Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near South Gate
Lakes, rivers and beaches near South Gate where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Within 30 miles (1)
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 (2)
Los Padres National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water sports
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 South Gate. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
More outdoors near South Gate
- Hiking near South Gate
- Camping near South Gate
- Fishing near South Gate
- Boating and kayaking near South Gate
- Biking and mountain biking near South Gate
- Picnic spots near South Gate
- Horseback riding near South Gate
- Wildlife viewing and birding near South Gate
- Off-roading and OHV areas near South Gate
- Parks in South Gate
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near South Gate?
Angeles National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 17 miles northeast of South Gate as the crow flies. Next are Deer Group Camp (34 mi) and Mountain Oak (41 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near South Gate?
Based on South Gate’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.