Historic Fontana Theater

Outdoors

Picnic spots near Fontana

Day-use and picnic areas near Fontana on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.

11picnic areas
18 mito the closest
5within 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

1

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.

2

Carbon Canyon Dam

26 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.

3

Peavine Campground

26 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service

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.

Map of all 11 places

Map of 11 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (5)

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

26 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

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

26 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service · Campground

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

27 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service · Campground

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

29 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

Fullerton Dam

Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.

  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

30 to 75 miles (6)

31 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

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

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

34 mi west · USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Picnicking

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.

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Around Fontana

Fontana, California City Hall
Fontana, California City HallJordan W. · CC BY-SA 3.0
Fontana Center Stage Theater
Fontana Center Stage TheaterJordan W. · CC BY-SA 3.0
San Gabries, Fontana
San GabriesOn^ste82 · CC BY 3.0

More outdoors near Fontana

Questions

Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Fontana?

Prado Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 18 miles southwest of Fontana as the crow flies. Next are Carbon Canyon Dam (26 mi) and Peavine Campground (26 mi).

When is the best time for picnic spots near Fontana?

Based on Fontana’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.

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