NID’s vast water and hydroelectric system not only provides local communities with water and generates clean renewable energy, it also offers prime locations for recreation. With the arrival of warmer weather, many more people are getting out to enjoy the outdoors.

The District’s reservoirs are ideal for boating, fishing, camping and swimming. Campgrounds, boat launches and trails are readily available.

At Rollins and Scotts Flat reservoirs, NID provides public parks, trails, campgrounds and beaches for the community’s enjoyment. Higher up in the mountains, NID maintains and operates campgrounds in the Jackson Meadows and Bowman Lake areas.

“We are proud to offer such excellent recreational opportunities in beautiful surroundings. It is important that everyone does their part to follow safety guidelines to ensure a visit to one of the District’s reservoirs is a positive and memorable one,” said Monica Reyes, NID Recreation Manager.

Please take a moment to learn about water safety before you visit NID’s recreational areas.

When you visit an NID reservoir, please follow these safety guidelines:

• Comply with all warning signs in fishing areas and campgrounds
• Obey all warning signs and watch for restrictive buoys when swimming or boating
• Wear a life vest in the water, even when water levels are low
• Never dive or jump into shallow water. Submerged trees and rocks can cause serious injury
• Avoid sudden immersion in cold water. This can trigger cold shock, which is the most common cause of water-related deaths by causing cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and even drowning
• Use the buddy system. Never swim, fish or boat alone
• Always supervise children around water.

Stay safe when boating on a reservoir. You must comply with all laws and requirements and please use the following safety guidelines:

• It’s always good to take a boating safety course
• Have a boat safety kit on board
• Bring proper life jackets
• Don’t overload the boat with people or equipment
• File a float plan with the details of your trip before you go boating. Leave the plan with a trusted person
• Plan ahead and be prepared for changes in the weather
• Know your skill levels and don’t overreach.

Learn more about boating on a reservoir – visit the state’s Department of Boating and Waterways safety webpage. Click here.

NID has seven storage reservoirs with recreation facilities in the foothills and mountains of the Northern Sierra. The reservoirs collect and store snowmelt, which is the source of irrigation water for local farms and fields. The water also is treated to be used in homes and businesses. In some occasions, District reservoirs are tapped for water to fight wildfires.

Learn more about NID recreation, click here.