The classic Norwalk Town Square sign

Outdoors

Boating and kayaking near Norwalk

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

8places to boat and paddle
9 mito the closest
5within 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

9 mi north · 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

16 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

Prado Dam

25 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers

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.

Map of all 8 places

Map of 8 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (5)

9 mi north · 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

16 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 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

29 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

30 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

30 to 75 miles (2)

33 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

39 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)

80 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 Norwalk. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

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Around Norwalk

LA Metro Norwalk station platform
LA Metro Norwalk station platform, November 2023OrdinaryScarlett · CC0
Hermosillo Park Ampitheater, Norwalk, California
Hermosillo Park Ampitheater, Norwalk, CaliforniaNorthwalker · CC0
Historic Sproul House Kitchen, Norwalk
Historic Sproul House Kitchen 01City of Norwalk · CC BY-SA 4.0

More outdoors near Norwalk

Questions

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

Whittier Narrows Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 9 miles north of Norwalk as the crow flies. Next are Santa Fe Dam (16 mi) and Prado Dam (25 mi).

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

Based on Norwalk’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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