Enjoy cabin comforts and fun on the water at this dragon-shaped lake.
A half-hour drive northeast of Paso Robles, Lake Nacimiento (also known as “Dragon Lake”) makes for an ideal summer getaway for anyone exploring California's Central Coast, and a cabin rental is a great way to hit the lake. There's a ton to do here, from hiking to swimming, boating, and standup paddleboarding. A marina with 120 slips also offers a rental shop where guests can rent pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, and life vests before hitting the water. Those wishing to spend a few nights will find hundreds of campsites in the immediate vicinity of the lake, as well as quite a few privately owned cabins with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and woodburning stoves and resorts with cabin vacation rentals. Most cabins are clustered on Nacimiento's eastern shores, but plenty more alternative options and private Hipcamps sit in the surrounding countryside and range from simple cottages to elegant lofts.