Harry L. Englebright Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed reservoir off of Hwy 20 just west of Penn Valley and about midway between Yuba City and Grass Valley in Nevada County. A popular boating and fishing destination, the lake has a surface area of 815 acres with a shoreline of 24 miles that snakes 9 miles above a dam on the Yuba River. There are many designated boat-in campsites and a group site that also has hike-in access from South Yuba River State Park. Boats can be launched at the park headquarters ramp or at Skppers Cove Marina, where houseboat, party boat and fishing boat rentals also are available. The shoreline is steep and rocky with a private, rural feel to it, but there are sandy beaches with pines and oaks at some campsites.
Dogs welcome. Must be leashed on South Yuba River State Park trails.
Not all rental boats allow dogs, call ahead for prices and policies.
Getting to Skipper’s Cove: Take Highway 20 east from Marysville / Yuba City. Or, take Highway 20 west from Grass Valley / Nevada City. Turn north on Mooney Flat Road (the “It’ll Do BBQ Bar & Restaurant is on the corner). Follow the signs to boat ramps or the marina store.