Anacapa Island
31 mi southwest · National Park Service
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.
Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near Thousand Oaks
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Thousand Oaks where swimming is allowed on public land.
9places to swim
31 mito the closest
July–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Closest picks
Holiday Group Campground
32 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service
Holiday Group Campground is a relaxing location to enjoy nature all year long; a quick escape from the bustle of the city. It provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground
32 mi north · USDA Forest Service
Los Alamos Campground is located 90 minutes from Los Angeles, offering a restful experience without the lengthy travel time.
Map of all 9 places
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30 to 75 miles (9)
Anacapa Island
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.
- Beach
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
- History
Holiday Group Campground
Holiday Group Campground is a relaxing location to enjoy nature all year long; a quick escape from the bustle of the city. It provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking and horseback riding.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground
Los Alamos Campground is located 90 minutes from Los Angeles, offering a restful experience without the lengthy travel time.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Wheeler Gorge
Wheeler Gorge Campground is a great place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest all year long. Informative tours of the area are led by forest rangers at the nearby visitor center.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island.
- Beach
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Evening Programs
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
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
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
The waters that swirl around the five islands within Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary create a special place for several species of plants and animals.
- Boating
- Diving
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Paddling
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Snorkeling
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Thousand Oaks. 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 Thousand Oaks
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Paradise Falls, Thousand Oaks ,CA
A local activity Short shared by Brenda Cruz.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Beautiful Wildwood Park, Thousand Oaks, CA.
A local activity Short shared by Kid Troopers TV.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Thousand Oaks
More outdoors near Thousand Oaks
- Hiking near Thousand Oaks
- Camping near Thousand Oaks
- Fishing near Thousand Oaks
- Boating and kayaking near Thousand Oaks
- Biking and mountain biking near Thousand Oaks
- Picnic spots near Thousand Oaks
- Horseback riding near Thousand Oaks
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Thousand Oaks
- Parks in Thousand Oaks
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near Thousand Oaks?
Anacapa Island (National Park Service), about 31 miles southwest of Thousand Oaks as the crow flies. Next are Holiday Group Campground (32 mi) and Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground (32 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near Thousand Oaks?
Based on Thousand Oaks’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, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.