71 dog-friendly lakes and rivers in California

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Featured lakes/rivers

American River Bend Park

Sacramento

American River Bend Park is one of Sacramento’s oldest county parks. A long central road paralleling the river links you to this park’s many recreation facilities.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake

Drive 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, and you’ll climb into another world.

Big Bear Marina

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Marina is just a short walk from the village off Big Bear Boulevard with convenient on-site parking, making it a breeze for you and your furry friend to set sail on a lake day adventure.

Big Bear Queen Lake Tour

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Queen Lake Tour is the longest-running lake tour in Big Bear Lake, offering a dog-friendly experience for visitors and their furry companions.

Blue Lakes offer a perfect retreat for dog owners seeking a peaceful getaway. Comprising Upper and Lower Blue Lakes, this destination boasts clear, spring-fed waters that are ideal for swimming and fishing.

Castaic Lake State

Castaic

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area in Los Angeles County, Southern California, offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions. With its sprawling lakes and picturesque surroundings, this destination is a haven for dog-friendly activities.

Christmas Hill Park

Gilroy

Located in Gilroy, Santa Clara County, within the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Christmas Hill Park is a sprawling 57-acre community park managed by the City of Gilroy.

Clear Lake State Park

Kelseyville

Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville, located in Lake County, California Wine Country, offers a picturesque retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Crystal Lake Trail

Mammoth Lakes

Crystal Lake Trail is a picturesque 3.2-mile out-and-back hike located in Mammoth Lakes Basin, Mono County, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This dog-friendly trail is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts seeking a moderate challenge.

Del Valle Regional Park

Pleasant Hill

Please check Del Valle Regional Park website for cyanobacteria (toxic algae) warnings before your visit. Del Valle Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is a 5,000-acre park set amid oak-studded hills.

Duck Pass Trail

Mammoth Lakes

The Duck Pass Trail in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, is a dog-friendly gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a picturesque adventure in the Eastern Sierra Lakes/Rivers region.

Fallen Leaf Lake

South Lake Tahoe

Located (oops!) amidst the stunning natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe, just a stone's throw away from the bustling California and Nevada border, lies the serene oasis of Fallen Leaf Lake.

Folsom Lake State

Sacramento

Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills in Placer, El Dorado and Sacramento Counties, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, running, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water-skiing and boating. Folsom Lake is about 25 miles northeast of Sacramento in the

Hampton Inn & Suites Lodi

Lodi

The Hampton Inn and Suites Lodi offers a comfortable and convenient base in Lodi’s wine country.

Hobo Camp Day Use Area

Susanville

Looking for a fun spot to explore with your friends, family, and dogs? Check out the Bureau of Land Management's Hobo Camp Trailhead.

Horseshoe Lake

Mammoth Lakes

Horseshoe Lake in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, Eastern Sierra, is a picturesque destination at the end of Lake Mary Road and the Lakes Basin Path.

Huntington Lake

Lakeshore

Huntington Lake is a popular summer and winter recreation area. This beautiful high sierra lake provides wonderful opportunities for camping, hiking, picnicking, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, fishing, horseback riding and scenic driving.

Lake George

Mammoth Lakes

Situated at an impressive elevation of 9,250 feet, Lake George claims the title of being the highest road-accessible lake in Lakes Basin, offering a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, Eastern Sierra.

Lake Gregory Regional Park

Crestline

Located in the community of Crestline, Lake Gregory Regional Park in San Bernardino County offers a refreshing escape for both locals and visitors.

Lake Merced

San Francisco

Lake Merced, located in San Francisco, offers a delightful off-leash area for furry companions at the North Lake area, situated at Lake Merced Blvd and Middlefield Drive.

Lake Natoma

Sacramento

Lake Natoma, part of Folsom State Recreation Area, is the site of many rowing, sailing, sculling and outrigger canoe regattas in summer. Kayaking is extremely popular here. Dogs are allowed in picnic areas but not on or near swimming beaches.

Lake Sabrina

Bishop

When the summer heat rolls into Bishop, locals and savvy travelers alike know exactly where to go: up. Less than 20 miles southwest of Bishop via California State Route 168 and perched at over 9,100 feet, Lake Sabrina (pronounced suh-BRY-nuh by locals) offers a refreshing

Owens River

Bishop

Just east of Bishop, the Owens River flows through open sagebrush and grassy banks, curving gently beneath the tall ridge of the Sierra Nevada.

Paradise Beach

Sacramento

Paradise Beach, a hidden gem near California State University, Sacramento, offers a serene escape for water-loving dogs in Sacramento County.

Phoenix Lake

Ross

No matter what kind of shape you are in, there is a hike at Phoenix Lake for you and your dog. This is also popular place for families and cyclists, but everyone seems to have a smile on.

Pine Knot Marina

Big Bear Lake

Pine Knot Marina, a full-service marina situated on the picturesque Big Bear Lake in Southern California's San Bernardino County, offers a plethora of water activities for visitors to enjoy.

Pleasure Point Marina, LLC

Big Bear Lake

Pleasure Point Marina in Big Bear Lake is a delightful destination for family fun, where you and your furry friends are welcome.

Rossmoor Bar

Sacramento

Rossmoor Bar, a peninsula in Rancho Cordova bordered by the American River on three sides, offers a serene escape for both humans and their furry companions in Sacramento County.

Shadow Cliffs Regional

Pleasant Hill

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, located in Pleasant Hill, Alameda County, in the East Bay Area, offers a delightful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Sherwin Lakes

Mammoth Lakes

Sherwin Lakes, located in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a picturesque setting for dog-friendly outdoor adventures.

Sutter’s Landing Park

Sacramento

Sutter's Landing Park in Sacramento, located in Sacramento County within the Central Valley, offers a sprawling 166.83-acre green space for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Taylor Creek

South Lake Tahoe

Taylor Creek is located on the west side of Highway 89, just north of Camp Richardson Road. Overnight camping is not allowed. Leashed pets are permitted at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and on the trails.

Tilden Regional Park

Berkeley

One of the East Bay Regional Park District's three oldest parks, Charles Lee Tilden Regional Park has been called the jewel of the system, and its recreational activities have become a happy tradition for generations of East Bay youngsters.

Twin Lakes

Mammoth Lakes

Situated at an elevation of 8,600 feet between Panorama Dome and the southern flank of Mammoth Mountain, Twin Lakes in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, offers a picturesque setting for both humans and their furry companions to explore.

Vail Lake

Temecula

Dog-friendly Vail Lake, situated at the base of Oak Mountain just east of Temecula, offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Southern California's natural beauty.

Whiskeytown Lake

Whiskeytown

Whiskeytown Lake in Redding, Shasta County, is a dog-friendly picturesque 5-square-mile oasis formed by the stunning Whiskeytown Dam on Clear Creek.

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Sacramento

On Interstate 80 at the Yolo Causeway between Davis and Sacramento, you will see signs identifying the dog-friendly Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area within the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.

Antonelli Pond

Santa Cruz

Please note: Natural Bridges State Beach, which is also located on Delaware Ave., (on the opposite side of the street from Antonelli Pond), is NOT...

Black Butte Lake

Orland

Black Butte Lake is a dog-friendly lake or river spot in Orland in California’s Central Valley.

Cloverdale River Park

Cloverdale

Cloverdale River Park runs along the west bank of the Russian River in northern Sonoma County.

Donner Lake

Truckee

Donner Lake in Truckee, Nevada County, is a popular destination in the Gold Country region, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Eastman Lake

Raymond

Eastman Lake is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounded by grasslands and blue oaks. The lake was created by

Echo Park Lake

Los Angeles

Echo Park Lake is a dog-friendly lake or river spot in Los Angeles in California’s Southern California.

Forestville River Access

Forestville

The trail leads to a spectacular view, perfect for swimming and enjoying the scenery. Fishing is excellent but challenging. A great place to spend an enjoyable day.

Hudeman Slough Boat Launch

Sonoma

The Hudeman Slough boat launch is located in the Carneros region of southeastern Sonoma County and provides paddlers access to the tidal waterways that link to San Pablo Bay.

Hurkey Creek Park

Mountain Center

Hurkey Creek Park, situated just 4 miles southeast of Mountain Center in the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County, Southern California, offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Indian Pools

Big Creek

Indian Pools, located along Big Creek in Fresno County's Central Valley, offers a refreshing escape for both humans and their furry companions.

Keeling County Park

Nice

eeling County Park, located in the town of Nice, sits on the shore of Clear Lake. This 1.5-acre park features a boat launch, picnic area, playground, restrooms and docks.

Keswick Reservoir

Redding

Keswick Dam and reservoir are features of the Central Valley Project - Shasta/Tinity River Divisions. The dam creates a 23,800-acre-foot afterbay for Shasta Lake. Water tends to be very cold due to releases from the lower depths of Shasta.

Lake Almanor

Chester

Lake Almanor, located in Chester, Plumas County, within the stunning Shasta Cascade region, offers a picturesque destination for water fun enthusiasts.

Lake Alpine Recreation Area

Arnold

Lake Alpine is a High Sierra gem sitting in a forested bowl at 7,350 feet just below Ebbett's Pass on Highway 4 in Alpine County.

Lake Lagunitas

Greenbrae

Lake Lagunitas in the Mount Tamalpais watershed is popular with walkers and stroller-pushers due to its wide trail (actually a fire road), flat grade and abundant shade.

Lake McClure

Mariposa

Lake McClure, located in Mariposa County in Gold Country, is a haven for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Lake Pillsbury

Ukiah

Lake Pillsbury is a unique place to visit with your dog in Lake County. This reservoir, surrounded by the Mendocino National Forest, provides a setting ideal for outdoor activities.

Lake Pillsbury Resort & Marina

Potter Valley

Located on the central west shore of the picturesque Lake Pillsbury, this hidden gem in Potter Valley, Lake County, California Wine Country, beckons travelers seeking a peaceful escape surrounded by nature's splendor.

Mammoth Pass Trail

Mammoth Lakes

Specializing in dog-friendly travel, they recommend exploring the scenic Mammoth Pass Trail in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County. This 3.5-mile (one-way) trail offers breathtaking viewpoints as it connects Horseshoe Lake and Reds Meadow.

Mammoth Rock Trail

Mammoth Lakes

Dog-friendly Mammoth Rock Trail in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, is a picturesque hiking destination in the Eastern Sierra region.

Mouth of the Smith River

Smith River

Located at the mouth of the Smith River in Del Norte County on the North Coast, the Mouth of the Smith River is a charming beach destination perfect for water fun with your furry friend.

North Lake

Bishop

North Lake near Bishop offers serene scenery and outdoor adventure Location and access North Lake, located about 18 miles west of Bishop, sits at an elevation of 9,255 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada.

Panorama Dome Trail

Mammoth Lakes

The Panorama Dome Trail in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, offers a delightful outdoor experience for hikers and their furry companions.

Plasse’s Resort

Pioneer

Plasse's is a summer resort in the old-fashioned sense: Founded in 1853, it's one of the oldest private campgrounds in the nation.

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