01
Best overall pick
Schoolhouse Campground Swim Beach, New Bullards Bar Reservoir
Southeast Of Camptonville On New Bullards Bar Reservoir • Deep-Blue Mountain Reservoir Beach • All-Around Favorite
A broad, sun-soaked shoreline with quick access to some of the clearest water in the foothills.
Schoolhouse sits on a scenic bend of New Bullards Bar, with a gently sloping swim area that works well for both confident swimmers and relaxed lounging near the water. The surrounding pines and steep green hills give the beach a dramatic backdrop, yet it still feels low-key and easygoing. Come for a simple afternoon swim or make it your home base if you are camping nearby and want a reliable place to cool off every day.
02
Closest to town
Dark Day Use Area Beach, New Bullards Bar Reservoir
West Shore Of New Bullards Bar, Just South Of Camptonville • Forest-Framed Swim Cove • Quick-Access Swim Spot
A compact, shady cove that lets you slip into deep green water just minutes from the highway.
Dark Day is the go-to choice when you want to be in the water fast without a big outing. The beach is smaller and more intimate than other spots on the reservoir, with trees close to the shoreline and plenty of spots to stash a cooler or chair out of the sun. It is a handy option for an after-work dip or a short swim break on a hot drive through the canyon.
03
Best for families
Collins Lake Recreation Area Beach
Near Oregon House, Southwest Of Camptonville • Family-Friendly Lake Resort Beach • Best For Kids And Amenities
A wide, social lakeshore with a sandy swim area, nearby snacks, and plenty of room for kids to play.
Collins Lake feels more like a classic summer resort, with an easy-access beach, roped-off swim zones, and on-site conveniences that make family days simpler. The gradual entry into the water is forgiving for younger swimmers, and there is usually a mix of shade and sun depending on where you set up. Add in the option to rent boats or grab ice cream nearby, and it becomes an easy all-day outing without much planning.
04
Best full-day getaway
Scotts Flat Lake Day Use Beach
East Of Nevada City Above The Deer Creek Canyon • Laid-Back Forest Lake Beach • Best For A Full Lake Day
A relaxed stretch of shoreline where swimmers, paddlers, and small boats share a wide, open lake ringed by forested hills.
Scotts Flat Lake offers a roomy day use beach with clear water, good visibility, and plenty of space to spread out even on busy weekends. It is a strong choice if you want to mix swimming with paddling, sailing, or just watching the light change on the surrounding ridges. The drive from Camptonville is longer, but you are rewarded with a mellow vibe and views that make it easy to linger until the evening breeze picks up.
05
Most scenic shoreline
Englebright Lake Recreation Area Swim Beach
Along The Yuba River Between Grass Valley And Penn Valley • Narrow Canyon Lake Shoreline • Best For Yuba Canyon Views
A tucked-away swim beach on a long, winding reservoir backed by rocky canyon walls and oak-studded slopes.
Englebright Lake is a long, narrow reservoir with a swim beach that feels different from the broader foothill lakes closer to Camptonville. The shoreline here sits in a steep-sided canyon, giving the water a more enclosed, river-like character and plenty of visual drama. Pair a swim with a short walk, a shoreline picnic, or a boat ride up-lake if you want to explore the nooks and inlets that make this stretch of the Yuba feel so distinctive.