Contra Loma Reservoir
13 mi east · Bureau of Reclamation
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.
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Walnut Creek
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Walnut Creek for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
22places to boat and paddle
13 mito the closest
8within 30 miles
March–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
San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
21 mi north · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve comprises two components located along the salinity gradient of the San Francisco Bay.
Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)
22 mi west · National Park Service
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.
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Within 30 miles (8)
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
San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve comprises two components located along the salinity gradient of the San Francisco Bay.
- Paddling
- Photography
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
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Our 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area in the stunning San Francisco Bay.
- Boating
- History
Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
An area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world.
- Boating
- Diving
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
S F Bay Model Regional Visitor Center
The Bay Model was built in 1957 as a research tool to test the impact of proposed changes to San Francisco Bay and its related waterways.
- Boating
- Fishing
- History
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in a vast cultural and natural landscape.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Photography
- Ranger programs
San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge
In response to rapidly disappearing wetlands and its prime location within the Pacific Flyway, the refuge was created in 1974 to protect migratory birds, wetland habitat, and endangered species.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Photography
- Ranger programs
30 to 75 miles (12)
Cosumnes River
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.
- Accessible Facility Or Activity
- Bird Watching
- Canoeing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
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
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Entirely offshore, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary protects soft seafloor habitat, a rocky bank, deep-sea canyons, and diverse wildlife, while acting as a feeding ground for many marine mammals and seabirds.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
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
Point Reyes National Seashore Campground
Point Reyes National Seashore offers four backcountry hike in campgrounds and thirteen boat in campsites along Tomales Bay. Note: For reservation purposes, our campgrounds are organized under the "loop" column of the reservation grid.
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- History
- Horse Camping
Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs east of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa provides ample public recreation opportunities.
- Birding
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Nature education
Point Reyes National Seashore
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
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
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
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
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
75 miles and farther (2)
Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)
Lake Sonoma's Boat-In Sites are scattered around beautiful Lake Sonoma, only a 45-minute drive north of Santa Rosa and a two-hour drive from San Francisco.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
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
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Walnut Creek. 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 Walnut Creek
A DRIVE AROUND TOWN
Walnut Creek - California - 4K Downtown Drive
Walnut Creek - California - 4K Downtown Drive. A film shared by Mileage Mike Travels.
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- Parks in Walnut Creek
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Walnut Creek?
Contra Loma Reservoir (Bureau of Reclamation), about 13 miles east of Walnut Creek as the crow flies. Next are San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (21 mi) and Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK) (22 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Walnut Creek?
Based on Walnut Creek’s average highs, March–November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.