A short drive from Nevada City, Scotts Flat Lake allows motorized boats but is on the smaller side, around 2 miles long and a mile wide with 7 miles of shoreline, so it feels super manageable for a paddle.
If you pull out the stops, you can make it from the launch to the dam and then back along the opposite shoreline where there is a small island, depending on water level, and some little inlets to explore. It's a prettier, calmer experience than some of the larger fishing lakes nearby (read: Rollins Lake). At 3,000 feet, the view is mostly trees and water -- no dramatic Sierra boulders or anything like that.
You can camp here and there is a marina with all services, including day use, boat rentals and a picnic area. Be prepared for a line up at the gate on nice summer weekend days, due to the proximity to town.
What to know
Launch fee: $17 for day use and parking with canoes / kayaks (2)
Launch area map: Scotts Flat Lake Campground Gate 2
Local COVID-19 Info: COVID-19 Boat Launch Handout
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