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<\/p>\nCalaveras County Lakes, Ca…The rising temps of summer in the hills are made all the sweeter when you know just where to find your perfect weekend by one of our many lakes \u2013 from boating to camping to quiet mountain dips.\u00a0 Beat the heat\u00a0 \u2013 and the crowds this summer with our insider\u2019s guide on where to sleep, eat and play lakeside!<\/p>\n
Hitch up the boat or jet skis and head to the bait shop on your way to one of four major reservoirs in the Calaveras foothills.\u00a0 Lakes Camanche, Hogan, Melones and Tulloch all welcome personal watercraft and other towables, and have reservable tent and RV campsites with lake views.\u00a0 Anglers have been setting records recently in these parts with prize bass and trout catches, as the lakes are all stocked to ensure a great fishing experience.<\/p>\n
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Many campsites have shady oak trees and picnic tables to provide some relief from the summer sun, but it\u2019s never a bad idea to bring some extra shade \u2013 a simple pop-up shade tent or tarp will do the trick.\u00a0 Love the camping idea but prefer a more comfortable route?\u00a0 Check out the cabin and cottage rentals at Tulloch and Camanche, you\u2019ll be by the shore with a roof over your head, a barbecue and a porch to take it all in!<\/p>\n
Lake Camanche \u2013\u00a0<\/b>Camping from $28 night \/ $150 week; Cottages from $170 night \/ $800 week New Melones Lake\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0<\/b>Camping from $22 nightly;\u00a0\u00a0Click here for reservations and lake info<\/a> Lake Tulloch \u2013\u00a0<\/b>Camping from $23 nightly; Cabins from $100 nightly New Hogan Lake \u2013\u00a0<\/b>Camping from $14 nightly;\u00a0Click here for reservations and lake info<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n UPCOUNTRY \u2013 The Place for Paddlers, Stargazers and Mountain Lovers<\/b><\/p>\n White Pines \u2013\u00a0<\/b>While there\u2019s no camping at White Pines Lake, this little gem just outside the town of Arnold is a perfect spot to take the kids on a hot day, with a shaded picnic area and extensive play structure, as well as a nice sunny beach with a shallow wading area.\u00a0 Need to rent kayaks or paddleboards? Head over to\u00a0SNAC<\/a>\u00a0and they\u2019ll fix you up.\u00a0 Be sure to load up on picnic supplies at\u00a0Big Trees Market<\/a>\u00a0in Arnold before heading out. \u00a0 Make it a day long outing with a hike or bike ride on the nearby Arnold Rim Trail and a visit to the fabulous Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, just a short walk from the lakeshore.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The High Sierra Lakes are characterized by crisp clear waters, granite islands and quiet campsites in the pines.\u00a0 Most camping here is on a first come, first served basis so our recommendation is to get here before Saturday if you can. \u00a0 Plan for cool evenings and remember that the local rodents and bears will visit when you leave food out \u2013 stow it in your vehicle overnight and when you leave the campsites for a day out.\u00a0 Need fishing supplies before heading upcountry? Check out\u00a0Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods<\/a>.<\/p>\n Lake Alpine \u2013\u00a0<\/b>No question this is one of the most picturesque places to spend a summer day, take the four-mile trail around the lake, much of which is wheelchair accessible or opt for a more strenuous hike to Inspiration Point, overlooking the lake and surrounding wilderness.\u00a0 There are four campgrounds on Lake Alpine, as well as a restaurant, bar and general store.\u00a0 Rent a kayak or check out the free interpretive programs by local forest rangers.<\/p>\n Located 60 miles east of Angels Camp on Highway 4, 3 miles east of the town of Bear Valley.<\/p>\n More info:\u00a0\u00a0Camping and recreation,<\/b><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0National Forest information<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n
\nMore info:\u00a0\u00a0www.camancherecreation.com<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 (209) 763-5912.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Gear, supplies, fishing reports and local lore at nearby\u00a0Glory Hole Sports<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b>209-736-4333. Water levels are down due to the drought, but the lake is still open and there\u2019s plenty of big fish to hook.<\/p>\n
\nFor reservations:\u00a0\u00a0www.laketullochcampground.com<\/a>\u00a0or 800-894-2267<\/p>\n![\"Lake](\"http:\/\/www.gocalaveras.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lake-Tulloch-Jack-Forkner-1024x640.jpg\")
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\nSpicer Meadow \/ Union and Utica Reservoirs \u2013\u00a0<\/b>About four miles west of Bear Valley on Highway 4 is Spicer Reservoir Road, which will take you 9 miles down to this trio of granite lined lakes.\u00a0 Surrounded by National Forest and the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, this region has limitless possibilities for hiking and exploring.\u00a0 Spicer is the largest of the three, with concrete boat ramps and trailer parking, although boats are limited to 10mph. \u00a0 All offer great fishing, and Utica Reservoir is a favorite among kayakers for its many rocky islands that offer a unique boat-in camping opportunity.\u00a0 Spicer has piped water available, while you\u2019ll need to pack in the H2O at Utica and Union.<\/p>\n
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