Adobe and gardens at Pío Pico State Historic Park in neighboring Whittier, near Pico Rivera

Outdoors

Boating and kayaking near Pico Rivera

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

8places to boat and paddle
4 mito the closest
6within 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

Whittier Narrows Dam

4 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.

2

Santa Fe Dam

12 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

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.

3

Hansen Dam

25 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

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.

Map of all 8 places

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Within 30 miles (6)

4 mi northeast · 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

12 mi northeast · 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

25 mi northwest · 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

25 mi northwest · 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

27 mi east · 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

28 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Deer Group Camp

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Water sports

30 to 75 miles (1)

35 mi northeast · 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

75 miles and farther (1)

77 mi northwest · Bureau of Reclamation

Lake Casitas

Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Nature education
  • Picnicking
  • Ranger programs

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Pico Rivera. 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 Pico Rivera

Pico Rivera got the party going! 🥳 - Ave 26 Night Market ( video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

Pico Rivera got the party going! 🥳 - Ave 26 Night Market (

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Around Pico Rivera

Pico Rivera City Hall, California
PicoRiveraCityHallTrackinfo · CC BY-SA 3.0
An inside view of the Rivera Library, Pico Rivera
Rivera LibraryShticktatorTal · CC BY-SA 4.0
Front of El Rancho High School, Pico Rivera, California
ElRanchoHSTrackinfo · CC BY-SA 3.0

More outdoors near Pico Rivera

Questions

Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Pico Rivera?

Whittier Narrows Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 4 miles northeast of Pico Rivera as the crow flies. Next are Santa Fe Dam (12 mi) and Hansen Dam (25 mi).

When is the best time for boating & paddling near Pico Rivera?

Based on Pico Rivera’s average highs, all year. 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 Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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