In the rolling Sierra foothills of California, Harry L. Englebright Lake, known simply as Englebright Lake, is a haven for outdoor sports and recreation. Take to the water or to the shores for excellent swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. A little over an hour north of Sacramento, the lake is the resulting reservoir formed after the construction of the Englebright Dam by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
A total of 24 miles of shoreline, with coves and canyons, is waiting to be explored at this COE lake. The lake was originally constructed to hold hydraulic gold mining debris and the dam itself is a distinctive concrete arch. Impounding the scenic Yuba River, the dam and lake are a stone's throw away from the Tahoe National Forest. The lake itself is nine miles long. The lower five miles are conducive to water sports like water skiing and tubing. The upper four miles have swift turns and steep edges and are more suited to fishing or leisurely boat rides.
There are no RV COE camping options at Englebright Lake. There is, however, the option to do boat-in, tent-only camping. Boat rentals are available from the marina or campers can travel to the nearby KOA for excellent RV accommodations. Hop in your RV and head to Reno, Nevada for a change of pace. It's roughly two hours away - and why not take a slight detour to Lake Tahoe on your way?
For RV vacationers traveling from Sacramento, you'll head north to Yuba City and then turn east through Browns Valley. The eastern part of the route follows the Lower Yuba River. As you approach the lake, the trees become denser, and the landscape more rural.
Those traveling west to the lake from either Reno or Carson City will drive right through the Tahoe National Forest, so have your camera ready. Higher altitude roads on the route west can be subject to winter road hazards like snow and ice. If you are coming this way or camping in high elevations, make sure you pack your winter gear and check that your vehicle is well-maintained.
The closest town to Englebright Lake is Smartsville, but the town itself is very small. If you plan ahead, you can fill up on gas and buy any necessary supplies in Yuba City, where there are more choices. The best way to explore the lake once you arrive is by boat. There are limited roads in the area.
Less than an hour from Englebright Lake, the Oroville/Feather Falls KOA welcomes RV campers with rigs up to 65 feet. There are water, sewer, and your choice of 20, 30, or 50 amp electric hookups. The parking pads are concrete, and the sites allow you to drive through, which makes parking here very easy.
Plenty of amenities make this campground worth your consideration. Take a quick dip at the pool that's open year-round, relax in your RV while watching the cable TV, or using the wi-fi. Standard things like restrooms and showers are also available.
Additional facilities exist to ensure everyone in the family has a wonderful RV vacation. Check out the playground and dog park along with a place to play horseshoes and a recreation center.
The only COE campground facilities at Englebright Lake are boat-in. Campers who wish to stay here will need to park their RV and fuel up their boat. Due to the limited access, the campgrounds are primitive with only portable toilets and drinking water near the boat ramps.
In all, there are 18 different COE campgrounds scattered throughout the lake's coves and shores. The 100 individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. The largest campground is at Boston Bar and has 13 sites. No matter which boat-in campground you choose, each site has its own fire grill, table, and lantern hook. There is also a level area to set up your tent.
If you don't have the necessary gear or boat to camp at Englebright Lake, luckily, you can rent houseboats once you arrive. There are places along the shores of the lake devoted entirely to overnight mooring. As long as your vessel is self-contained, you can stay. No tents or fires are permitted in these areas.
Escape from California's summer heat by taking a dip in the refreshing, clear waters of Englebright Lake. There are no lifeguards so any adventure into the water is at your own risk.
You won't find any designated swimming beaches at this COE lake, but the shores are sandy, grassy, or rocky depending on your spot. Check for any water advisories since the South Yuba River is prone to excessive sediment.
This COE lake is definitely boat-friendly. Both motorized and non-motorized boats can venture onto the lake. The upper four miles of the lake consists of sharp bends and narrow canyons, so waterskiing and tubing here are prohibited. To tow anything or anyone behind your boat, stick to the lower five miles of the lake. Boats must travel counterclockwise around the lake - this is strictly enforced.
Boat rentals are available at Skippers Cove Marina. They offer houseboats, fishing boats, party barges, and ski boats. Pick up supplies and gas while you're here.
The variety of species of fish at Englebright Lake draws avid anglers from all around. Visitors can fish from the miles of shore or by boat. Pick up supplies at the marina, but no fishing is permitted from their docks.
Love to troll for game fish? Englebright has brown and rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and both large and smallmouth bass in its waters. For even more options, you can also catch sunfish and catfish here.
For those who enjoy getting out in nature, consider the Point Defiance Trail that travels between the lake and nearby South Yuba River State Park. Depending on which part of the route you choose, the trail can be from easy to medium difficulty.
The most popular path is a three-mile loop that skirts the lake and meanders through the trees. The terrain can be uneven and rocky, and there is a hill to climb to get to and from the lake.
The ample grassy areas along the shore of the lake provide wonderful impromptu picnic spots as long as you have your food and a blanket. There are benches as well as picnic tables for use as well.
The best picnic facilities are found at the Narrows Day Use Area, near the dam. There are sites with barbecues and tables available throughout the area. There is also a boat ramp nearby and excellent waterfront views.
While you're out and about exploring the COE park, look for the many animals that live in the area. Small creatures like squirrels, beavers, and raccoons are usually hiding somewhere close by.
Larger wildlife is present at Englebright Lake too. In the lake's surrounding forest, you might find a black bear, gray fox, coyote, or bobcat.
Be aware when traveling off the beaten path and keep all food and other attractants safely stored.
