Dog-Friendly Lakes/Rivers near Gold Country

Featured lakes/rivers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rollins Lake

Truckee

Escape to the country at Rollins Lake, just off I-80, 2 miles from Colfax. This picturesque destination in the Gold Country of the Western Sierra near Grass Valley offers a variety of activities for you and your furry companion to enjoy.

Union Reservoir

Bear Valley

Union Reservoir, located in the Stanislaus National Forest in Bear Valley, Calaveras County, offers a serene escape at an elevation exceeding 8,000 feet.

Utica Reservoir

Bear Valley

Utica Reservoir, located near Bear Valley in Calaveras County's Gold Country, offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.