Simi Valley and its surrounding mountains

Outdoors

Picnic spots near Simi Valley

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

16picnic areas
17 mito the closest
3within 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

Sepulveda Dam

17 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.

2

Hansen Dam

20 mi east · 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 16 places

Map of 16 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (3)

17 mi southeast · 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

20 mi east · 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 (13)

31 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Sawmill Campground

5200-foot elevation. 8 sites. No water. Vault toilets. Campsites are first come - first served. RV's to 16'. Must access this campground from Pine Canyon Road due to washout on 7N23. Can not access from Old Ridge Route.

  • Camping
  • Picnicking

36 mi west · 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

40 mi southwest · National Park Service · Campground

Anacapa Island

Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.

  • Beach
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking
  • History

41 mi east · USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

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

42 mi southeast · 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

45 mi east · 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

51 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Hiking
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Picnicking
  • Swimming
  • Water sports

54 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

55 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

57 mi southeast · 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

68 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

70 mi west · National Park Service

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Picnicking
  • Snorkeling

74 mi west · Bureau of Reclamation

Cachuma Lake

Cachuma Reservoir, formed by Bradbury Dam , offers a prime recreational opportunity for the south central coast area of California.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hotel/Lodge/Resort Fs Owned
  • Nature education

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Simi 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 Simi Valley

Around Simi Valley

Simi Valley from Corriganville Regional Park-21755687418
Simi Valley from Corriganville Regional Park-21755687418Jeff Turner · CC BY 2.0
A trail by the entrance of Challenger Park, Simi Valley
Challenger-Park-Simi-Valley-Hill-1User:Niceley · CC BY-SA 4.0
Apple Store Simi Valley
Apple Store Simi ValleyAlton · CC BY-SA 3.0

More outdoors near Simi Valley

Questions

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

Sepulveda Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 17 miles southeast of Simi Valley as the crow flies. Next are Hansen Dam (20 mi) and Streamside Campground (26 mi).

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

Based on Simi 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 Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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