Boulder Basin
14 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended with a minimum ground clearance of 6 inches. Drive at your own risk.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Hemet
Day-use and picnic areas near Hemet on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
10picnic areas
14 mito the closest
2within 30 miles
October–Maybest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
Black Mountain (San Bernardino)
15 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. 4 Wheel Drive is recommended. The road is currently a high-priority for maintenance, which should be occuring in June, 2023.
Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
33 mi east · Bureau of Land Management
This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert.
Map of all 10 places
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Within 30 miles (2)
Boulder Basin
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended with a minimum ground clearance of 6 inches. Drive at your own risk.
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Picnicking
Black Mountain (San Bernardino)
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. 4 Wheel Drive is recommended. The road is currently a high-priority for maintenance, which should be occuring in June, 2023.
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
30 to 75 miles (8)
Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert.
- Photography
- Picnicking
- 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
Lake Cahuilla
Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
Carbon Canyon Dam
Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Fullerton Dam
Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Brea Dam
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
Mecca Hills Wilderness
The Mecca Hills Wilderness now contains a total of 26,242 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office . All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wilderness
- 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
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Hemet. 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 picnic spots near Hemet?
Boulder Basin (USDA Forest Service), about 14 miles northeast of Hemet as the crow flies. Next are Black Mountain (San Bernardino) (15 mi) and Palms to Pines Scenic Byway (33 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Hemet?
Based on Hemet’s average highs, October–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.