Wellington Lake has been on our list of go-to spots for a while and for good reason! We often miss the beach living in the mountains and Wellington has one of the best sandy “beaches” nearby. We love to bring a pop-up tent, cooler, and hang out with a group of friends for the day. The lake is wonderful for kayaking or paddle boarding and worth bringing your fishing rod too.

It’s a bit of a slog to get there (you’re on a dirt road for what feels like forever) but you’re rewarded with solitude when you get there. It’s a popular camping spot as well, but campers are typically posted up on the opposite side of the lake as they have their own beach on that side. The best day-use beaches are to the left looking at the lake from the check-in lodge. They are a bit more private and tucked away than the main day use beach.

Wellington Lake is privately owned so they require you to buy a day pass to hang. I highly recommend getting one in advance because they do sell out on warm summer days.