The Fairfield arch in the city's historic core

Outdoors

Swimming holes and lakes near Fairfield

Lakes, rivers and beaches near Fairfield where swimming is allowed on public land.

10places to swim
23 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
May–Octoberbest months

Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.

Closest picks

1

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)

23 mi northwest · Bureau of Reclamation

Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs east of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa provides ample public recreation opportunities.

2

Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)

37 mi southwest · 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.

3

Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

38 mi southwest · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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.

Map of all 10 places

Map of 10 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (1)

23 mi northwest · Bureau of Reclamation · Campground

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

30 to 75 miles (9)

37 mi southwest · National Park Service · Campground

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

38 mi southwest · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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

43 mi west · National Park Service · Campground

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

60 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

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

68 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

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

68 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

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

68 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

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

68 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

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

68 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Observation Point Picnic Shelter (Ca)

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.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Swimming

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Fairfield. 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 Fairfield

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Around Fairfield

Closeup of Original Mels sign in Fairfield, CA
Closeup of Original Mels sign in Fairfield, CAKiddo27 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Concrete progress at MP brigade memorial park 120503-Z-RW747-010, Fairfield
Concrete progress at MP brigade memorial park 120503-Z-RW747-010Staff Sgt. Michelle Halpin · Public domain
Solano College sign on Suisun Valley Road in Fairfield
Solano College sign on Suisun Valley Road in FairfieldKiddo27 · CC BY-SA 4.0

More outdoors near Fairfield

Questions

Where is the closest place for swimming near Fairfield?

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca) (Bureau of Reclamation), about 23 miles northwest of Fairfield as the crow flies. Next are Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK) (37 mi) and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (38 mi).

When is the best time for swimming near Fairfield?

Based on Fairfield’s average highs, May–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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