Boat-In Camping Destination Reccommendations

Since the Angel Island post was brought up, I was looking to find information on what the best boat in camping destinations are.  But there are such varying conditions such as water levels for lakes like Lake Sonoma, or Lake Mendo where they would be good if the lake was full.  So asking for peoples favorite spots to boat in camp at, as well as if it's doable with low water levels.

So where do you like to boat in camp?  Aside from Lake Del Valle 

Tomales Bay has always been one of my favorites. You can camp on almost any of the west side beaches North of Indian beach.

Tomales Bay Boat-In camping info:
https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/kayak_libc.htm


Tomales Bay Boat-In camping map:
https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/upload/map_boatincamping.pdf

+1 on Tomales.

For freshwater I've had great times at Spicer going back into the wilderness section. The last two trips have been in August (2 and 3 years ago) and the water levels were manageable, but I didn't like having to keep an eye on all the ridgelines worrying about a wildfire while we're back in that far.

Last year we did Englebright in August and the water level was fine. As the last damn on the Yuba they seem to keep that one pretty full. Had a great trip.

Did Lake Sonoma for many years, but the water is just too low.

Cheers,
Brad

+1 for  Englebright. Went with the fam last May and had a great time. My wife liked that it wasn't cold at night. Plenty of trout and panfish. Towed my 8 year old daughter on an SUP all the way to the campsite. I didn't think it was Bear country but we saw one across the cove from us an hour or so before dusk. The campsites, while well appointed, don't have bear lockers, so I packed everything in the hull and as far as I know we didn't get a visit that night. Just keep that in mind as there was nothing posted or in the literature we were given about bears.
Union reservoir is also a great spot and and there are no power boats. Would love to hit Spicer backcountry. I didn't know dispersed camping was allowed there.

Alex - I moved your post from the Angel Island thread to this one.

This is one of my favorite places for fresh water fishing. I have fished it  from kayak and boat. I have kayaked past lunkers that do not give trolling lures the time of day. Usually no problem picking up a limit of stockers but the big boys are a different story.
Not sure how the water levels are this year. Beautiful area though.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5245570

You also may be lucky enough to experience something like this.

https://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=4929

Englebright Info:

http://www.californiasbestcamping.com/oroville/englebright.html#map

Pat R.'s Englebright report:
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=26657.0

Lake Don Pedro http://www.californiasgreatestlakes.com/pedro/pedro_camping.html :

Boat-In Camping

Location: Shoreline camping is allowed in most places around the lake, but in certain areas lakeshore camping is not permitted, mostly around marinas and campgrounds. See Don Pedro Lake Camping Map
Campground Facilities: Restrooms at some locations
Campsite Amenities: None
Website: Don Pedro Lake Recreation Area
Note: Pets Allowed
Fees: $10 per night

https://www.donpedrolake.com/recreation-area/camping/

DISPERSED AREA CAMPING
Don Pedro Lake, with over two million acre-feet of water storage, is the fifth largest reservoir in the state of California. Don Pedro is surrounded by a federally licensed project boundary. All lands and water within this boundary constitute the Don Pedro Recreation Area. Don Pedro is one of the few lakes in the state where lakeshore camping along undeveloped shoreline is still permitted. Abiding by all Regulations and adhering to safe, courteous, and sanitary practices will not only protect the surrounding environment but will also help to ensure that this privilege of Lakeshore camping at Don Pedro can continue.

Map that shows closed locations:

http://donpedrolakprd.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dpra-boat-navmap.pdf

Oroville floating campsites are the BOMB

Oroville floating campsites are the BOMB

Heck yeah that looks pretty awesome!  https://www.californiasbestcamping.com/oroville/floating.html 

Oroville floating campsites are the BOMB

Heck yeah that looks pretty awesome!  https://www.californiasbestcamping.com/oroville/floating.html

 

Englebright is super nice

Oroville floating campsites are the BOMB

Heck yeah that looks pretty awesome!  https://www.californiasbestcamping.com/oroville/floating.html

Dude. We're doin' this for sure.

Don’t know about the “best” boat-in camp site but there is Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe. It’s just you, your boat, and the bears. Don’t know about fishing Tahoe, it’s got trout but I prefer saltwater fish for eating. Emerald Bay is full of crawdads if eating those are your thing.

Just thought I'd add Shasta as a NOT desireable destination with low water levels. I've checked out some of the sites when taking breaks from trolling and when I say "high and dry" I MEAN it. I'd really only consider boat-in camping at full pool. And even then, weekends during peak season are kind of wild up here at the campsites.

Loon Lake has boat-in camping.  Easy hike from there to Desolation Wilderness too