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
Wildlife viewing and birding near Clovis
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Clovis for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
26places to see wildlife
12 mito the closest
8within 30 miles
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
Closest picks
Aholul Group Campground
20 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management
Sunset views from this site are dramatic. The group campground is one large site, which can accommodate 75+ people, and is by reservation only. There is a large, paved parking lot which can accommodate large trailers or motor homes.
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.
Map of all 26 places
Map of 26 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (8)
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
Aholul Group Campground
Sunset views from this site are dramatic. The group campground is one large site, which can accommodate 75+ people, and is by reservation only. There is a large, paved parking lot which can accommodate large trailers or motor homes.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
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
San Joaquin River Gorge Visitor Center
Visitor Center The Visitor Center is open every Friday through Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Come to the Visitor Center to explore the plants, animals and people who call the scenic San Joaquin River Gorge their home.
- Nature education
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
Ya-Gub-Weh-tuh Campground
Gorgeous views of the Table Mountains surround this campsite and trailhead. Camping is available on a first come-first serve basis, reservations are not accepted for this campground of six campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault…
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
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
Wildcat Equestrian Area
Wildcat Equestrian Area at Buchanan Dam, H.V. Eastman Lake is a perfect launchpad for activities like horseback riding, birding and hiking.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (18)
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
Fresno River Recreation Area
Located in the Historic Grub Gulch Mining District and site of a portion of the historic Sugarpine-Madera Flume, this site features access to the Fresno River.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
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
Tumey Hills
Look closely at the ground you will find evidence of the vast inland sea that once covered the Tumey Hills. The light porous rocks are composed of diatoms, the tiny, bleached, shell-like skeletons of sea algae.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Photography
- 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
Devils Postpile National Monument
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
Griswold Hills
Within the steep and rugged Griswold Canyon, BLM land straddles both sides of the road.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
Visitors to the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge may be surprised to see that it is home to small, seasonal marsh wetlands.
- Birding
- Hiking
- Photography
- 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
Condon Peak
Located on the outskirts of the Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA), Condon Peak offers rolling grass-covered slopes with a few tall pines and shrubs, as well as steep slopes and rocky outcrops covered with pine and brush.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Coalinga Mineral Springs
The Coalinga Mineral Springs National Recreation Trail was designated under the National Recreation Trails System Act in 1981. The trail is located on the scenic southern tip of the Diablo Mountains.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Curry Mountain
Parking access onto nearly 1,800 acres of Bureau of Land Management property in this area is provided through an easement from the California Department of Fish and Game.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- 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.
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.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Californias NEWEST Lazy River!
A local activity Short shared by Wild Water Adventure Park.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Clovis
More outdoors near Clovis
Questions
Where is the closest place for wildlife & birding near Clovis?
Millerton Lake (Bureau of Reclamation), about 12 miles north of Clovis as the crow flies. Next are Aholul Group Campground (20 mi) and San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area (20 mi).
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including Bureau of Land Management, US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.