Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near Downey
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Downey where swimming is allowed on public land.
5places to swim
15 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
June–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Closest picks
Deer Group Camp
32 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service
Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.
Mountain Oak
39 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service
Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.
Map of all 5 places
Map of 5 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (1)
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
30 to 75 miles (3)
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
Mountain Oak
Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
San Bernardino National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
75 miles and farther (1)
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 Downey. 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 Downey
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More outdoors near Downey
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near Downey?
Angeles National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 15 miles north of Downey as the crow flies. Next are Deer Group Camp (32 mi) and Mountain Oak (39 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near Downey?
Based on Downey’s average highs, June–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.