Millerton Lake
12 mi north · Bureau of Reclamation
Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River, forms Millerton Lake. The dam and lake are features of the Central Valley Project - Friant Division .
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Clovis
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Clovis for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
11places to boat and paddle
12 mito the closest
6within 30 miles
March–June, September, Octoberbest 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
Pine Flat Lake
21 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers
Less than an hour east of Fresno in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests. The scenic and rugged Kings River Canyon is the location of this beautiful park where fishing, boating, and waterskiing are all available.
Hensley Lake
22 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Less than an hour drive northeast of Fresno in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada enroute to Yosemite National Park. Lake activities include water skiing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
Map of all 11 places
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Within 30 miles (6)
Millerton Lake
Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River, forms Millerton Lake. The dam and lake are features of the Central Valley Project - Friant Division .
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
Pine Flat Lake
Less than an hour east of Fresno in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests. The scenic and rugged Kings River Canyon is the location of this beautiful park where fishing, boating, and waterskiing are all available.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Hensley Lake
Less than an hour drive northeast of Fresno in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada enroute to Yosemite National Park. Lake activities include water skiing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Island Park
Island Park Recreation Area is the place to go for campers looking for lots of exciting water activities at Pine Flat Lake. The area has plenty of campsites plus two group sites and a day-use area for boaters.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Water sports
Trimmer Campground
Trimmer Campground is a small facility on the shore of Pine Flat Lake in central California. Pine Flat Lake spans 20 miles in length and boasts 67 miles of shoreline.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Water sports
Dorabelle Campground
Dorabelle Campground is a popular family camping destination above Shaver Lake. Some sites are shaded by a thick stand of fir, cedar and pine trees, while other sites are more open.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
30 to 75 miles (5)
Codorniz Recreation Area Campground
Codorniz Campground on H.V. Eastman Lake is a perfect launchpad for activities like fishing, canoeing, birding and hiking.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
Eastman Lake
Just one hour north of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Rolling oak-covered hills provide a scenic and restful setting for fishing, boating, and hiking.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Camp Four And Half Cabin
Camp Four and a Half Cabin is located along the Kings River above Pine Flat Reservoir at an elevation of 1,100 feet in Sequoia National Forest.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hunting
- Off Highway Vehicle Trails
Kaweah Lake
One hour SE of Fresno in the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada. High mountains provide an exciting background for fishing and boating at this popular park, located on the main southern route into Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.
- Biking
- Boating
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Merced River Recreation Management Area
The Merced River Recreation Management Area is a very special place just downstream from Yosemite. It is well known for excellent whitewater boating, wildflower viewing, camping, swimming, and recreational gold panning/prospecting.
- Accessible Swimming
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Photography
- Picnicking
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Clovis. 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 Clovis
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Clovis, California: Gateway to Adventure and Old Town Charm!
A local activity Short shared by Kblz AI.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Californias NEWEST Lazy River!
A local activity Short shared by Wild Water Adventure Park.
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More outdoors near Clovis
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Clovis?
Millerton Lake (Bureau of Reclamation), about 12 miles north of Clovis as the crow flies. Next are Pine Flat Lake (21 mi) and Hensley Lake (22 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Clovis?
Based on Clovis’s average highs, March–June, September, October. 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.