California lakes for sailing

19 places · Updated automatically · Last reviewed October 29, 2026

California lakes and reservoirs where our guides document sailing, from big reservoirs with steady afternoon wind to small lakes with sailing clubs or rental sailboats.

#1
Lake Del Valle
Lake · Livermore
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Boats of any size can use the public ramp, from kayaks and sailboats to motorboats”
#2
Huntington Lake
Lake · Lakeshore
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Huntington is best known as a sailing lake.”
#3
New Hogan Lake
Lake · Valley Springs
- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Sailing
Why it's here: “Water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, fishing”
#4
Lake Isabella
Lake · Lake Isabella
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Sailing
Why it's here: “$30 per year for paddle and sail-powered vessels”
#5
Whiskeytown Lake
Lake · Whiskeytown
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Sailors, paddlers, anglers and pontoon renters use the lake year-round.”
#6
Big Bear Lake
Lake · Big Bear Lake
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
Why it's here: “fishing boats, sailboats and a large paddling crowd”
#7
Folsom Lake
Lake · Folsom
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
Why it's here: “The lake is popular for waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing and sailing”
#8
Clear Lake
Lake · Lakeport
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “ski boats, pontoons, wakeboard boats and sailboats share the water”
#9
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Lake · Perris
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “Lake Perris is a favorite for powerboating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing and fishing”
#10
Lake Yosemite
Lake · Merced
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Sailing
Why it's here: “Lake Yosemite Sailing Association”
#11
Lake Ming
Lake · Bakersfield
- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Sailing
Why it's here: “Sailboat-only days each week and month”
#12
Bethany Reservoir
Lake · Byron
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Catamarans and sailboards allowed”
#13
Vasona Lake
Lake · Los Gatos
- Kayak & SUP
- Sailing
- Boat rentals
Why it's here: “Sailboat rentals for certified sailors”
#14
Calero Reservoir
Lake · San Jose
- Boat launch
- Sailing
- Jet skis allowed
Why it's here: “Sailing and paddling allowed”
#15
Castaic Lake and Castaic Lagoon
Lake · Castaic
- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Sailing
Why it's here: “About 197 acres; hand, sail or electric motor only”
#16
Lake Tahoe
Lake · South Lake Tahoe
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Summer cruising, sailing, waterskiing, fishing, paddling”
#17
Westlake Lake
Lake · Westlake Village
- Sailing
Why it's here: “Westlake Yacht Club teaches sailing to all ages”
#18
Castaic Lagoon (Lower Lake)
Lake · Castaic
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
Why it's here: “That makes the Lagoon popular with kayakers, canoeists, small sailboats”
#19
Lake Woollomes
Lake · Delano
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Sailboats, rowboats and canoes”