Expert: Ernest Tufft - 2/23/2009

Question
Hello
My name is Terri. My fmily of about 120 people are looking for a spot to get together near a lake for water sking and swimming with spots for r.v tents and maybe cabins. I hope you can help me
Thanks
Terri

Answer
Hi Terri,

Sounds like you have a very large event planned!  You will certainly have to do some research, as there are actually a large number of recreational reservoirs and State parks in California that can service your need.

First, try browsing the www. parks.ca.gov which has a searchable database of California state parks.  This website is fairly easy to use and provides links to all features of parks that would be of interest to you.  A key search under "department of water resources" may help narrow the search.


Since you mention water skiing, I recommend also considering one of California's many Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs.  Search www. usbr.gov, a US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation website that can be searched for any recreational dam in the USA.  Within the search box, enter "california water skiing reservoir" or some such key words to narrow down the options, as this website is huge, and includes even the tinest municipal drinking water storage reservoir created by this agency of the federal government.

I do have a few specific suggestions for various parts of the state:

www.shastalake.gov   Shasta Lake in the far north is the state's largest reservoir and second in the nation only to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, I believe, and it's really much nicer as it is affordable and surrounded by healthy forests.

www.lakeoroville.water.ca.gov  Lake Oroville is another Northern California lake that is a favorite among water skiiers and has full facilities.

Find similar websites for Lake Berryessa and New Melones Reservoirs.  Berryessa is in Napa County, while New Melones is in the Sierra foothills northwest of Yosemite.  Houseboats and cabins are available at these lakes too, I believe.

In the central coast area, try Lake Nacimiento, which was created by Monterrey County and provides great recreational service to those close to Paso Robles.

There are also numerous lakes in Southern California...Hope this helps.