How do I access Highland Lakes?

Highland Lakes is a public boat ramp in California. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Highland Lakes?

Highland Lakes supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Highland Lakes?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Highland Lakes?

The best time to paddle at Highland Lakes is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round

What are the water conditions at Highland Lakes?

Water conditions at Highland Lakes include calm, sheltered.

Is Highland Lakes good for beginners?

Yes, Highland Lakes is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Photo by Tower Paddle Boards on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParkingRestrooms

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Highland Lakes

Dardanelle, CA · Boat Ramp · Public

Highland Lakes is a public boat ramp on Highland Lakes near Dardanelle, California. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Limited

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Launch into Highland Lakes near Dardanelle, California. Beginner level with calm and sheltered water.

Highland Lakes is a public access point on Highland Lakes in California, giving paddlers a convenient entry to the lake.

Kayakers will find the waters here well-suited to touring and exploration. The waters here are approachable for canoes, making it a good option for family outings. Western paddling spans coastal waters, mountain lakes, and everything in between.

Expect calm and sheltered conditions on the water. The best time to visit is Year-round. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and restrooms.

Highland Lakes sits about 15 min from Dardanelle, making it a convenient option for local and visiting paddlers.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Highland Lakes ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.
•Morning hours offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing on the lake.
•Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.
•Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Highland Lakes?: Highland Lakes is a public boat ramp in California. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Highland Lakes?: Highland Lakes supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Highland Lakes?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Highland Lakes?: The best time to paddle at Highland Lakes is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Highland Lakes?: Water conditions at Highland Lakes include calm, sheltered.
Is Highland Lakes good for beginners?: Yes, Highland Lakes is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 38.4954, -119.7985