Picnic Spots Near Me in Covelo

Año Nuevo State Park’s rich variety of natural and cultural resources draws visitors from around the world. The park’s Natural Preserve offers an extraordinary wilderness experience, where every year up to 10,000 elephant seals return to breed, give birth, and molt their skin amongst the scenic dunes and beaches.

The park features the Marine Education Center boasting a natural history exhibit, bookstore, and theater. This complex is housed in the historic nineteenth century dairy ranch of the Dickerman/Steele family. These restored buildings recall the early American settlers, while the midden sites throughout the Natural Preserve tell us the story of the Quiroste Indians that lived peacefully here for thousands of years prior to the 1600s. Cove Beach is a short walk from here for beachgoers and surfers.

The park offers rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet. Once the site of logging operations until the 1920s, visitors can still find evidence of logging operations, mill sites and trestles in the park. The land was donated to the state by the Marks family in 1963. 

With over 30 miles of trails, hiking, jogging and biking are some of the activities to be enjoyed here. Picnic tables and barbecue pits are available. A trail camp is located six miles from the nearest parking lot.

In 1969, Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier carved granite. The natural beauty, geology and history of this unique island make it one of the highlights of any visit to the Lake Tahoe area.

Emerald Bay State Park includes 2 campgrounds: Boat-In Camp (accessible by boat or foot only) and Eagle Point Campground (closed through 2015). The scenic Rubicon foot trail wraps around Emerald Bay, with trailheads at Eagle Point campground, Vikingsholm, and DL Bliss State Park. The park features Vikingsholm, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere and the "Tea House" on Fannette Island, the only island to be found in all of Lake Tahoe.

RECREATION

Camping, Water Sports, Hiking The parks have more than 250 family campsites, each with a table, food locker, and stove, plus nearby restrooms and hot showers. Although there are no hookups, some sites at D.L. Bliss will accommodate trailers up to 15 feet or motor homes up to 18 feet. Emerald Bay can accommodate trailers up to 18 feet or motor homes up to 21 feet. The D.L. Bliss group campground will accommodate up to 50 people, with a limit of 10 cars.

Twenty primitive campsites are reachable by boat. While the parks themselves have no launching facilities, boats can be launched from private facilities about six miles to the north or south. Scuba diving is allowed in the underwater preserve.

Visitors can swim at D.L. Bliss State Park’s Lester and Calawee Cove beaches, at Emerald Bay’s boat camp, and at Vikingsholm. Fish for rainbow, brown, and Mackinaw trout or Kokanee salmon (a landlocked form of the Pacific sockeye)— all successfully introduced into the lake. All anglers aged 16 and over must carry a valid California fishing license.

BOATING
Boating
Boat Rentals

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
Boat-in/Floating Camps
RV Access

TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Geocaching

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra.

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.

Red Rock Canyon State Park features scenic desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. The park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converge with the El Paso Range. Each tributary canyon is unique, with dramatic shapes and vivid colors. 

Historically, the area was once home to the Kawaiisu Indians, who left petroglyphs in the El Paso mountains and other evidence of their inhabitation. The spectacular gash situated at the western edge of the El Paso mountain range was on the Native American trade route for thousands of years. During the early 1870s, the colorful rock formations in the park served as landmarks for 20-mule team freight wagons that stopped for water. About 1850, it was used by the footsore survivors of the famous Death Valley trek including members of the Arcane and Bennett families along with some of the Illinois Jayhawkers. The park now protects significant paleontology sites and the remains of 1890s-era mining operations, and has been the site for a number of movies.

Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing. The beach also has tidepools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. Giant sycamores shade the main campgrounds. The park also features back-country hiking. 

The park was named after Leo Carrillo (1880-1961), actor, preservationist and conservationist. Leo Carrillo served on the California Beach and Parks commission for eighteen years, and was instrumental in the state's acquisition of the Hearst property at San Simeon. He was related by blood and marriage to a long line of distinguished original Californians. Leo's greatest fame came from his portrayal of Pancho, the sidekick to Duncan Renaldo's Cisco Kid, an early 1950's TV series.

Tide pools—During seasonal low tides, visitors may spot sea stars, anemones, mussels, crabs and other tide pool creatures. Tide pool animals are fragile and need your help to protect them. Picking up animals may injure them.

Marine mammals—Gray whales migrating down the coast venture in close to the beach. In April and May, gray whales may be seen from the beach as mothers (cows) and babies (calves) return north. Dolphins, harbor seals and sea lions can also be seen swimming along the beach.

Sea birds—Pelicans, gulls, grebes and cormorants glide overhead. Many species of gulls and shorebirds feed along the shoreline while other birds fish in the waters offshore. Pelicans and cormorants are commonly seen resting on rocky outcroppings.

Fishing —Anglers over age 16 need a valid California fishing license to fish for kelp (calico) bass, surf perch, California sheephead, halibut and white sea bass.

Diving—The clear waters of the park are good for scuba diving and snorkeling. Dive with the proper certification, equipment and training, and never dive alone. Ask a lifeguard about ocean conditions and the best diving areas.

Surfing—Swim and surf only in areas with lifeguards, and go with a friend. Sequit Point and nearby Staircase and County Line beaches are especially popular. Swimming, boogie boarding and sunbathing are also favorite activities. Know your limits and learn about weather and ocean conditions. If you get caught in a rip current that causes you to drift from shore, do not swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back towards shore.

Hiking

Hikers have a choice of gentle or more energetic walks. Yellow Hill Fire Trail offers panoramic views of the beach; on a clear day, you can see Anacapa, Santa Catalina and Santa Cruz, three of the Channel Islands in the distance out at sea. The steeper Nicholas Flat Trail meanders through wildflowers and various plant communities to a seasonal pond. A short nature trail loops near the campfire center at the rear of Canyon Campground.

Camping

The Canyon Campground has 135 family sites, each with a table and fire ring. Restrooms and coin-operated hot showers are nearby. Hike-and-bike campsites are located near campsite #1. The Group Campground at the back of the canyon accommodates up to 50 people. It has picnic tables, two barbecue pits, and restrooms with coin-operated hot showers. Camping reservations are recommended from May through October and on holiday weekends.

BOATING

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Dump Station
RV Access

TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching

About

Crystal Cove State Park's rolling surf, sandy beaches, tidepools, gently sloping hills, and deeply wooded canyons and ridges provide a delightful contrast to its urban surroundings.  Located off busy Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove is one of Orange County's largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore.

RECREATION

Coastal Camping

Completed in 2011, Moro Campground offers 57 sites with unparalleled ocean views. Hookups serve 27 sites; the other 30 are suitable for tents, tent trailers, or van conversions.

Backcountry Primitive Camping

A fairly strenuous, three- to four-mile uphill hike leads to three separate camping areas. Campers must pack in and out all of their supplies, including water.

Backcountry Trails

From the Moro Canyon parking lot, access 2,400 undeveloped acres. The trails are open to hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Maps are available at the ranger station.

Beach Activities

Seven separate coves line 3.2 miles of beach, offering spectacular sunbathing, swimming, surfing, diving, fishing, and tide pool viewing. Please do not disturb tide pool habitat.

Underwater Area

The park’s offshore area is part of the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Marine Protected Area and is a haven for marine life and ocean recreational activities.

BOATING

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
Primitive Camping
Lodging
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access

TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching

 The Cleveland National Forest is the southern-most National Forest in California. Consisting of 460,000 acres, the forest offers a wide variety of terrains and recreational opportunities.

Until the arrival in San Diego of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the lands now within the Cleveland National Forest were known only to the desert and coastal Indian tribes who used them. The Kumeyaay, Luiseños, Cahuilla and Cupeño found a good living on the abundant acorns and game. Many of our trails today follow those routes first used by these early dwellers.

Mountain Biking

The Cleveland National Forest has many great trails, good for all levels of physical activity and experience.

Fishing

There are currently few locations to fish on the Cleveland. Many areas that do have fish are closely monitored to expand fish populations and encourage natural migration and breeding. As fish populations reach more sustainable numbers, the Cleveland may once again offer fishing options.  

Fishing on the Cleveland National Forest is regulated by the CA Dept of Fish and Game. A current valid California fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 years of age. Many of these can be purchased at your local sports and outdoors store.

Hiking

The Cleveland National Forest has many great hiking trails, good for all levels of physical activity and hiking experience. It is recommended that you assess your physical fitness level before beginning any new hike or contact the local ranger station for any questions on hike suitability.

Horse Riding & Camping

The Cleveland has many options for the recreational equestrian user.

Camping & Cabins

You may camp a maximum of 14 days out of every 30 on the Forest.

All 3 Ranger districts offer remote camping, also known as “dispersed camping”, where camping outside of developed campgrounds is an option. Please note: wood or charcoal fires are never allowed outside of developed campgrounds or picnic sites on the Cleveland National Forest, but portable stoves or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted unless elevated fire conditions prohibit their use in identified locations.

Hunting

Hunting is a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. Forests and grasslands may place some areas as off limits to hunting. So check in with your local Forest Service ranger to be sure you are following all the rules.

Picnicking

The Cleveland National Forest offers a assortment of picnicking opportunities for all.  Many sites are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Borrego Springs is a major stopover on the Swainson's Hawks' 6,000-mile spring migration from Argentina to their breeding grounds far north of us. Local "Hawkwatchers" are stationed at strategic locations in the valley every morning and evening to count them as they overnight here.