For many outdoor enthusiasts, the Fourth of July often turns into a four-day weekend, with the hopes of enjoying a four-pack of fun through different daily adventures.

Though many area lakeside campgrounds are booked solid through the weekend, that shouldn't stop you from enjoying other activities offered at the four lakes we're suggesting for the Fourth.

We decided to focus on nearby Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Jenkinson Lake (Sly Park), Rancho Seco and the wild card of Lake Berryessa.

"People just want to celebrate the nation's Independence Day together with family and friends," says Lake Berryessa's Janet Rogers.

Hitting the outdoors seems like the perfect venue, she says. Don't let the unavailability of campground reservations keep you from enjoying the lakes even if it's on a day-trip basis.

These lakes and adjacent trails still have plenty of space for daytime activities such as hiking, swimming and fishing. And of course, grilling hot dogs. Here are four locations you might consider.

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Probably the best known lake in the region, Folsom Lake is ready and at full capacity. To the south, you'll find Lake Natoma, one of the best lakes in the nation for competitive rowing and a local hub for water sports (see story on kayaking on Page D1).

Folsom Lake is open to boating and fishing. Trout, catfish and bass are just some of the fish species.

Biking and walking trails are second to none along the lake, with popular entry points such as Beals Point and Granite Bay. The American River bike trail links Folsom Lake to Sacramento County parks to the west.

Cost: $8 for parking

How to get there: From Highway 50, take either the Hazel or Folsom Boulevard exit. The Hazel exit drops you right off at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma, where you can rent kayaks, canoes and other watercraft (www.sacstate aquaticcenter.com or 916-278-2842).

For more information on Folsom Lake SRA: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=500 or (916) 988-0205

Jenkinson Lake/Sly Park

Operated by the El Dorado Irrigation District, Sly Park boasts a pristine lake that covers more than 600 surface acres and has plenty of fishing spots, says the park's Cheri Jaggers.

A scenic hike along the 8 1/2 miles of lakeshore is an option for those who seek an outdoors view.

"There's a waterfall, and they will see some nature like birds, lizards – and although they don't like them – snakes," the park manager says.

Like most other lakes, Jenkinson Lake has space available for daily users who are not camping, and there's plenty of room for picnicking and outdoor cooking.

If you want to paddle the relatively calm waters of the lake, Sly Park offers pedal-boats and other crafts, staring at $5.

Cost: $10 for parking, $8 for seniors. Campgrounds are full for the weekend.

How to get there: Take Highway 50 east to the second Pollock Pines exit, and head south to the lake and park.

More info: (530) 295-6824

Rancho Seco

It's hard to ignore the two relics from the defunct nuclear power plant. But the two cooling towers, standing 425 feet tall, are the only eyesores near this otherwise pastoral setting, which includes Rancho Seco Lake.

The 160-acre recreation area is ideal for fishing, sailing, boating and even swimming. Don't worry, the water doesn't glow in the dark. A park representative says copious amounts of bass, trout and bluegill are frequently stocked to amuse anglers. The park is usually one of the better fishing lakes in the region – especially for kids.

Pedal boats and kayaks are available for rent; windsurfers have been known to take the waters as well, but no gas-powered watercraft are allowed.

More than 100 shaded picnic areas with plenty of grills surround the shore. The wide-open recreational area can accommodate large groups.

Cost: $5 per car

How to get there: Take Highway 99 south to Twin Cities Road/Highway 104. Head east for 15 miles to the Rancho Seco Park exit.

More information: (209) 748-2318 or www.smud.org/ en/about/pages/ recreation-rancho.aspx.

Lake Berryessa

"Fishing."

That is the response for what is best known at Lake Berryessa, according locals and resort owners. Located in Napa County near the point where it converges with Yolo and Solano counties, it's known for its trout, bass and kokanee salmon fishing – especially right now (see our Fishing Line at right).

The east side of the lake is home to the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area, portions of which are accessible by car (www.usbr.gov/ mp/ccao/berryessa).

Private resorts on the lake, including Markley Cove, offer parking and boat launch for $20.

The Bureau of Reclamation operates free day-use areas. For details, visit the Web site and click "Activities Around the Lake" and then scroll to "Oak Shores."

Cost: Depends on whether you visit a resort or day-use area.

How to get there: Take Interstate 80 west to Interstate 505. Head north toward Winters and then exit west on Highway 128.

More information: Bureau of Reclamation, (707) 966-2111, ext. 103.

Markley Cove Resort and Marina, (707) 966-2134.