Top 9 Lakes around Live Oak
Best lakes around Live Oak offer diverse recreational opportunities in the surrounding region. While Live Oak itself provides access to the Feather River, nearby areas feature prominent lakes like Lake Oroville and Collins Lake. These bodies of water are known for their extensive shorelines and varied natural settings. The region provides a range of outdoor activities, from serene paddling to exhilarating water sports.
Best lakes around Live Oak
- The most popular lakes is Schwan Lake, a lake that was…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Moran Lake Beach and Park
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Schwan Lake
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Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve
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Twin Lakes State Beach
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Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers picturesque walking trails through oak …
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Mill Pond
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Tips from the Community
Antonelli Pond is a man-made pond fed by Moore Creek on the west side of Santa Cruz. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has restored this neighborhood with trails for hiking and dog walking, enjoy a picnic, or get close up to birds and waterfowl. A pleasant, short trail travels on both sides of Antonelli Pond. To make a contiguous loop one can travel along Delaware Ave a short distance to connect to both trailheads. The western section (closest to Shaffer Rd) offers the longer of the two paths. The accessible path travels for .25 miles past riparian habitat, interpretive panels, and picnic tables, and ends at a loop around an immature native pollenator garden. Views across the pond invite bird watching. The shorter accessible portion of the eastern path turns to dirt at about one-tenth mile. Afterwards the trail becomes compacted dirt and narrows to less than 28 inches for a short distance. I was able to continue another .15 miles before mud prevented further passage however, other barriers make this a turnaround point for those on wheels. https://landtrustsantacruz.org/protected-areas/antonelli-pond
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A small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. There’s bike parking nearby and benches overlooking the water, making it a great spot to pause during your ride, enjoy the ocean views, or even take a refreshing dip. The beach is especially nice during low tide.
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Twin Lakes State Beach features a mile of sandy shoreline for swimming and picnicking, situated near the Santa Cruz Harbor. Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers picturesque walking trails through oak preserves and coastal grasslands, ideal for dog-walking and bird watching. The day-use area operates from sunrise to sunset.
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Moran Lake Beach is part of the 9.2-acre Moran Lake Park. The beach stretches about a mile long and is a popular surf spot. The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers.
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Schwan Lake is part of Twin Lakes State Park and was originally known as Schwan Lagoon when it connected to the ocean. Harbor construction restricted the flow of water from the ocean, transforming it into a freshwater lake.
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This beach looks out onto the ocean — not Moran Lake, which is the popular lagoon on the inland side of the road. Restrooms are available here and you may see surfers in the water. You're advised not to swim when the lagoon waters are flowing into the surf, though.
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Moran Lake is actually a lagoon, with a nice running trail along the west side. The smell is best on this side of the lagoon; some users complain about a foul smell at the far (northeast) side of the lake, due to a sewer line that feeds into the creek.
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Twin Lakes State Beach features a mile of sandy shoreline for swimming and picnicking, situated near the Santa Cruz Harbor. Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers picturesque walking trails through oak preserves and coastal grasslands, ideal for dog-walking and bird watching. The day-use area operates from sunrise to sunset.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes to visit near Live Oak?
For those seeking lake experiences near Live Oak, the most prominent options are Lake Oroville and Collins Lake. Lake Oroville is California's second-largest reservoir, offering vast recreational opportunities, while Collins Lake is known for its excellent fishing and family-friendly amenities.
What activities can I do at Lake Oroville?
Lake Oroville offers a wide array of activities, including camping (boat-in, floating, and horse camping), picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, sail and power boating, water-skiing, fishing, and swimming. It's particularly renowned for bass fishing. You can also visit the Feather River Fish Hatchery.
What makes Collins Lake a good destination for families?
Collins Lake is known for its family-friendly amenities, including a large sandy swimming beach, a children's playground, and shady picnic areas. It offers various accommodations like RV hookups, tent camping, and cabin rentals. The lake is also popular for fishing and water sports.
Are there good fishing opportunities at the lakes near Live Oak?
Yes, both Lake Oroville and Collins Lake are excellent for fishing. Lake Oroville is considered a top bass fishing spot in California and also has Chinook salmon, catfish, and trout. Collins Lake is famous for planting over 50,000 trout annually, many of which are trophy-sized, alongside bass, crappie, and catfish.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
Lake Oroville is surrounded by the scenic western Sierra Nevada Foothills, offering beautiful views and numerous secluded coves. Collins Lake is set in the California Gold Country foothills. For a different experience, Schwan Lake, originally a lagoon, features a wide sandy beach backed by a tree-framed lagoon.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Live Oak?
Yes, there are hiking opportunities. Lake Oroville has well-maintained hiking trails offering lake views, some of which are equestrian-friendly. For trails closer to the coast, you can explore the hiking routes around Live Oak, which include the Schwan Lake Loop Trail and trails at Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve.
Can I go swimming at the lakes near Live Oak?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at both Lake Oroville and Collins Lake. Collins Lake, in particular, has a large sandy swimming beach. For coastal swimming, Twin Lakes State Beach offers a mile of sandy shoreline for swimming and picnicking.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near Live Oak?
Collins Lake is accessible year-round, being below the snow line but above the valley fog line. Lake Oroville is also a year-round destination, with activities varying by season. Summer is ideal for water sports, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for hiking and fishing.
Are there options for camping near these lakes?
Yes, both Lake Oroville and Collins Lake offer extensive camping options. Lake Oroville provides boat-in, floating, and horse camping. Collins Lake has RV hookups, tent camping sites, cabin rentals, and group campsites. The Live Oak Riverfront Park also offers camping facilities with access to the Feather River.
What kind of boating is available at Lake Oroville and Collins Lake?
At Lake Oroville, visitors can enjoy sail and power boating, as well as water-skiing. The North Forebay area is ideal for non-motorized boats. Collins Lake offers boating, wakeboarding, and water skiing (seasonally), with boat rentals available, including two-story patio boats with slides.
Are there any unique viewpoints or scenic spots around the lakes?
At Lake Oroville, the visitor center features a 47-foot viewing tower offering panoramic views of the lake, the Oroville Dam, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Sutter Buttes. Moran Lake Beach and Park also provides scenic views with its eucalyptus-fringed lagoon and wide sandy beach.
What other outdoor activities can I find near these lakes?
Beyond the lakes, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find cycling routes like the Capitola Village loop, and running trails such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk loop. Horseback riding is also popular around Lake Oroville.
Are there any lakes suitable for dog walking?
Yes, several areas are dog-friendly. Moran Lake Beach and Park and Mill Pond are listed as dog-friendly. Additionally, the trails at Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve are suitable for dog walking.
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