Lakes • Delta • Marinas

Best Boating & Water in the 209

From the vast Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to crystal foothill reservoirs, discover the best places to boat, ski, paddle, and swim in the Central Valley.

Over 1,000 miles of navigable Delta waterways, half a dozen foothill reservoirs with glassy morning water, and kayak-friendly sloughs full of wildlife — the 209 is built for boating. Whether you own a wake boat, rent a pontoon for the day, or just want to paddle through tule islands watching otters, we've mapped 15 of the best marinas, lakes, and rental spots across the region. From houseboating the Delta to skiing New Melones, it all starts here.

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Best Boating & Water in the 209

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta — 1,000+ Miles of Waterways (Delta)
One of the largest estuaries on the West Coast with over 1,000 miles of navigable waterways. Houseboating, water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, and cruising through islands and sloughs. Endless exploration from multiple launch points across the 209.
New Melones Lake — 3rd Largest in CA — Uncrowded (Foothills)
California's 3rd largest reservoir with smooth water perfect for skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, and swimming. Miles of waterways with plenty of quiet coves. Glory Hole Recreation Area offers boat launches and rentals.
Don Pedro Lake — 13,000 Acres — 160 Miles of Shoreline (Foothills)
A massive reservoir east of Modesto with 160 miles of shoreline and room for all kinds of boaters. Houseboats cruise miles of channels, water skiers spread across a dozen large bays, and sailors catch foothill breezes. Full marina services available.
Lake Tulloch — Glassy Water — Skiing & Wakeboarding (Foothills)
A 1,260-acre reservoir near Copperopolis with 55 miles of shoreline. Surrounding foothills block the wind creating glassy conditions ideal for water skiing and wakeboarding. One of the few lakes in California with private shoreline homes.
Lake Camanche — Full Recreation — Ski, Swim, Paddle (Foothills)
A popular foothill reservoir with the main body open for skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing, while the upper lake is reserved for quieter paddle sports. North and South shore marinas with boat rentals, swimming beaches, and full camping facilities.
Woodward Reservoir — 2,427 Acres — Boating, Skiing, Swimming (Oakdale)
A large reservoir just north of Oakdale popular with speed boaters, water skiers, and swimmers. Multiple paved boat launch ramps, dedicated swimming beaches, shaded picnic areas, and camping. Quick trip from Stockton or Modesto.
Modesto Reservoir — 3,800 Acres — Summer Hot Spot (Oakdale)
A fairly large reservoir east of Modesto that's wildly popular for summer water sports. Speed boating, water skiing, swimming, and jet skiing with designated zones. County-managed park with camping and RV sites.
Paradise Point Marina — Full Service — Houseboats, Ski Boats, Pontoons (Delta)
Begin your Delta adventure at this full-service marina with an extensive rental fleet of houseboats, ski boats, patio boats, and fishing boats. Also offers ski equipment rentals, a lakeside grocery, tackle store, and complete marina services.
Village West Marina — 600+ Berths — Premier Delta Marina (Stockton)
A premier full-service marina on Fourteenmile Slough with over 600 covered and open berths. Fuel dock, pump-out station, well-stocked ship store, and a friendly boating community. Ideal launch point for Delta cruising.
Stockton Downtown Marina — Heart of Downtown — Delta Gateway (Stockton)
Located in the heart of downtown Stockton with convenient access to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Long-term berthing available, close to dining, entertainment, and the Joan Darrah Promenade waterfront walk.
Turner Cut Resort & Marina — Family-Owned — 200 Slips on 20 Acres (Delta)
A family-owned marina and RV park on 20 Delta acres with 200 boat slips, fuel dock, launch ramp, and some of the best fishing access in California. A true Delta experience with campgrounds and a relaxed waterfront vibe.
Herman & Helen's Marina — Delta Classic — Houseboats & Cruisers (Stockton)
A legendary Delta marina offering houseboat rentals and long-term berthing. A Stockton institution for decades, known for putting families on the water with comfortable houseboats and easy Delta access.
Headwaters Kayak — Lodi Lake — Kayak, SUP & Guided Tours (Lodi)
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals at Lodi Lake on the Mokelumne River. Guided tours, lessons, and hourly rentals for solo or tandem paddling. Open weekends spring through fall with summer daily hours.
Tower Park Resort — Jellystone — Kayak, Pontoon & Paddleboard Rentals (Lodi)
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park on the Delta near Lodi offers kayak, paddleboard, and pontoon boat rentals right from the waterfront. Single and double kayaks, morning and afternoon time slots, plus on-site dining at the Waterfront Grille.
Kokopelli Kayak Rentals — Delta Kayak Adventures — Wildlife (Delta)
Explore the Delta up close by kayak. Paddle through tule areas, around islands, and inside marinas. See otters, beavers, seals, turtles, and birds of all kinds. A fantastic way to experience nature on the water without a motor.