15 Gorgeous Lakes In Northern California That You Must Check Out This Summer
Joanne Kraft
Author
Have you been to one of these gorgeous lakes in California? Do you have your summer trips in NorCal marked on your calendar? Northern California has a boatload of lakes to spend some time camping and fishing. Perhaps you want to go skiing or just relax on the shore with some binoculars. So much fun is available at some of the best lakes in Northern California. Here are our suggestions for some awesome summer fun.
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Do you spend all your time wishing you were at the lake? Stop that and start putting a few of these down on your calendar. Whether it is the seclusion you crave or a bustling, crowded spot, go to the best lakes in Northern California where everything is available. Come unwind at the lake; you deserve it!
We’ve included links to campgrounds and campsites for several of the lakes. If you don’t own your own camping equipment but would love the experience, consider checking out RVShare, where you can simply rent an RV that perfectly fits your camping needs!
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More to Explore
Attractions in Northern California
What is another one of the best lakes in Northern California?
Convict Lake, located in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada, offers some of the most visually-pleasing experiences in the state. A bit about this lake:
- Wet a line, sit back, and enjoy this clear, blue water and majestic mountainsides surrounding the lake.
- If you're a history buff, you will enjoy the interesting history here. Things became really interesting on Sept. 23, 1871, when some convicts escaped from prison in Carson City, Nevada. As they hid out by the lake, a posse found them and a shootout ensued, killing and wounding several people.
Where is one of the best restaurants in Northern California?
While Northern California boasts some of the best restaurants in the U.S., you must try Yaks on the 5, in Dunsmuir. Here the staff is proud of serving locally-grown food products.
- The hamburger meat, for example, is sourced from the local Prather ranch, in Macdoel
- The beer comes from breweries within a 100-mile radius.
- As much as possible, many things are made on the premises including the lavender ketchup, chili lime aioli with fresh lime, asiago ranch dressing, bagels, and hamburger buns.
Where is one of the best-haunted hotels in Northern California?
If you are up for a little paranormal activity, head on out to one of the several haunted hotels in Northern California. The Groveland Hotel is considered the oldest hotel in Northern California.
- Sitting near Yosemite National Park, the rooms at this quintessential California inn, combine elegant, authentic history with modern comfort.
- Some unique touches include queen-sized bunk beds, a free electric car-charging outlet, and yes - a some say a haunted presence.
- Beginning as a trading post in 1849, it became other businesses, such as a ranger station, a saloon, and a Greyhound Bus Station.
- One of the ghosts named Lyle, known to have stayed in Room 15, is still there as legend has it. It might be worth the trip to find out more about the spirits there.