RV Destination: California's Don Pedro Lake

The sight of beautiful Don Pedro Lake, California's fifth-largest man-made reservoir, set in the golden foothills studded with oak and pine trees, is something that captivates your heart and pioneering spirit. One glimpse of its blue waters nestled in the ages-old Tuolumne River canyon likely will remain with you forever.

So, too, will a battle with a mighty king salmon as large as 11 pounds. Don Pedro is one of few lakes in California to be regularly stocked with kings, also known as Chinook, and the only destination close to Stockton where anglers can hook these hard-fighting, great-eating fish.

Anglers can launch boats at either Moccasin Point Marina on the east end or Fleming Meadows Marina on the west end - located 17 miles apart by water. Not only is there the opportunity to catch salmon, but also largemouth bass to 19 pounds and hefty stringers of trout, kokanee salmon, spotted bass and a variety of sunfish and catfish.

Don Pedro provides other pursuits, and everything to accommodate them. And With 13,000 surface acres of water, Don Pedro has plenty of room to roam.

Forever Resorts operates the two full-service marinas that rent ski boats, fishing boats, personal water craft and houseboats from 50 to 59 feet. Fleming Meadows probably is four times larger than Moccasin Marina.

Located off Highway 120 via road J59 that heads toward La Grange, visitors will find 172 camp sites and 91 RV sites at Fleming Meadows. The adjacent Blue Oaks Campground boasts 34 trailer sites and 161 campsites. Campers can choose their own site online before departing for an outdoor adventure.

Moccasin Point is farther along Highway 120, but it takes another 30 miles to get there. Located 60 miles east of Yomemite, this smaller venue has 78 tent sites and 18 full hookup sites for RVs, and its canyon walls and higher elevation give guests more of a Sierra feeling.

The Fourth of July is celebrated here with fireworks over the water at Moccasin Point.