Loon Lake, CA

Loon Lake Reservoir is in the Eldorado National Forest about two hours east of Sacramento, California.  It has a campground and boat ramp.  Loon Lake is at a higher elevation than Ice House Reservoir (which you drive past to get to Loon Lake), so it opens later in the year and is usually less crowded.  A general store is nearby at Ice House for supplies and showers.  My wife claims the boating at Loon Lake is superior to that at Ice House, but you really can't go wrong either way.