California's second largest natural lake, Eagle Lake, is surrounded by pines in California's Lassen National Forest at 5,100 feet. Eagles and osprey, as well as humans, fish here for its unique Eagle Lake Trout. The Eagle Lake Recreation Area, 16 miles north of Susanville, encompasses the south shore with its paved 5-mile hiking and biking trail, large swimming beach and recreational boating.
You will find RV sites at the Eagle, Merrill (the largest at the lake) and Christie (one of the quietest) campgrounds, all with drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers. There's a boat mooring and dump station, and the marina has a general store and other amenities. On the quieter north shore of the lake, the Bureau of Land Management manages campgrounds with RV sites.
Eagle Lake Recreation Area Campgrounds
County Road A1 (Eagle Lake Road) off Highway 36
530-825-3212
Reservations: recreation.gov
eaglelakerecreationarea.com
Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, is encircled by 360 miles of shoreline. Activities include wildlife viewing (bald eagles nest here), fishing (various trout and bass species, Chinook salmon and more), all sorts of boating, water skiing and wake boarding. The average water temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
A variety of campgrounds here accommodate RVs. Shasta Lake RV Resort offers 50 tree-shaded, 60-foot sites with full-hookups, swimming pool (there are no swimming beaches at the lake), family movies under the stars, horseshoes, hot showers, restrooms, Wi-fi access, air conditioner and heater rentals and a general store. Nearby attractions include tours of Lake Shasta Caverns and Shasta Dam.
Shasta Lake RV Resort & Campground
20433 Lakeshore Drive
Lakehead, CA 96051
800-374-2782
shastarv.com
Lake Tahoe, North America's largest alpine lake (72 miles of shoreline at 6,229 feet), offers a variety of RV sites on its South Shore. Among these is the historical Camp Richardson, which received rave reviews from "Frommer's California" (2010).
Partial and full hookup sites are set under towering pines at the back of the resort across from the hotel and within walking distance from the beach. Camp Richardson, a haven for bears, raccoons, squirrels, birds and other wildlife, does not allow pets. Depending on the season, you can rent horses, bikes, snow shoes, skis and, from the full-service marina at Emerald Bay, a variety of boats. In case the kids are still raring to go, there's also a climbing wall. Dine at a lakeside restaurant or next to the stone fireplace in the deli. There's also an ice cream shop, candy store and general store.
The year-round destination resort is steeped in history, and nearby cultural events include Valhalla Renaissance Faire, Great Gatsby Days and Kokanee Salmon Festival.
Camp Richardson
1900 Jameson Beach Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158
800-544-1801
camprichardson.com
