Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Rate this placeNearby: May Ranch Park Farmers Fairgrounds
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Perris State Recreation Area is a popular destination located in the state of California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The lake is surrounded by mountains and offers stunning views of the landscape.
One of the top reasons to visit Lake Perris is the range of recreational activities available. The lake is ideal for swimming, water skiing, and fishing, while the surrounding mountains provide opportunities for hiking and biking. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and guided tours.
There are several points of interest to see at Lake Perris, including the Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum and the Lake Perris Dam. The museum showcases the culture and history of the local Native American tribes and features exhibits on their art, traditions, and history. The Lake Perris Dam is a popular spot for picnics and provides stunning views of the lake.
Interesting facts about Lake Perris include that it was built in the 1970s as a source of water for Southern California and that it is home to a range of wildlife including coyotes, raccoons, and deer. The park also includes several rare plant species, including the Quino Checkerspot butterfly.
The best time of year to visit Lake Perris is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are lower. Summers can be hot and crowded, while winters can be cold and rainy. Visitors should also be aware that the park can be closed during periods of drought or high fire danger.
Overall, Lake Perris State Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its range of activities, stunning views, and rich history, it is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the natural world.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Perris State Rec Area
|
||
March ARB Military
|
||
Cherry Valley Lakes
|
May Ranch Park
Farmers Fairgrounds
Morgan Park
Paragon Park
Copper Creek Park