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

Outdoors

Picnic spots near Pico Rivera

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

13picnic areas
4 mito the closest
10within 30 miles
Year-roundbest 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

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.

3

Brea Dam

12 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

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.

Map of all 13 places

Map of 13 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (10)

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 north · USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

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

12 mi southeast · 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

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

14 mi southeast · 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

15 mi east · 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

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

26 mi northeast · 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

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

30 to 75 miles (2)

33 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Southfork Campground

At a Glance: 4,500-foot elevation 21 sites RV's up to 16' No water Vault toilets Campsites are first-come, first-served What to Expect South Fork Campground on the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains is a hidden gem in the Mojave Desert.

  • Camping
  • Picnicking

35 mi northeast · 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

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

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Around Pico Rivera

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

More outdoors near Pico Rivera

Questions

Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Pico Rivera?

Whittier Narrows Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 4 miles northeast of Pico Rivera as the crow flies. Next are Angeles National Forest (12 mi) and Brea Dam (12 mi).

When is the best time for picnic spots 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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