01
Best overall pick
Lake Camanche North Shore Beach
Near Burson And Wallace • Big Reservoir Swim Beach • Best For Summer Weekends
A broad, social shoreline with easy lake access, plenty of picnic space, and a full roster of warm-weather amenities.
If you want a classic summer lake day with room for the whole crew, North Shore at Lake Camanche is hard to beat. There are long stretches of waterline for wading and swimming, plus picnic tables, lawns, and space to set up shade tents. Expect a lively atmosphere on hot weekends and plan for a day-use fee at the gate.
02
Closest classic lake day
New Hogan Lake – Oak Knoll Recreation Area
Near Valley Springs • Laid-Back Shoreline Spot • Easygoing Local Favorite
A mellow cove-style shoreline where Wilseyville locals slip away for a quick swim and sunset over the water.
Oak Knoll offers a simple, unfussy place to get in the water without a long drive or big crowds. The sloping shoreline works well for wading, and there’s enough open space for blankets, camp chairs, and a cooler. Go on a weekday evening for a quieter feel and softer light on the surrounding oak hills.
03
Best for families with kids
White Pines Lake Beach
Arnold • Shaded Mountain Lake Shore • Best For Little Kids
A small, sheltered lakeside beach ringed by pines, ideal for shallow splashing and relaxed picnic days.
White Pines Lake feels made for families, with calm water, a modest sandy and pebbly edge, and nearby playgrounds and grassy areas. The surrounding trees give pockets of shade that make midday heat much easier to handle. Pair a swim here with a walk in nearby community trails or a stop in Arnold for ice cream on the way home.
04
Most scenic escape
Lake Alpine Day Use Beach
Ebbetts Pass High Country • High-Elevation Alpine Shore • Best For Scenery And Cool Air
A picture-perfect high-country lake with granite boulders, clear cold water, and small beachy pockets along the shore.
For a proper “mountain lake” experience, head up Highway 4 to Lake Alpine, where the temperatures drop and the water turns a deep alpine blue. The day-use areas offer easy access to the shoreline, with spots to launch a paddleboard, hop between rocks, or spread out a picnic with views of the surrounding peaks. The water stays chilly even in midsummer, so plan on quick dips and lingering on the warm granite slabs afterward.
05
Best for long, active days
New Melones Lake – Glory Hole Recreation Area
Near Angels Camp • Expansive Reservoir Coves • Best For Boating And Long Days
A sprawling lake with coves, swim areas, and boat access that’s ideal for mixing beach time with on-the-water exploring.
Glory Hole’s shoreline shifts with lake levels, but it reliably offers spots where you can wade in, swim out, and stay all day. It’s a natural fit if you’re pairing a beach setup with kayaks, paddleboards, or a small boat launch. Go early to beat the heat, stake out a cove, and watch the foothills glow as the sun drops behind the ridges.