Lake Perris State Recreation Area, a regional lake destination near Moreno Valley.

Outdoors

Picnic spots near Moreno Valley

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

9picnic areas
24 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
October–Maybest 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

24 mi west · 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

35 mi west · 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

Fullerton Dam

38 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers

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

Map of all 9 places

Map of 9 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (1)

24 mi west · 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

30 to 75 miles (8)

35 mi west · 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

38 mi west · 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

40 mi west · 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

44 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

48 mi west · USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

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

48 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

51 mi east · Bureau of Land Management

Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert.

  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

59 mi east · Bureau of Reclamation

Lake Cahuilla

Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Picnicking
  • Recreational Vehicles
  • Water sports

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Moreno Valley. 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 Moreno Valley

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Around Moreno Valley

On Mount Russell of Bernasconi Hills, Moreno Valley
On Mount Russell of Bernasconi Hills 1Z3lvs · CC0
Moreno Valley Mall, Moreno Valley, California
Moreno Valley Mall, Moreno Valley, CaliforniaPhilipp Beckers · CC BY-SA 2.0
Moreno Valley photograph by peter boy12qq12
Moreno Valley, CA, USApeter boy12qq12 · CC BY 3.0

More outdoors near Moreno Valley

Questions

Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Moreno Valley?

Prado Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 24 miles west of Moreno Valley as the crow flies. Next are Carbon Canyon Dam (35 mi) and Fullerton Dam (38 mi).

When is the best time for picnic spots near Moreno Valley?

Based on Moreno Valley’s average highs, October–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

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

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