Lake guide
Collins Lake
Browns Valley, Yuba County, CA
Overview
Collins Lake is a 1,600-acre foothill lake with about 12 miles of shoreline, set at roughly 1,200 feet between Marysville and Grass Valley at 7530 Collins Lake Road, Browns Valley. The Collins Lake Recreation Area runs the campground, marina, launch ramp and store, and the lake is popular for trout fishing and family camping.
Layout and speed zones
The entire north half and a 200-foot band along the whole west side are 5 mph zones, so plan faster runs for the rest of the lake. Fast boats must also keep 100 feet away from anyone fishing.
What makes it different
Personal watercraft aren't allowed, and neither are boats with unmuffled or excessively noisy exhausts. Waterskiing and wakeboarding are allowed only May 1 to October 15, outside No Ski, Fishing Only and 5 mph areas, with skiers asked to run counter-clockwise. Rental boats can't run at night.
Seasons
The gate opens at sunrise year-round. Trout planting typically runs from late October into early May, when surface water is under 70°F. The main camping season is March through November.
Getting there & access
By road
Collins Lake is in the Yuba County foothills between Marysville and Grass Valley, a little over an hour northeast of Sacramento. The entrance is at 7530 Collins Lake Road, Browns Valley.
Launch ramp
The state facility listing shows two boarding floats and about 50 parking spaces for cars with trailers. The courtesy dock is limited to 15 minutes while launching.
Mussel prevention
The recreation area asks boaters to dry, inspect and clean their boats when moving between waterways. Arrive with the hull, motor, bilge and live wells clean and dry.
Overnight on the water
Anyone staying overnight on a boat must be registered as a camper and must have a self-contained toilet.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — Two boarding floats; about 50 trailer parking spaces
- Marina — Moorage, fuel, repair and boat rentals
- Dry storage — About 150 units per the state listing
- Camping — RV hookups, tent sites, 8 cabins and 4 rental RV trailers
- General store — Store, laundry and hot showers
- Swimming area — Designated swim area; boats keep 100 ft away
Rules & official resources
- 5 mph within 200 feet of the entire west side of the lake and in marked areas, including the entire north half; fast boats keep 100 ft from people or boats fishing
- Waterskiing allowed only May 1–October 15 and not in No Ski, Fishing Only or 5 mph areas; no shore takeoffs from docks, beaches, the ramp or in front of the campground
- No personal watercraft (any small motorized craft under 13 ft and over 25 hp) and no boats with unmuffled or excessively noisy exhausts
- Boats must keep at least 100 ft from all swimmers and the swimming area; rental boats may not operate at night
- Dry, inspect and clean your boat when moving between waterways
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Registered boats used in fresh water must display a current Mussel Fee Sticker on the hull next to the registration sticker; failure to display it can mean denial of access or a citation
Common boat service needs here
Exhaust and engine checks
Loud or unmuffled exhausts are banned here, so owners of performance and older boats often need exhaust and engine work before the season.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Cleaning between lakes
Many local boaters also use Bullards Bar and Englebright. Clean, drain and dry service keeps boats ready to move between lakes.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Dry storage
With about 150 dry-storage spaces on site, many owners keep boats at the lake through the long fishing season.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026