Boca Reservoir

Craig Morgan’s «Redneck Yacht Club» plays in my head as I near the water’s edge, only I don’t see any Bayliners, Bass Trackers, or party barges on the lake. I do see a whole lot of American muscle powered jet boats though, and they sound sweet! But that’s short lived as the engine dies somewhere just out of site and they idle back in. Guess that’s why they call it a B.O.A.T. aka Break Out Another Thousand!
But in all seriousness, it took me 8 years to get here, hopefully it’s only another 8 days before I get back!
Boca is a perfect example of why living in Reno-​Tahoe is grand! Lakes and reservoirs like these are scattered all over the area, and they offer that brand of «make your own» fun that I’ve only experienced here. What I mean to say is, there’s no really developed facilities at any of these places, like picnic tables, shade structures etc. so you have to plan ahead and get creative! A day trip is just as much work as a full blown overnight camping trip, but hey, it’s a hellluva a lot of fun!
This reservoir is just over the CA border, but it’s a quick drive from anywhere in Reno! It’s surrounded by lots of natural forest, hills, and mountains too, with space enough for waterskiing, tubing, or just cruising around, and I hear decent fishing can be had too. They have a long concrete boat ramp that’s in great shape, and for boaters, the best part is that they only require a self inspection form be filled out and left on your dash to launch! That’s a lot less work than Tahoe or some of the other lakes in the area.
What has me most intrigued are the dirt roads that wind off the main road into the forest surrounding the lake. They remind me of the roads out at Frenchman’s that take you into Plumas National Forest, where camping is allowed wherever you’re comfortable. We boated into a little tributary of the lake and walked up the hill to find some primitive campsites just a stones throw from the water, overlooking a big meadow. I don’t love established campgrounds because of how close you have to be to others, so this is a great option!
On my next visit I want to actually stay the night. I think this place has great potential, and it will be a lot more fun on the water in the warmer weather.
Who wants to party?

Boca Reservoir is 15 minutes outside Truckee.
Altitude 6200 Feet or 2,000 meters
Camp Boca Springs
Is tucked away off the main road coming in — on the east side of the road near Boca Rest Campground. about 2 miles up hill
This campground has 15 sites.
2 First come First Serves = # 5 and # 2
Campground is located in the trees with plenty of shade and a meadow.
Campground is accessible by bicycle if you take the Legacy Trail from Truckee, which is beautiful ride: 10 mile ride to 12 to get here.
Nice Camp it open to off road vehicles so the noise at times can be irritating but is an excellent area, to bike tour or come to for a trip and get back on the road: At night from the distance you can hear the train echo through the hills.

This is a beautiful lake about 20 miles outside of Reno going West on the 80.
When you arrive, you have to have a vehicle that is capable of handling rough terrain and/​or jagged rocks to get down to the water. Pretty much any car can make it, but if you’re driving say a slammed Civic, you’re SOL. I drive a lowered E30 and it will die if I take it here.
There are areas you can park your car, like right after the damn crossing, and you can walk down to the lake from there.
Bring all your aquatic toys! Jet skis, boats and pretty much any water toy can be used here. Super easy to launch and the water is clean, calm and pretty much yours because there are barley any people on this lake.
Since we got a lot of snow this winter, the lake is nice and full and the little Truckee River that flows between Stampede and Boca is rushing. The area surrounding the lake is even more beautiful! Trees everywhere! Birds everywhere! And it’s quiet!
Most of the lake is DAY USE ONLY, but they have camping areas that are about $ 20 a night.
My boyfriend and I go together and we bring beers, music, game cards, and lots of floating devices and just gave a blast. I bet you will too!
I’m just happy places like this are my backyard now. Happy adventures everyone!

Even with almost no water the coolness and the smell of pine made the hot day bearable! The algae is beginning to rise and the shallow spots can be trouble… It is still beautiful.

What a beaut’! The cold early morning bring out this crazy fog/​mist that only lingers over the lake while the surrounding areas are in plain view. It’s almost as if you are going into a cloud. Love the fishing here for trout and always they come out looking pretty.