Historic Fontana Theater

Outdoors

Boating and kayaking near Fontana

Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Fontana for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.

11places to boat and paddle
16 mito the closest
7within 30 miles
Year-roundbest months

Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.

Closest picks

1

Dogwood

16 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service

Dogwood Campground is a family-friendly facility located in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. All sites must be reserved to enjoy the area's scenic surroundings and plentiful recreational opportunities.

2

Prado Dam

18 mi southwest · 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.

3

North Shore (Ca)

19 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service

North Shore Campground is a quiet place to camp, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.

Map of all 11 places

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Within 30 miles (7)

16 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Dogwood

Dogwood Campground is a family-friendly facility located in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. All sites must be reserved to enjoy the area's scenic surroundings and plentiful recreational opportunities.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing

18 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

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

19 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

North Shore (Ca)

North Shore Campground is a quiet place to camp, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

22 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Tent Peg Group

Tent Peg Group Campground offers a semi-primitive location for an extended family or large group outing. The area provides easy access to many off-road vehicle trails.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Winter sports

23 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Crab Flats

Crab Flats Campground is an off-roaders paradise, with plenty of off-road vehicle trails nearby for both beginner and experienced riders.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Winter sports

24 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Green Valley

Green Valley Campground is located near Arrowbear in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

27 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Mountain Oak

Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking

30 to 75 miles (4)

31 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers

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

36 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers

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

56 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers

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

60 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers

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 Fontana. 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 Fontana

🚶‍♂️Doing a short hike at local nature center, in Fontana, California 🥾 video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

🚶‍♂️Doing a short hike at local nature center, in Fontana, California 🥾

An activity Short shared by Out All Day.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Around Fontana

An aerial view of Fontana, California looking south
FONTANA2021Platinummedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Fontana Center Stage Theater
Fontana Center Stage TheaterJordan W. · CC BY-SA 3.0
Fontana, California City Hall
Fontana, California City HallJordan W. · CC BY-SA 3.0

More outdoors near Fontana

Questions

Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Fontana?

Dogwood (USDA Forest Service), about 16 miles northeast of Fontana as the crow flies. Next are Prado Dam (18 mi) and North Shore (Ca) (19 mi).

When is the best time for boating & paddling near Fontana?

Based on Fontana’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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