01
Closest to town
Camp Far West Lake – North Shore
Northeast Of Wheatland • Warm-Water Reservoir Beach • Closest True Swim Beach To Plumas Lake
A sun-baked shoreline with easy water access and a laid-back, bring-your-own-everything vibe.
If you want sand and water without a long drive, Camp Far West’s north shore is usually the first place people from Plumas Lake think of. Expect hot summer days, powerboats offshore, and a simple setup: pack shade, coolers, and inflatables, because amenities are basic. Water levels can change with the season, so the “beach” can range from broad and sandy to more of a rocky lake edge.
02
Best for kids
Collins Lake Recreation Area
Near Browns Valley In The Sierra Foothills • Family-Friendly Lakeside Beach • Best For Families And Groups
A popular foothill lake with a roomy swim beach, mellow water, and plenty of space for kids to roam.
Collins Lake has the kind of gently sloping shoreline that makes parents breathe easier, along with a long stretch of sand and lawn for spreading out blankets and pop-up tents. There’s a campground, store, and seasonal extras like a snack bar, so you don’t have to overpack. It does get busy on peak summer weekends, but the atmosphere leans more family reunion than party cove.
03
Best for camping
Lake Oroville – Loafer Creek Recreation Area
East Of Oroville • Expansive Reservoir Shoreline • Great For Camping By The Water
A big, open slice of Lake Oroville where you can camp under the pines and wander down to the water for a swim.
Loafer Creek feels like a classic California reservoir scene: long views, oak and pine-dotted hillsides, and boat wakes glittering in the distance. Swimmers head for the coves and gentle shoreline near the campground, where the water stays inviting on hot valley days. It’s a good choice if you want to make a weekend of it, mixing beach time with boating, hiking, or just hanging out around camp.
04
Easygoing swim spot
Lake Oroville – North Forebay Recreation Area
Off Highway 70 Near Oroville • Grassy Swim Lagoon • Best For Casual Swimming And Picnics
A sheltered, no-wake forebay with a sandy swim area, lawns, and shade trees just off the highway.
North Forebay is where Oroville-area families go when they want the water without the hassle of a full reservoir trip. The designated swim area, grassy banks, and picnic tables make it feel more like a lakeside park than a raw reservoir shoreline. It’s especially nice for a half-day outing from Plumas Lake when you don’t want to drive deep into the foothills or commit to boating.
05
Classic day-trip beach
Folsom Lake SRA – Granite Bay Beach
Granite Bay, Northeast Of Sacramento • Busy Regional Day-Use Beach • Best All-Around Day Trip
A broad stretch of Folsom Lake shoreline with plenty of sand, lifeguarded swim zones in season, and a big-day-out feel.
Granite Bay draws people from all over the region, and there’s a reason: you get a long sandy beach, restrooms, seasonal lifeguards, and room for everything from volleyball to paddleboarding. The water is easy to reach via gentle slopes, and there are usually quieter pockets if you’re willing to walk a bit down the shore. Plan to arrive early on hot weekends, when parking lots can fill and the beach takes on a festive, almost coastal energy.