Some lakes we go to are Berryessa, Don Pedro and New Melones. Of the lakes, I like New Melones the best but it is the farthest away. Berryessa can be like boating on the high seas when the winds are up which is typical for the afternoon. It also can get lots of traffice by 10AM. Don Pedro has a couple decent areas to wakeboard but the campsites are a major party scene that seems to attract the less desirables. Only been to New Melones a couple of times but I think it is going to become our lake of choice. We like to camp and the evenings are quiet there. For short trips I try to go late afternoon mid-week on the Delta out of Orwood; we can be in the water in an hour from where I live.
Have you considered Rollins Resevior or Bollards Bar. I have no first hand knowledge of either but I've hear from others that they are good. Rollins should not be too far if you are on the west side of Sac.
