Camp Far West Lake, also known as Camp Far West Reservoir, offers local residents and visitors picturesque camping, lake activities, and fishing opportunities within Yuba County. Located outside Wheatland, where it joins Placer and Nevada counties, this over 2,000-acre reservoir sits at 280 feet elevation and provides 29 miles of shoreline.
Completed in 1963, the man-made reservoir was created as part of the Central Valley Water Project. The 185-foot-high dam stands at the confluence of the Bear River and Rock Creek. Managed by the South Sutter Water District, it can hold over 100,000 acre-feet of water when at full capacity and helps support agricultural irrigation in the area. The lake's name originates from a nearby Gold Rush-era immigrant camp, marking its position as the last before continuing west on the trail.
Water recreation is available in various forms, including swimming, kayaking, boating, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. For the safety of slower-speed activities, the lake's speed limit within 200 feet of shore is 5 mph. There are no rental services on site, so visitors must bring their own equipment or rent from a local provider. Day-use rate fees apply, varying by transportation mode, with additional charges for pets, horses, jet skis, or boats. A complete schedule of fees is available on the Camp Far West Lake website.
Anglers can find a variety of fish species, including largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, along with catfish, crappie, and brown trout. The eastern coves are known for being quieter and away from main boat activity, with recommendations to arrive early. All anglers aged 16 and older are required to obtain a valid California fishing license and must check current catch limits and other regulations prior to visiting. Due to higher-than-average mercury levels found in the lake and the Bear River, visitors are advised to follow guidelines set forth by California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment regarding fish consumption.
Camp Far West Lake features 137 campsites available on both its north and south shores, each with differing seasonal availability and amenities. The year-round north shore offers 70 campsites, including eight full hook-up RV sites, a boat ramp and dock, day-use areas, a camp store, restrooms (though no showers), and a dump station. The south shore, situated near Lincoln, provides 67 sites designed primarily for tents and smaller vehicles, with restrooms available. Per the camp staff, the south shore operates only on select weekends during its season, from mid-May to September, and is otherwise available for private events and group reservations.
Camping fees vary depending on occupants, additional equipment, or hookups, with rates detailed on the website. Sites can be booked by phone or at the camp store on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a site map is available online. While reviewers have offered mixed opinions on camping facilities, some cautioning about lack of shade and recommending extra lighting for nighttime restroom trips, many praise the lake's dog-friendliness, scenic surroundings, and enjoyable water conditions when lake levels are optimal. The town of Wheatland, approximately 10 miles from the north shore, offers traditional accommodations for those preferring them.
