Outdoors
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Stockton for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Explore, learn, and experience the Cosumnes River Preserve with opportunities for guided walks, paddling, hiking, and nature viewing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glory Hole Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River.
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.
Tuttletown Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River.
John Muir’s life was a tapestry of roles—fruit rancher, family man, writer—each interwoven with his deep love for nature.
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.
Nimbus Dam , on the American River 7 miles below Folsom Dam formed Lake Natoma to reregulate the releases for power made through Folsom Powerplant.
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in a vast cultural and natural landscape.
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.
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.
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities.
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.
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
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.
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.
As San Francisco's only group campground, Rob Hill offers a national park camping experience just minutes from the city.
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.
Cosumnes River (Bureau of Land Management), about 23 miles north of Stockton as the crow flies. Next are San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge (25 mi) and Stanislaus River Parks (27 mi).
Federal agencies including Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.