A Secret Emerald Lake Hidden In The Sierra Nevada Foothills Offers Houseboat Rentals And Camping

California's sprawling landscapes are dotted with lakes that call to visitors year-round. Lake Tahoe dazzles with its crystal clear depths, while Lake Shasta promises endless boating adventures. Donner Lake whispers tales of endless history, and Big Bear Lake offers a mountainous retreat. These watery gems draw crowds seeking solace or thrills — early morning paddles slicing through the mist, lazy afternoons with a fishing rod, or the rush of water skiing under the blazing sun. And up and away in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Englebright Lake remains a lesser-known treasure. This man-made reservoir, home to 815 acres of pristine and beautiful water, offers a wild and secluded escape and bucket list destination. Situated alongside the Yuba River in the rugged Yuba River Gorge — known locally as "the narrows" — it is a haven for those craving a true wilderness lakeside experience. 

Englebright Lake lies west of the known fairy-tale city Nevada City, roughly 40 minutes from the latter's Victorian and historic charm. From Sacramento, it's just over an hour's drive; from Berkeley and the East Bay, expect a scenic three-hour journey along Highway 20. Visitors flying in can land in Sacramento or the Bay Area and rent a car to reach this forested retreat.

Summer, from June to September, is prime for water sports, with warm days and summoning waters. Winter, however, unveils a quieter lake, perfect for anglers chasing the hungry fish beneath the surface. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and framed by a rich wilderness, Englebright's single access point ensures most of its 24-mile shoreline remains reachable only by boat, kayak, or water vessel — a promise of solitude among the pine-scented breeze.  

Englebright Lake's overnight options are as distinctive as its emerald waters. Camping here isn't the typical roadside affair, offering 51 campsites that line the shore and are only accessible by watercraft. Some sites are perched on grassy clearings, others are tucked deeper into the woods, and all are equipped with a fire ring, lantern hanger, picnic table, and flat tent pad. Vault toilets serve the campgrounds, but pack-out principles reign supreme — leave no trace, only memories!

Reservations are recommended during peak season, and a must for houseboat rentals, ensuring your spot in this remote paradise. For a twist on camping tradition, house boat rentals from Skippers Cove Marina turn the lake into a floating home. These vessels can sleep 16 to 24 people, are equipped with all the necessary amenities for camping, and offer a rare chance to drift off to the slight bobs of the boat and sounds of the wilderness.

What sets the lake apart is its exclusivity. There isn't a shoreline sprawl with crowds of people, or roving vehicles hawking for other campers that are ending their trip and freeing up a campsite. Boat-in camping forces visitors to pare down to essentials, amplifying the sense of escape. Houseboats, meanwhile, blend the comfort with adventure, their steady sway a kind of lullaby underneath the clear, starlit sky. Party barges are also available for rent, catering to groups of 6 to 20, boasting double decks, sun shades, and BBQs — perfect for a night of laughter and water-filled enjoyment. These options provide a truly  unique chance to immerse in the lake's wilderness, and let the waters dance dictate your day.

For those eager to take a plunge, Englebright Lake is a wonderful sanctuary. Skippers Cove Marina rents ski and wakeboard boats, complete with towers and Bluetooth stereos that pulse through the lower five miles of the reservoir — designated for towing and speed. Further up north on the lake, the upper four miles twist into narrow canyons and sharp bends, a paddlers dream for kayaking, canoeing, or standup paddleboarding amongst the secluded coves and brilliant waters.

Fishing boats, simpler and sturdy, are also available for rent at the marina, and unlock a lake teeming with large and small mouth bass, rainbow trout, and kokane salmon. Trolling along the bends or casting in quiet nooks yields bites year-round. Winter is known to have the best fishing season, as the summer crowds thin out, creating a quiet fisher's sanctuary. Summer mornings and late afternoons offer a break from the water-sport crowds and provide great fishing too. 

Beyond the boats, the lake's wilderness invites exploration and awe. Hawks, and various eagles soar overhead, (avoid these dangerous California animals) while the 24-mile shoreline can feel boundless. Swim in shaded inlets, paddle to a hidden bend, or simply sit with the silence offered by the forested and wild country. No matter the choice of enjoyment, the reservoir's raw beauty shines through. It's a rugged slice of natural California where visitors can carve out their own unique campsite adventures uninhibited by civilization.