Fresno County Parks Guide, Where to Go and What to Know

Fresno County residents have ready access to a wide range of outdoor destinations from valley greenways to Sierra foothill trailheads and mountain lakes. This guide catalogs commonly used sites and offers practical tips that matter for family outings, commuting by bike, weekend camping, and mountain trips that can affect traffic and local services.

Woodward Park in the City of Fresno is the county s largest regional park, featuring extensive walking and bike trails, the Shinzen Friendship Garden, dog parks, and large open lawns. It is popular for family picnics, running, dog walking, and seasonal flower displays. Parking lots fill on weekends, so early arrival is recommended for large gatherings.

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area on the San Joaquin River serves boaters and anglers seeking bass and catfish, and it offers shoreline camping. Visitors should check boat ramp and campground availability in high season and bring ample water and sun protection for valley conditions.

The Clovis River Trail and Dry Creek Parkway provide multiuse trails that connect neighborhoods to parks and greenways along Dry Creek. Those corridors are well suited to biking, family walks, and safer commuting by bike. Trailheads generally have parking and signage that points to nearby parks and schools.

Lost Lake in the Sierra foothills near Friant and Prather is a small scenic spot for short hikes, birdwatching, and nature photography. Road access narrows outside the valley and motorists should drive carefully in winter.

Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake are larger recreational lakes in the Sierra resorts east of Fresno. They support boating, fishing, hiking in summer, and snow recreation in winter. Expect heavier traffic and require mountain driving skills in snowy conditions, and plan lodging early for holiday weekends.

Kearney Park and the adjacent Kearney Mansion Museum south of Fresno State offer mature trees, picnic spaces, and a historic house museum. Museum hours vary, so check ahead for exhibit times and special events. The San Joaquin River Parkway stretches from Friant toward Mendota with river access points for kayaking, long runs, and seasonal birdwatching. Many of those access points are primitive, so bring supplies and check seasonal water levels.

Across the county, residents should prioritize water and heat safety in the valley, monitor wildfire and weather alerts for foothill and mountain travel, review parking and fee requirements for county and state parks, and follow Leave No Trace practices. If you want, this guide can be converted into individual printable park cards with directions, exact addresses, parking notes, and links to county and state pages for permits and reservations.