Water Activities
The cool, clean lakes, rivers and streams of the Eldorado National Forest can be a welcome relief from the heat and sun of the California summer. Always use caution when enjoying the water. Never swim or float alone and always wear appropriate safety equipment (e.g., a life vest). Be aware of strong current, cold water, undertows or sudden water level changes. Keep children close at all times and enjoy!
Boating - Motorized
Motorized boating is allowed in most of our larger lakes and reservoirs. There is no launch fee but some areas might have a parking fee.
POPULAR BOATING LOCATIONS
- Ice House Reservoir - Pacific Ranger District
- Union Valley Reservoir - Pacific Ranger District
- Loon Lake - Pacific Ranger District. Caution: lake has many under water rocks so great for fishing, etc. but not advisable for skiing.
- Stumpy Meadows Reservoir - Georgetown Ranger District
- Hell Hole Reservoir - Georgetown Ranger District
- Bear River Reservoir - Amador Ranger District
- Silver Lake - Amador Ranger District
- Caples Lake - Amador Ranger District. Not a skiing lake.
Boat-in dispersed camping is permitted on Bear River Reservoir, Union Valley Reservoir, Loon Lake and Hell Hole Reservoir.
*Dispersed camping is NOT allowed around the following lakes because of heavy visitor use, the presence of summer homes, or surrounding private land: Echo Lake ♦ Caples Lake ♦ Gerle Creek Reservoir ♦ Ice House Reservoir ♦ Kirkwood Lake ♦ Silver Lake ♦ Stumpy Meadows Reservoir ♦ Woods Lake ♦ Wrights Lake
Boating - Non-Motorized
Non-motorized boating is permitted on some of the smaller lakes. Boating on any river is non-motorized due to the shallow depth.
POPULAR BOATING LOCATIONS
- Wrights Lake - Pacific Ranger District
- Gerle Creek Reservoir - Pacific Ranger District
- Woods Lake - Amador Ranger District
- Kirkwood Lake - Amador Ranger District
Swimming
Water safety should be the most important factor if you decide to take a swim in a river, lake or stream. Currents, water temperature, flow rates, and bottom topography change every season of the year. A favorite quiet pool from the late summer could be a death trap in early spring. Check all conditions before entering the water. Never dive head first anywhere. Wear suitable safety equipment and keep children close at all times.
Search for Water Activities Opportunities
Airport Flat Campground
Azalea Cove Campground
Bear Group Campground
Big Meadows Campground
Black Oak Group Campground
Camino Cove Campground
Caples Lake Campground
Caples Lake Resort
Fashoda Campground
Gerle Creek Campground
