Prado Dam
15 mi south · US Army Corps of Engineers
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Rancho Cucamonga
Day-use and picnic areas near Rancho Cucamonga on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
12picnic areas
15 mito the closest
10within 30 miles
October–Junebest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
Carbon Canyon Dam
19 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.
Coldbrook Campground
19 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service
Coldbrook Campground offers 22 shaded campsites* at the intersection of Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks that are open year round.
Map of all 12 places
Map of 12 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (10)
Prado Dam
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Carbon Canyon Dam
Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Coldbrook Campground
Coldbrook Campground offers 22 shaded campsites* at the intersection of Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks that are open year round.
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
Peavine Campground
6.100-foot elevation. 4 tent sites. No water. Vault toilets. Adventure Pass required for vehicles parked at campground. First come - first served. Usually inaccessable during the winter months. The area has heavy use during snow play.
- Camping
- Picnicking
Santa Fe Dam
Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Fullerton Dam
Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Brea Dam
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
Southfork Campground
At a Glance: 4,500-foot elevation 21 sites RV's up to 16' No water Vault toilets Campsites are first-come, first-served What to Expect South Fork Campground on the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains is a hidden gem in the Mojave Desert.
- Camping
- Picnicking
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
Whittier Narrows Dam
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
- Biking
- Boating
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (2)
Hansen Dam
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Sepulveda Dam
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.
- Biking
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Rancho Cucamonga. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Rancho Cucamonga
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More outdoors near Rancho Cucamonga
- Hiking near Rancho Cucamonga
- Camping near Rancho Cucamonga
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- Boating and kayaking near Rancho Cucamonga
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- Horseback riding near Rancho Cucamonga
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- Parks in Rancho Cucamonga
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- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Rancho Cucamonga?
Prado Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 15 miles south of Rancho Cucamonga as the crow flies. Next are Carbon Canyon Dam (19 mi) and Coldbrook Campground (19 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Rancho Cucamonga?
Based on Rancho Cucamonga’s average highs, October–June. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.