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Water Activities

Water sports enthusiasts find plenty of adventure opportunities on the Tahoe National Forest.

Boating - Motorized

USDA Forest Service allows motorized boating on many of its lakes, with boat ramps and launching piers available at some locations, though regulations and restrictions vary by area.

Boating - Non-Motorized

The USDA Forest Service allows non-motorized boating (canoes, kayaks, etc.) on many of its lakes and rivers, with specific areas and regulations varying by forest and location.

Floating or paddling through the forests is the perfect way to view wildlife and take in the beauty of riparian vegetation. During spring flows, kayaking and canoeing opportunities are the best in many of our waterways. 

Swimming

Swimming can be a fun way to cool off on a hot day, but make sure you follow safety guidelines. Many national forest swimming areas will not have designated lifeguards on duty.

  • Designate a responsible adult to supervise children.
  • Don’t swim alone. It is always safer to swim with a buddy.
  • Look before you leap. Always check water conditions and depth before jumping or swimming. Underwater conditions can change quickly, putting hazards like tree branches or rocks in your path that were not there before.
  • Beware diving into any natural body of water. It is never safe to jump from rock cliffs, ledges, and man-made structures.
  • Do not recreate in boat ramps/launches. Swim and play in designated swim beaches.

Search for Water Activities Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 61 results

Big Bend Group Campground

Water Activities
Big Bend Group Campground is located right off I-80 on Old Highway 40, behind Big Bend U.S. Forest Service Fire Station. There are two group campsites with tables, group fire rings and grills with…

Big Reservoir Campground

Picnicking Water Activities
Sites 1-19 open Memorial Day weekend, reservations available at Recreation.gov, Sites 20+ are only reservable through Morningstar Campground at (530) 346-3028.Big Reservoir Campground is adjacent to…

Boca Campground

Site Open
Water Activities Scenic Drives Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Boca Campground is located up in the trees overlooking Boca Reservoir. Each site has a bear locker, fire ring with bbq grate, and a picnic table.

Boca Reservoir

Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The resevoir is on the Little Truckee River, a popular location for motorized boats, personal watercraft, and water skiing. the resevoir has a surface area of approximately 980 acres at full resevoir…

Boca Rest Campground

Site Open
Water Activities Scenic Drives Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
5/3/24: Camp open, but only non-potable water available and trash service.The campground offers single-family sites, with a few located right along the waterfront. Most sites are fairly exposed with…

Boca Springs Campground

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Scenic Drives Water Activities Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Boca Spring Campground is located approximately one-mile east of Boca Reservoir where boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing are popular activities. A boat ramp is located near Boca Campground…

Bowman Campground

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking
Bowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service.Bowman Lake is a large…

Canyon Creek Campground

Site Closed
Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking
Canyon Creek Campground is located on Canyon Creek in a mixed conifer forest, near Faucherie Reservoir. It is a remote campground with 20 campsites, vault toilets, bear proof food lockers, paved…

Carlton Flat Campground

Site Open
Water Activities
Carlton Flat Campground is located on the North Yuba River along Hwy 49. There are 17 campsites with vault toilets and piped water. There is access to the North Yuba Trail. Camground is surrounded by…

Last updated March 28th, 2025