- Jenkinson Lake
No trip to El Dorado County can be complete without a visit to the gorgeous Jenkinson Lake. If you are looking to spend a relaxing and fun day out in the sun, this place is the perfect spot for you. Located in the heart of the beautiful Eldorado National Forest, the lake is the go-to destination for nature- and water activity-lovers alike. If you are one of the former, you can unwind with a deep dive into the crystal blue water or set out on an adventure along the nine-mile-long scenic hiking trails, or better still, enjoy a romantic lunch by the shore. You can also engage in activities like swimming, water skiing, fishing, boating, stand-up paddling boarding, and kayaking.
- Loon Lake
If you like natural destinations that are quiet and peaceful with fewer crowds, Loon Lake is the place to be. This relatively obscure lake is located at an elevation of around 6,500 feet up in the Crystal Basin recreation area. It’s an excellent destination for an exciting camping trip with family and friends. While the lake itself offers a serene scenery, especially at sunrise and sunset, it also has plenty of camping amenities including RV campsites and toilets.
- Echo Lakes
Tucked away between the vast expanses of Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe, within the El Dorado National Forest, are two elongated glacial lakes known as Echo Lakes. Surrounded by granite cliffs and towering lodgepole pines, they offer breathtaking vistas that are unmatched. You can opt for a day hike along the many trails but if you want to enjoy the more fantastic scenery, go for the trails that run along the lake. You can reach Echo Lakes by a short 15 to 20-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe and 45 minutes from Placerville.
