Lake Del Valle
Lake · Livermore
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Swimming only in designated, lifeguarded areas”
California lakes for swimming
62 places · Updated automatically · Last reviewed October 29, 2026
California lakes and reservoirs where you can swim. Some drinking-water reservoirs ban body contact, so only lakes whose guide documents swimming are listed. Check for algae advisories before you go.
- Twin Lakes (Bridgeport)
Lake · Bridgeport
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Swimming areas at both resorts” - Lake Almanor
Lake · Chester
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “One boarding float, two carry-down walkways, 40 trailer spaces, swim area” - Puddingstone Lake (Bonelli Park)
Lake · San Dimas
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Sandy beach with lifeguard supervision” - Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Lake · Friant
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “No boats in swimming areas” - Spring Lake (Santa Rosa)
Lake · Santa Rosa
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Free swimming lagoon, lifeguarded in summer” - Lodi Lake Park
Lake · Lodi
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Sandy beach with a buoyed swim area and lifeguards in summer” - Lake McClure
Lake · Snelling
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “showers, laundry and a swimming area” - Lake Tulloch
Lake · Jamestown
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Restrooms, showers, laundry, day-use and swimming areas” - Lake Thomas A. Edison
Lake · Mono Hot Springs
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Sandy beaches in the campground” - Lower Bear River Reservoir
Lake · Pioneer
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Swimming in the reservoir” - Cherry Lake
Lake · Groveland
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Swimming away from the ramp” - June Lake
Lake · June Lake
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “June Lake Beach (Forest Service)” - Rollins Lake
Lake · Colfax
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Swimming area at Orchard Springs” - Loon Lake (Crystal Basin)
Lake · Pollock Pines
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Swimming area” - Prosser Creek Reservoir
Lake · Truckee
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Swimming popular in summer” - Rancho Seco Lake
Lake · Herald
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Roped-off sandy beach with summer lifeguards”
.jpg?width=500 "Photo: Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons")
.jpg?width=500 "Photo: Bob n' Renee, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons")
.jpg?width=500 "Photo: USFS Region 5, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons")
.jpg?width=500 "Photo: Pacific Southwest Region 5 (USDA Forest Service), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons")
How this list works
Published place facts determine membership and ranking, which update as places are verified. Always check current conditions before you go.
