Lake Cahuilla
6 mi south · Bureau of Reclamation
Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Indian Wells
Day-use and picnic areas near Indian Wells on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
11picnic areas
6 mito the closest
9within 30 miles
November–Aprilbest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
7 mi southwest · Bureau of Land Management
This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert.
Mecca Hills Wilderness
20 mi east · Bureau of Land Management
The Mecca Hills Wilderness now contains a total of 26,242 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office . All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.
Map of all 11 places
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Within 30 miles (9)
Lake Cahuilla
Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert.
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Mecca Hills Wilderness
The Mecca Hills Wilderness now contains a total of 26,242 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office . All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wilderness
- Wildlife viewing
Sheep Pass Group
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more! Sheep Pass Group Campground is centrally located within Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California and is easily accessible to hiking trails and rock climbing…
- Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Black Mountain (San Bernardino)
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. 4 Wheel Drive is recommended. The road is currently a high-priority for maintenance, which should be occuring in June, 2023.
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Boulder Basin
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended with a minimum ground clearance of 6 inches. Drive at your own risk.
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Picnicking
Cottonwood Group
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more! Cottonwood Group Campground is one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing and wildflower viewing.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Indian Cove Campground
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more! Indian Cove Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known.
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Evening Programs
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Ranger Station
- Rock Climbing
Joshua Tree National Park
Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain.
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (2)
Indian Flats Campground
17 sites. Pacific Crest Trail Access. No Water. The nearest water can be found at the Warner Springs Gas Station.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
Cleveland National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Indian Wells. 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 Indian Wells
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
(Review)- Is this California’s BEST Desert Resort? 🌴 Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Room Tour
A local activity Short shared by Nivan Stklare.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
So Much to Explore at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells 👀🌴 | Part 3
A local activity Short shared by Stay Moving With a Purpose.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Indian Wells
More outdoors near Indian Wells
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Indian Wells?
Lake Cahuilla (Bureau of Reclamation), about 6 miles south of Indian Wells as the crow flies. Next are Palms to Pines Scenic Byway (7 mi) and Mecca Hills Wilderness (20 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Indian Wells?
Based on Indian Wells’s average highs, November–April. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.