Deer Group Camp
30 mi southeast · USDA Forest Service
Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Lancaster
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Lancaster for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
7places to boat and paddle
30 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
March–June, September–Novemberbest 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
Mountain Oak
31 mi southeast · USDA Forest Service
Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.
Hansen Dam
33 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
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.
Map of all 7 places
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Within 30 miles (1)
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
30 to 75 miles (6)
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
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
Sepulveda Dam
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.
- Biking
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
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
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
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
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Lancaster. 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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Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Lancaster?
Deer Group Camp (USDA Forest Service), about 30 miles southeast of Lancaster as the crow flies. Next are Mountain Oak (31 mi) and Hansen Dam (33 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Lancaster?
Based on Lancaster’s average highs, March–June, September–November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.