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
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near San Bernardino
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near San Bernardino for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.
Within 30 miles (12)
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
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
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
Green Valley
Green Valley Campground is located near Arrowbear in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Bluff Mesa Group Camp
Bluff Mesa Group Campground is conveniently located for campers to enjoy all the beautiful Big Bear Lake area has to offer. A variety of trailheads are nearby, leading visitors through the scenic forest that surrounds the campground.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Boulder Group Camp
Boulder Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group for a relaxing camping excursion.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Ironwood Group Camp
Ironwood Group Campground offers a secluded place for an extended family or large group getaway in the mountains of Southern California.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground
Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground is a beautiful place to take the horses on a camping outing.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
Grays Peak Group Camp
Grays Peak Group Campground is conveniently located for campers to enjoy all that the Big Bear Lake area has to offer. Many trailheads are nearby, leading visitors through the scenic forest that surrounds the campground.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ranger programs
Hanna Flat
Hanna Flat Campground is a family-friendly facility nestled in the pine-covered mountains of Southern California. It offers access to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and a beautiful location to enjoy nature.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
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 (2)
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
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
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown San Bernardino. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
More outdoors near San Bernardino
- Hiking near San Bernardino
- Camping near San Bernardino
- Fishing near San Bernardino
- Biking and mountain biking near San Bernardino
- Picnic spots near San Bernardino
- Horseback riding near San Bernardino
- Wildlife viewing and birding near San Bernardino
- Swimming holes and lakes near San Bernardino
- Parks in San Bernardino
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near San Bernardino?
Dogwood (USDA Forest Service), about 10 miles northeast of San Bernardino as the crow flies. Next are North Shore (Ca) (13 mi) and Tent Peg Group (15 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near San Bernardino?
Based on San Bernardino’s average highs, September–June. 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.