Coyote Point
Coyote Point sits along New Hogan Lake in the brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Swimming
- Water Access
Outdoors
Hiking near Stockton
National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near Stockton, closest first.
Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.
Within 30 miles (6)
San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge
The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge located in Stanislaus County encompasses more than 7,300 acres of riparian woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that host a diversity of wildlife native to California’s Great Central Valley.
- Birding
- Hiking
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Stanislaus River Parks
Just a few minutes NE of Modesto in the Central Valley. Here, a serene series of small parks are located along the Stanislaus River, providing exciting fishing, rafting, and canoeing opportunities. N of Modesto 10 mi via CA 99.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Contra Loma Reservoir
Contra Loma Dam and reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - Delta Division and offers recreational opportunities for the East Bay area near San Francisco.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
Deer Flat Boat In Campground
New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Water Access
- Wildlife viewing
New Hogan Lake
Less than an hour east of Stockton near the historic gold rush towns of the California Mother Lode. This scenic setting in the Sierra Nevada foothills boasts exciting fishing, waterskiing, and hiking.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
30 to 75 miles (23)
Acorn Campground
Acorn Campground is a sunny campground in the brush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
Oak Knoll Campground
Oak Knoll Campground sits along New Hogan Lake in the brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Recreation Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
With acquisition of the first property in 1994, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was officially established as the 505th unit in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
- Birding
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ranger programs
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Glory Hole Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Jet Skiing
- Kayaking
New Melones Lake
New Melones Dam and Reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - New Melones Unit operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Located 60 miles upstream on the Stanislaus River from the confluence of the San Joaquin River.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Tuttletown Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Jet Skiing
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
John Muir National Historic Site
John Muir’s life was a tapestry of roles—fruit rancher, family man, writer—each interwoven with his deep love for nature.
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
Red Hills Recreation Management Area
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. NOTICE: Red Hills ACEC is Day Use Only. No camping on public lands within the Red Hills ACEC.
- Bird Watching
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
Folsom S. Canal Rec. Trail
The 69 mile long Folsom South Canal originates at Nimbus Dam on the American River in Sacramento County and extends southward, paralleling and to the east of State Highway 99 through San Joaquin County.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
Lake Natoma
Recreation at Lake Natoma is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The Lake was created by Nimbus Dam across the American River.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Folsom Dam
Settlement of the basin began about 1844. In 1848, discovery of gold near the present site of Coloma precipitated a great influx of gold seekers from all parts of the country.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Folsom Lake
Recreation at Folsom Reservoir is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Nature education
Lake Solano
Lake Solano Park, Solano Project , is located at the base of coastal foothills at the western edge of the Sacramento Valley and offers an array of recreational opportunities.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Lake Berryessa
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Fs Owned
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
American River North Middle South Forks
The BLM, Mother Lode Field Office administers river recreation on the North and South Forks of the American River. VISIT North Fork American River VISIT South Fork American River Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
San Luis Lake and State Wildlife Area
Recreation facilities at San Luis Lake were constructed under a cost-share agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and the State of Colorado during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)
Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
Sly Guard Cabin
The Sly Guard Cabin is less remote than other cabins on the Eldorado National forest and is a great choice for families with children. Sly Guard provides the cabin in the woods experience with the convenience of modern amenities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- History
Pines Campground
The Pines Campground is on a mixed conifer forested site adjacent to the Little Golden Forest Trail and near the Groveland Ranger District Office. The campground includes a large group site.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Recreational Vehicles
Pines Group Stanislaus
Pines Group Campground attracts large families and groups friends with its convenient location, just 15 miles from the Yosemite National Park boundary in northern California.
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Pines Stanislaus
Pines Campground is conveniently located, just 15 miles from the Yosemite National Park boundary in northern California.
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Rob Hill Group Campground
As San Francisco's only group campground, Rob Hill offers a national park camping experience just minutes from the city.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Hiking
- History
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Stockton. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
More outdoors near Stockton
Questions
Where is the closest place for hiking near Stockton?
Coyote Point (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 24 miles east of Stockton as the crow flies. Next are San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge (25 mi) and Stanislaus River Parks (27 mi).
When is the best time for hiking near Stockton?
Based on Stockton’s average highs, October–April. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.