01
Closest kid-friendly shoreline
Lake Davis – Lightning Tree Shoreline
North Of Portola • Open Lakeside Swim And Picnic Area • Best For Families And Easy Access
A mellow, easily reached stretch of Lake Davis shoreline with room for kids, coolers, and kayaks.
Just a short drive from Mohawk Vista, the Lightning Tree area offers gentle lake access, vault toilets, and plenty of room to spread out along the shore. The water stays cool even in August, so most people mix short swims with time on the sand, fishing, or paddling. Go early on summer weekends to claim a picnic table close to the water.
02
Best alpine-feel outing
Gold Lake Day Use Shoreline
Lakes Basin Recreation Area • Alpine Lake Picnic Spot • Best For Mountain Views And Short Outings
A rugged, high-country lakeshore with big granite views, cold water, and a few small pockets of beach.
Gold Lake sits higher than most nearby lakes, so it feels cooler and wilder, with craggy peaks reflecting in the water. There are only small patches of sand and gravel, but they are perfect for a blanket, a quick plunge, and a long lunch with a view. Pair a swim stop with a short hike or paddle to make a full Lakes Basin day from Mohawk Vista.
03
Best classic swim beach
Bucks Lake – Sandy Point Day Use Area
Bucks Lake West Shore • Forest-Framed Swimming Beach • Best For Classic Summer Lake Days
A popular tree-lined cove with a real sandy entry, picnic tables, and room to float the afternoon away.
Sandy Point lives up to its name, with one of the more genuinely sandy shorelines in the region and shallow water that suits wading and play. Pines line the edge of the day-use area, so you can choose between sun and shade as the day warms up. It is a longer drive from Mohawk Vista than Lake Davis, but the beach feel and facilities make it worth the trip on hot weekends.
04
Best camping-and-beach combo
Little Grass Valley Reservoir – Peninsula Shoreline
Near La Porte • Quiet Lakeside Camping Beach • Best For Weekend Camping Trips
A relaxed reservoir shoreline with small swim spots tucked between campsites and pines.
On the far side of the hills from Mohawk Vista, Little Grass Valley feels like its own little world, especially if you settle into one of the Peninsula-area campgrounds. Narrow bands of sand and gravel give straightforward access to the lake for swimming, paddleboards, and inflatables. The scene is low-key and social, with families grilling, kids biking the loops, and everyone drifting to the water in the late afternoon.
05
Best big-lake option
Lake Almanor – North Shore Day Use Areas
Lake Almanor North Shore • Large Reservoir Day-Use Beaches • Best All-Around Day Trip
A string of informal little beaches and coves along the north shore of Lake Almanor with broad views and deep water.
Lake Almanor is one of the region's biggest playgrounds, and the north shore day-use pull-outs and small parks give you easy access to the water without a boat. Expect coarse sand and pebbly entries, clear but brisk water, and wide-open views toward the distant ridges. If you are coming from Mohawk Vista, it makes sense to plan a full day here, packing a cooler, chairs, and maybe bikes to explore different shoreline nooks.