swim Beach, New Hogan Lake
Valley Springs • Open Reservoir Swim Cove • Best For Wide-Open Water
The swim area at Acorn Recreation Area on New Hogan Lake offers a spacious cove and big-sky views in the foothills east of the valley.
New Hogan Lake sits an easy drive south of Camanche and feels a bit wilder and more open, with rolling oak-dotted hills framing the water. The Acorn area’s beach-style shoreline doubles as a launch point for swims, paddle sessions, and relaxed shoreline lounging. Come here when you want a change of scenery from Camanche but still crave that wide, open-water feel.