We have come here a handful of times now for fishing. Not only do we always have a blast, but it is…read moreabsolutely gorgeous here. We haven't been here at sunrise, but the sunsets and stars are so beautiful... you can't help but slowly walk out when it is time to go. Lake Theodore is right off the road and not too hard to spot the entrance. For parking, you can park on the side of the road, right up to the entrance. There is a park & route below about 50 yards away, but that's quite a walk. You do go through a swirly gate and down a path, and there is a trail that leads to the back of the lake. There are spots you need to really pay attention to because of rocks and tree roots. Some trees are growing into the path. There is also some scat along the way, but hey! It's nature. What else do you expect! I have yet to take the path all the way around the small lake, but I have gotten halfway. It's easy to get stuck casting in spots because you'll see some big fish swimming by, or we start catching. In this small lake, you can expect to catch big mouth bass, small mouth bass, lots of blue gill, green sun fish, and a few extras swimming around. For us, the most popular bait we use is the natural big earth worms and night crawlers. For the big mouth bass, the seenkos are pretty popular... 3"-4" long (and we use the watermelon ones). I do like to head back to the front before it gets dark. You can see random spiders building their webs as the sun starts to set and heaven forbid I walk through those trees and go through a web and end up with a creepy crawly! I love bugs and fishing... but a random bug will make me shriek bloody murder, lol! When the sun goes down(on my side of town), there are so many stars to look at. Planes mostly fly over from the backside of the lake and those are fun to watch, too. I think we sat one night until 11pm casting and watching the stars. It was nice the moon was not out this particular night because it made it nice and dark and the stars shined so bright... As precautions, I suggest bringing bug spray and sun block. Bring some small collapsible chairs. Stock up on some water or whatever you drink. I easily spend 4+ hours at a time here admiring the beauty of nature. For those of you that know... tight lines!

I drove here today with a friend. We did not mean to come here...just found it by accident…read more It is located off his 80 a little above Auburn ca. As you drive up...there is a small parking area. You cannot drive in...there is a gate...so you park on the outside and walk in. There is a dirt path you can walk or ride a bike. By the water you will find places to put a chair and fish. This is a small lake. It is not for boating...or swimming.. There is a sign that clearly states no boats. It is so beautiful here. Peaceful. It would be a great place for lunch or just to sit for a while. I saw some ducks...and birds but no other wild life. It would be a nice place to walk your dogs. Don't wear new shoes...lots of red dirt.

If Hiking is what your looking to do, this is a great place. There are a couple of trails so you…read morecan pick . One is steep hills and the other is just a steady hill. There's a few rest spots. You can get to the dam relax and experience the powerful water flow . It's 10 dollars for parking and they have a couple ways you can pay cash in an envelope with your license plate so have it in hand . Bring plenty of water and snacks . Enjoy the burn going up hill.

Upper Lake Clementine is beautiful! Was a bit crazy busy as it is summer break. And drivers on…read morethe road should slow down, so be cautious!

The best spot to spend time in quiet and fish, they got picnic areas to be there with your family…read moreand spend some quality time.

This is a bequtiful little trout lake About an hour above…read moreloomis ca. Ive taken my kids here for many years and now take their kids. Grrat plave for a picnik. Some casu a l float or bank fidhing with no noise and few people on weekdays. Easy access but not much parking.

If you have never been to the Lake Natoma Recreation area, you are missing out on a very beautiful…read morelake. It is the place to Paddle board, swim in the water, look at sailboats big & small. There are kids learning to kayak in classes, families setting up day tents and people just enjoying a beautiful lake. The geese just paddle in the water and ducks fly low to the water as you paddle by. Right off of highway 50. This is my first paddle boarding experience. You take out the paddle board out of the bag, Lay it out. Blow it up, put on 3 fins on the bottom and you your paddle are ready to go. Have your life jacket, hat, water and a camera. I met really great people just floating and paddling today. This lake is really big. I stayed close to the main recreational area since I am new. I heard there is a cave you can explore. Natoma recreational park is a place for picnics, families, water sports, paddle boarding, sailing and fun in the sun. I am hooked on paddle boarding now. I love this lake! See you again. Bring the family or just yourself. Have an adventure. Julie A

Love Lake Natoma. Lots of water loving options for fun. Beach, picnic areas, connections to trails,…read moreand shade. No current is family friendly swimming for all. Love to take in a sunset on our stand up boards. You've got to check this place out for yourself. I am eager to return soon. Great place to beat the heat.

Everything. This is…read morea pristine, cold, well maintained lake with awesome camp sites and bathrooms. The bathrooms are just that, babes...lake bathrooms. The waterfall runs with Mother Nature.

I have camped here twice now. Camping is not my thing, but it's a way to unplug and unwind. The…read morefirst time we stayed at waterfront campsite (Pincone- $65). It was easy to walk to the water. The second time we stayed at the standard campsite (Hilltop- $42). Each reservation is for 6 people and 1 car. The weather was nice when we went and the site was shaded. Pit toilets are the main downside to camping here.

So beautiful and peaceful we will definitely go back very kids friendly the hike was easy and…read morebeautiful

We wanted to go hiking and found the Joshua M. Hardt Memorial Trail, which circles around the…read morereservoir. The loop was a bit over 4 miles. I'm glad it was mostly shaded and flat. The water was nice and clear. There were several benches along the way. Best of all, it wasn't crowded at all when we went. Bring cash- $5.00 per vehicle.

Part of Nevada County Irrigation District. This reservoir is a quiet calm lake, almost no one on it…read moreduring weekdays. Obviously, busy on weekends. Four entry locations situated around this large lake. Friendly, helpful staff. Awesome views and several boat launches at the various points of entry. Very nice individual and group campgrounds. A little pricey at $22.00 per car, but they have reduced rates weekdays after 4 pm for $11.00. Additional charges for boats and canoes. There is also a free to park spot, but we locals generally don't give out that location as it quickly gets crowded.

We kicked off our 4th of July bright and early with a fishing trip to Rollins Lake before heading…read moreto Ripley to catch the parade--and it couldn't have started the day off better! The whole fam-bam was out there by 7 a.m., lines in the water as soon as we could get them in. About 30 minutes in, our middle child--who ALWAYS seems to be the first to catch something--reeled in the first fish. Not long after, our youngest caught one too, literally right after releasing the first! Then I got in on the action, followed by my husband. Our oldest was getting tons of bites but just couldn't land one. With only about 30 minutes left before we had to pack up for the parade, my husband gave him a tip and sent him to his go-to spot. Boom--fish on the line right away! He let that one go, cast again, and caught another within minutes. It was a perfect ending to our morning. Rollins Lake is such a fun spot to fish as a family. Bring chairs, sunscreen, hats, and don't forget snacks and drinks. The port-o-potties weren't bad at all, and there was plenty of parking too. We had a blast and will absolutely be coming back soon!

Love adventuring with our four legged friends. So many trails, beautiful views, and plenty of…read morespace. Check it out for yourself. You don't be sorry.

We stayed at Beal Point campground one night. The campsites are large and mostly clean. Our firepit…read morewas filled with partly burned trash, bottles and cans. We've been on the road for a month and this was the first campground with pay showers. I'm not entirely sure we'll visit again.

We've stayed at Collins Lake, a campsite that's 1.5 hours from Sacramento, 30 minutes from…read moreMarysville, many times over the past 12 years. We stayed near the office in the 60s (don't suggest if you dont like noise, weekend live music, or crowds), we've stayed in the 100s, we've stayed all over this camp ground, but mostly we've stayed in the 200s. My least favorite place to camp was the sites near the office because of all the noise, loud music, close vicinity to the showers and swarms of people everywhere, especially in the summertime. For the past 5 years or so we enjoy staying in the 200s due to the low noise since in that area, it's only 1 row of campers, the ease of accessibility to the water for boat owners & quick access to swimming & lounging in the lake. The 200s are a quick bike ride or drive to the showers (we usually bring an extra car). And it's full electricity & water hook ups too. In the hot summer months, the water is perfect here to just lounge and do nothing but relax, chat for hours & soak in nature's Vitamin D from the sun. I personally love this place for the lovely tallow products by walkerstallowproducts.com that they sell in their adorable store. They also sell food, drinks, jewelry, mugs, tea, snacks, candy, some veggies, fishing stuff, ice & espresso drinks. My kids love their daily ice creams in many different flavors (they give free samples!). Hubby loves fishing here for the bass & trout. The BEST tasting fish tacos, or fish with rice, or fish sandwiches is when you catch, clean, and fish fry the same day with Zatarans & cassava flour. It's the best fish I've ever tasted. I highly suggest. This place is our annual RV camping tradition for the past 12 years & holds many memories for me & my family & I highly suggest it. If you know dates you want to stay here, I highly suggest booking a reservation a year in advance especially for major holidays. They fill up super fast.

Amazing place for camping with family. Was a good experience…read more:) We'll be back for sure next year

Backround On Donner Lake: Named after the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became trapped in…read morethe Sierra Nevada Mountains during the winter of 1846-47. The lake was originally known as Truckee Lake, but was renamed in their memory. The Donner Party's ill-fated journey and subsequent struggle for survival has made the area a place of both historical significance and tragedy Background On Visit: Reading articles about things to do near Lake Tahoe, we decided to visit this place. Location/Parking: Located along Donner Pass Rd.. Free parking on the west end of the lake. Ambiance: The views of the pine trees and water are very nice when you drive along Donner Pass Rd.. Probably be more enjoyable as a passenger. Perhaps next time. Entertainment: 1) Boating and Water Sports: Rent boats, kayaks, paddleboards, or hydrobikes at Donner Lake Watersports. 2) Fishing: Donner Lake is known for kokanee salmon and various trout species. 3) Swimming: Enjoy the lifeguard-staffed West End Beach Park or swim at the public piers. 4) Hiking Trails Donner Lake For Thought: Choose Donner Lake for a more serene and accessible experience with a unique history and warmer water. :)

Right off of I-80 in Truckee this is one of the coolest…read moreplaces of the Sierra. Donner Lake is a true mountain getaway for activities from boating & fishing in the summer to snowshoeing in winter. Although it's a fraction in size to its bigger sibling Lake Tahoe, it offers a more relaxed alternative and just as many options of things to do on and off the water. Don't miss Donner State Park while visiting the lake. It is a giant part of local history.