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
Picnic spots near Clovis
Day-use and picnic areas near Clovis on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
14picnic areas
12 mito the closest
5within 30 miles
February–May, October, Novemberbest 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
San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area
20 mi northeast · Bureau of Reclamation
The San Joaquin River Gorge SRMA is located at the upper portion of Millerton Lake and is accessed through the town of Auberry, CA. The area is managed by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with trail heads for the San Joaquin trail.
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.
Map of all 14 places
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Within 30 miles (5)
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
San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area
The San Joaquin River Gorge SRMA is located at the upper portion of Millerton Lake and is accessed through the town of Auberry, CA. The area is managed by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with trail heads for the San Joaquin trail.
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
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
Buck Ridge
Buck Ridge group day-use pavillion is located within the Buck Ridge Recreation Area at Hidden Dam, Hensley Lake.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Mountain Biking
- Picnicking
- Swimming
30 to 75 miles (9)
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
Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Case Mountain offers a stunning natural escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
The Merced National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 10,258 acres of wetlands, native grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian woodlands.
- Birding
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Photography
- Picnicking
- 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
Little Panoche Dam
Little Panoche Dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit . The area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access by foot only. Parking lot provided. Nearest main highway, I-5.
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here.
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian woodlands, native grasslands, and vernal pools. A thriving population of endemic tule elk is showcased on one of three auto tour routes.
- Birding
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
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.
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More outdoors near Clovis
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Clovis?
Millerton Lake (Bureau of Reclamation), about 12 miles north of Clovis as the crow flies. Next are San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area (20 mi) and Pine Flat Lake (21 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Clovis?
Based on Clovis’s average highs, February–May, October, November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.