Scotts Flat Lake is a practical outdoor escape from Nevada City, set among pine-covered hills rather than the drier foothill scenery lower down. The reservoir is popular for boating, fishing, kayaking, camping, and simple summer swimming when the weather turns hot.
It is not a wilderness secret, and that is part of the point: facilities make it easy for families and road-trippers. Go midweek or outside peak summer weekends if you want the lake to feel quiet.