Echo Lake is a glacial lake near Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. If you are new to Southern California, you might wonder if such a day at the lake is possible. Lost Creek, Emigrant, Willow and of course Crater Lake. Perhaps nowhere else in the U.S. are freshwater swimming holes more desired than in Southern California, and for good reason. Most of the lakes in your area are also the water reservoirs for your water system. Find & reserve the best campsites in California with swimming. They'll let you use jet skis, power boats and fish in them, but they ban swimming. It’s about nourishment and learning. And you can count on most of them being nearly dry by end of August and nonexistent by September. More akin to a lakeside resort, this swimming hole is known for its incredible scenery and fun summer vibes. Camping around the lakes of Southern California means weather good enough for swimming and water-skiing throughout much of the year. Bridge to Nowhere, East Fork San Gabriel River, Cleghorn Day Use Area + Swim Beach, Silverwood Lake, The Best Winter Adventures in North America. Once you get there, you'll be in awe of the volcanic rock formations that surround you. Southern California Aztec Falls - This is one of the most popular swimming holes near Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains, and one look explains why. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Almost all of SoCal is desert, and during the long inland months of summer, daytime heat can easily rise to 115 degrees. Any swimmable lakes in Southern California? California is one of the most diverse states in the U.S. Home to desert, forests and mountains, it also boasts some of the country's most impressive waterways. It's truly one of the most underrated outdoor adventures in SoCal. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Lakeport and Clearlake are the lake’s main settlements. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Lake Arrowhead inside San Bernardino NF; Big Bear Lake inside San Bernardino NF; Castaic Lake near Angeles NF Lake Cachuma near Santa Barbara, CA Lake Cahuilla above LaQuinta, CA; Lake Cuyamaca near Cleveland NF; Lake Dixon near Escondido CA; Lake Elsinore in the Inland Empire Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. % of the Hipcamps for your dates are already booked. If you want to continue enjoying these areas, pack out all garbage and toilet paper and dispose of it properly, use vault toilets and other restroom facilities when provided, and stay on established paths. Love SoCal? ​Before heading out, though, remember that these swimming holes are sacred to many and proper etiquette and ethical behavior are crucial to keeping them open to the public for years to come. Downstream from Switzer Falls Picnic area in the San Gabriel Mountains you will find a small swimming hole that's perfect for a dip in the water. California’s beaches are not limited to the Ocean – head up to the Sierras for many lakes, many of which are very lightly visited. The hike is fairly popular, but the massive, gushing waterfall is well worth the time investment. Although cliff diving is a popular activity here, stick to hiking down to the swimming hole as that's a much safer plan. Here's our guide to lakes where you can take your dog. Head to the highly popular Eaton Canyon Falls in Altadena if you’re looking for ease of access, and if you’re hiking in Santa Barbara there’s nothing like the 150-foot Tangerine Falls. When it comes to swimming holes in SoCal, the Malibu Creek Rock Pool is one of the most stunning. There are several well-known lakes in Yosemite, the two most commonly known being Tenaya Lake (popular for swimming, canoeing and picnicking) and Mirror Lake (the biggest swimming hole in … © 2020 Outdoor Project. This spectacular spot outside of San Diego in Ramona is a hidden gem. Located in the Angeles National Forest, you can take the scenic Burkhart Trail to reach this refreshing swimming hole in the middle of your summer in SoCal hike. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/gorgeous-lakes-so-cal Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & CA State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves. The sun’s out, the temp’s climbing to 80-90 degrees everyday, and we’re all dreaming of cooling off with some ice cream by the water. The region of Southern California is rife with natural beauty, but there are a few beautiful swimming holes that make for a perfect experience on a warm day. The Lake Tahoe area has several beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and water play during the summer. A pleasant 2.5 mile trail will lead you down to Cedar Creek Falls where you will be greeted by this heavenly pool of water. Weekends can get pretty crowded, but you may have this swimming hole in SoCal to yourself during a weekday afternoon. Is swimming always allowed in California lakes? Luckily, the mountains of SoCal rise high (San Gorgonio Mountain in the San Bernardinos peaks out at an impressive 11,503 feet) and capture a surprisingly plentiful bounty of snow in the winter months that saturate the ground and create pools, springs, and waterfalls in the most unexpected places. Using these areas responsibly will increase the chance that people can continue to enjoy them. And unlike some other SoCal swimming lakes, this beach is open all week from July through Labor Day. This camp is along the north shore, where there are also several trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There’s no other place like the summer in SoCal, and you’re bound to fall in love with one of these incredible swimming holes. Lifeguards are generally not provided. Silverwood Lake is known for being one of the most beautiful lakes in the Inland Empire, and it’s great for boating, fishing, and water skiing. Discover the beautiful lakes of the Rogue Valley & Southern Oregon. If you have a boat, bring it along, because you can motor it right up to the swimming area and take a dip. The Rock Pool Swimming Hole is freezing but a true classic, and it was once used as a filming spot for Planet of the Apes. Head to Lake Piru for camping, or maybe head out to Lake Cuyamaca if you’re looking for great trout fishing. Stoke Newington; Islington; WE’RE NOW OPEN; December 17, 2020 by . For instance, Santa Clara County doesn’t allow swimming in lakes at all. What’s the most beautiful swimming hole in SoCal? It may not be large enough to do laps, but it's the perfect spot for a quick jump in the water to help you cool off. Anyone know of any swimmable lakes or fresh water swimming in So Cal? While the water is often cold, few things compare with the feeling of drying off in the summer sun after a swim in a high-altitude lake. 6. Cooper Canyon Falls. Most places are just fishing and boating, I wan't to swim. The lake is just minutes away from Lake Tahoe and is one of the top places to go swimming in the area. There’s no better cure for a long winter than a visit to any one of the cool lakes nestled in the foothills across California. Southern California Lakes see lake photos . flickr/Jessica Watkins. The towns of South Lake Tahoe on the southern shore and Lake Tahoe City on the lake’s west side offer excellent bases with vacation rentals for holiday-goers of all ages. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The list is alphabetized by the name of the lake, with the words lake, of, and the ignored. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, you will enjoy a short hike along the Pacific Crest Trail before you reach this splendid swimming holes in SoCal to take a swim. Wow – what a perfect way to spend the day! This is a popular destination in the San Gabriel Mountains for hiking and taking a swim at the base of Hermit Falls. I really want to go swimming but can't find any recent reviews of nice places to swim. 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Over the last 30 days, fishing resorts in California have been available starting from $102, though prices have typically been closer to $151. That being said, California is no stranger to drought, and it is still composed of arid landscapes that will dry up fast by as early as early-July, so catching the right swimming hole certainly favors the early birds. Lake Elsinore, which covers 3,000 acres (4.7 sq mi; 12 km 2), is billed as the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California. Distance: 82 miles from Hollywood Cost: Free It’s also full of lakes, and though some like Lake Shasta and Lake Tahoe are household names, many visitors are surprised to learn that there are hundreds of lakes in California. Silverwood Lake Swim Beach (beach, kid-friendly) East Public Boat Launch, Big Bear Lake (beach, kid-friendly) Big Bear Lake West Shore Beach (beach, kid-friendly) The lake has some of the finest fishing in Oregon, known particularly for its brown trout, rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon. Rivers & Lakes of Southern Oregon. List. Tucked inside the San Gabriel Mountains along the East fork of the San Gabriel River you will find this popular swimming hole under the Bridge to Nowhere. When you think of taking a swim in Southern California, the first thing that comes to mind is heading to the ocean. That said, there are exceptions to this rule, and some regulations apply when boating in the state. Answer Save. Some of the most scenic and popular ones are in the arid southern and … All rights reserved. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Take a short half-mile hike on the Red Rock trail in the Los Padres National Forest to reach this popular swimming spot surrounded by stunning scenery. Changing water levels, unseen rocks, and river bottoms that have shifted with currents and seasonal weather can turn a well-known jumping area into a serious hazard. Most California lakes do allow boating. Located in the Angeles National Forest, you can take the scenic Burkhart Trail to reach this refreshing swimming hole … You can learn more about the beauty of Southern California with a visit to our site archives. Here's a link to a website down below that tells you what is allowed in the various lakes in Southern California, but realize that if it doesn't say swimming chances are you can't. Summer is an outdoor lover’s playground with lots of swimming, fishing, rafting, and boating around every corner, while winter offers, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and even ice fishing! As of July 14, 2020, swimming is open again at Bonelli Park. Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California. The interesting thing is that this is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California. Little Harbor and Shark Harbor can be found on the southwest side of Catalina, and you just might spot a lobster when the tide goes out. There’s not only sandy beaches along the coast but also a few swimming holes further inland where you can go for a dip as it gets progressively warmer this season. They simply do not have the staff or the funding to attend to these issues. The Forest Service and other local management agencies are considering closing access to many of these sensitive locations due to excessive trampling of plants, large amounts of garbage, cans and glass bottles, graffiti, human waste, and toilet paper left behind. Swimming is permitted at both lakes, and beaches are located within several campgrounds and picnic areas. SoCal has a myriad of opportunities if you’re looking to spend a day out on the lake. Lakes in Southern California California is paradise for dogs who like swimming, with dog-friendly lakes up and down the state. Silverwood Lake - San Bernardino. Reward yourself with a dip in the cool water at Solstice Canyon in Malibu at this small swimming hole along one of the trail routes. And because much of the region's drinking water comes from reservoirs, many don't allow swimming. With the diversity of southern Oregon’s landscapes come more than fifty lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks. It’s about protecting what sustains us. Lake Gregory is in the San Bernardino National Forest and provides a tranquil getaway for locals to hide from the influx of tourists. The East Lake Campground is located at the very south end of the lake. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Lake del Valle is a water reservoir 10 miles south of Livermore. Most that do either don't allow camping or restrict this to organized groups. No, swimming is not always allowed. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. Green Lake … We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Deep Creek Canyon, San Bernardino National Forest. Prior to engaging in these activities, extensively scout the current conditions, and understand the risks involved with serious injury and the logistical challenges of evacuation from the water so you can make safe decisions. Clear Lake offers swimming, sailing, waterskiing, and bass fishing; it’s also popular among seaplane pilots, should you have a seaplane handy. To sort on a different column, click on the arrows in the header row. It's a great place for swimming and picnicking, but this location is busy most of the time so if you're a low-key beach goer - be aware! The best lake camping in California. In Lake County about three hours north of San Francisco, this is the biggest natural lake entirely within California (we share Tahoe with Nevada). Get here early on the weekend to to avoid the crowds or plan on a weekday trip to get this spot to yourself. Here, you’ll find a gorgeous, peaceful, mountain setting, beautiful scenery and crystal-clear lakes … Here are 10 epic spots in Southern California where you will find the perfect place to refresh yourself in the water on a hot summer day. This is a spot the whole family can enjoy as it's an easy 1.5 mile hike to reach the swimming hole. Activities: Boating, jet skiing, waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, camping, golfing (nearby camp) Where to Eat: The cities of Lake Elsinore and Murrieta are located nearby. Where are your favorite spots to take a swim in Southern California? The Finger Lakes draw more attention as far as upstate New York lakes go, but Green Lake and neighbor Round Lake offer two lakes for the price of one—and more swimming opportunities. Swimming holes and cliff jumping can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable outdoor activities that pose significant risks regarding personal safety. What are the best waterfall hikes in SoCal? People also visit the lake to go picnicking, kayaking, swimming and camping. Therefore, if swimming is important to you, you will want to do some research before booking any … Price estimates were calculated on … 4. There are multiple opportunities to hike to waterfalls in Southern California, but some hikes are better than others. Elsinore is a huge, wide lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California—where water-skiers, personal watercraft riders, and sailboarders can find a slice of heaven. When it comes to swimming holes in SoCal, the Malibu Creek Rock Pool is one of the most stunning. At the top of Tenaja Falls in the Cleveland National Forest you will find this pleasant spot along the Tenaja Falls trail. The land where ‘Ski, surf, hike, and camp in one California day’ rings true. Luckily Southern California has plenty of opportunities for both. Thank you! Clear water flows among rounded sunbathing rocks and tiered cliffs. Stay safe, be courteous, and have fun! Camping, swimming, fishing, boating and paddling. best swimming lakes in southern california If you’re looking to ditch the public pool, then you might want to head to the slow-moving Deep Creek. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Both lakes are … While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. 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