Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near Carson
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Carson where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Within 30 miles (1)
30 to 75 miles (2)
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
San Bernardino National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
75 miles and farther (3)
Los Padres National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.
- Boating
- Camping
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Snorkeling
Sand to Snow National Monument
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
- Accessible Swimming
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Carson. 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 Carson
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near Carson?
Angeles National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 25 miles northeast of Carson as the crow flies. Next are Deer Group Camp (42 mi) and San Bernardino National Forest (60 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near Carson?
Based on Carson’s average highs, July–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.