Joshua trees and a crescent moon in Palmdale, California.

Outdoors

Boating and kayaking near Palmdale

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

7places to boat and paddle
23 mito the closest
3within 30 miles
March–June, September–Novemberbest 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

Deer Group Camp

23 mi southeast · USDA Forest Service

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

2

Mountain Oak

25 mi southeast · USDA Forest Service

Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.

3

Hansen Dam

27 mi southwest · 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 7 places

Map of 7 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (3)

23 mi southeast · 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

25 mi southeast · 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

27 mi southwest · 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

30 to 75 miles (4)

33 mi south · 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

35 mi southwest · 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

38 mi south · 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

55 mi southeast · 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

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Palmdale. 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 Palmdale

Around Palmdale

Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk (80-0785), Palmdale
Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk (80-0785) (27716590175)Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0
747 Space Shuttle Transport at Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, Palmdale
747 Space Shuttle Transport at Joe Davies Heritage AirparkSteve Riggins · CC BY 3.0
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54-2299 North American F-100D Super Sabre (52872104339)Steve Knight from Halstead, United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0

More outdoors near Palmdale

Questions

Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Palmdale?

Deer Group Camp (USDA Forest Service), about 23 miles southeast of Palmdale as the crow flies. Next are Mountain Oak (25 mi) and Hansen Dam (27 mi).

When is the best time for boating & paddling near Palmdale?

Based on Palmdale’s average highs, March–June, September–November. 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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