Heritage Park play island in Cerritos

Outdoors

Boating and kayaking near Cerritos

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

7places to boat and paddle
12 mito the closest
3within 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

12 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

18 mi north · 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

24 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 7 places

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Within 30 miles (3)

12 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

18 mi north · 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

24 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 (3)

32 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

33 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

35 mi north · 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

75 miles and farther (1)

82 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 Cerritos. 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 Cerritos

Around Cerritos

Heritage Park Cerritos Tower
Heritage Park Cerritos TowerDarkNight0917 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cerritos Auto Square
Cerritos Auto SquareAllyUnion at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Cerritos Fountain
Cerritos FountainAllyUnion at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

More outdoors near Cerritos

Questions

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

Whittier Narrows Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 12 miles north of Cerritos as the crow flies. Next are Santa Fe Dam (18 mi) and Prado Dam (24 mi).

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

Based on Cerritos’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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