Located in Orange County, California, Fullerton Dam, which forms the Fullerton Reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, picnicking, and general outdoor recreation.
Built in 1941, the reservoir has a surface area of about one acre, depending on water levels. The reservoir is created by the dam on East Fullerton Creek. Fullerton Dam, found on the eastern edge of the city of Fullerton, controls a total of five square miles of drainage area of the Fullerton Creek and its tributaries. The dam itself is quite large at about 50 feet high and 575 feet wide.
The dam and reservoir are part of Craig Regional Park which contributes to the activities available here. The reservoir provides the perfect backdrop to use the various sport fields within this COE area. The climate and scenery are ideal for hiking and horseback riding on the multipurpose trails. The three-acre lake within Craig Regional Park is another popular draw.
While there are no opportunities for camping at Fullerton Dam, head to the Angeles National Forest and snag one of the scenic spots there. Another great place to check out when you're in the area is Chino Hills State Park, the welcome center is less than six miles away. Famous for its beautiful botanical habitat and acting as a critical wildlife corridor, you won't regret a stop here.
Fullerton Dam is an extremely easy place to reach in a large RV or motorhome. It is located just off highway 57, south of Imperial Highway on State College Boulevard. There are no obstacles that would prevent you reaching this destination. The roads are generally well maintained and easy to navigate, so there's no need to stress about getting to your campsite.
The area around this Corps of Engineering park is suburban so parking is not a problem, even for larger rigs. Parking is available near the entrance to the dam and Craig Regional Park.
There are no RV camping options available within the Fullerton Dam Corps of Engineers park. For overnight camping facilities, after your day of fun at Fullerton, head to the Angeles National Forest. Located about 30 miles north, this national forest has multiple campgrounds to choose from.
Start with the Table Mountain Campground that accommodates rigs up to 60 feet in length. Most other campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest are less generous when it comes to size as they only stretch to fit rigs closer to 25 feet. At Table Mountain you'll find an amphitheater, parking area, drinking water, and vault toilets. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. There are no hookups but drinking water is available.
Another option in the Angeles National Forest is the Lake Campground. It offers a fairly primitive experience with pit toilets and spigots for drinking water. The main attractions with this campground are the quiet, secluded sites coupled with the options for viewing wildlife. If you're in the right place at the right time, you might see mountain lions or bears.
Since the dam and reservoir are located in the city of Fullerton, why not take some time to explore this interesting city? Fullerton Arboretum is part of the University of California and is a sprawling 26-acre botanical garden. Here you'll find a stunning collection of plants from around the world.
Your next stop in Fullerton can be the 28.5-acre Laguna Lake Park where fishing, horseback riding, and hiking are popular activities.
The last stop on your tour of the city should be the Fullerton Train Museum as long as you are in town on the first or third Saturday of the month (the only days they're open). Don't let the opening hours discourage you, the museum features train cars with period decor. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time.
The trails around Fullerton Dam and Reservoir and within Craig Regional Park are suitable for all age and ability levels. The terrain is generally flat and the trails meander through the trees.
While traveling through this COE park, keep an eye out. The park is a popular bird watching destination and is also a wildlife sanctuary. There are three year-round creeks and a rose garden just waiting to be explored.
The main attraction at Fullerton Dam and the adjacent Craig Regional Park is fishing. The three-acre lake is stocked with various types of fish. Typically you can find varieties of trout, catfish, and bluegill.
Before you pull any fish out of the water, make sure you have the appropriate license and have consulted the rules and regulations with California Fish and Game.
The same multi-use trail you can use to hike can be used for cycling. There is no place to rent bikes here so make sure you bring own if you want to explore the park this way.
Use your bike to take a trip to the rose garden, watch competitors at any of the sports fields, and tour around the picturesque lake. Watch out for wildlife along the way. If you're short on time, this is the best way to get around the park to make sure you see it all.
If you're looking to get some exercise or are traveling in a large group, the many sports fields available at Craig Regional Park are sure to tick all your boxes. There is a sports complex here with courts for volleyball, basketball, and racquetball. There are even horseshoe pits for something a little more relaxing.
If you have enough people in your group, you can make use of the baseball/softball fields. All these activities are a good compliment to a picnic at one of the many provided tables and barbecues.
To take a break from your hectic travel schedule, have a picnic at this Army Corps of Engineers park. They make it easy with picnic tables and barbecues located throughout the park.
There are nine total picnic shelters available for shade that also contain barbecues and tables. If you prefer to find your own picnic spot or all the spots are taken, just spread out a blanket in one of the sunny or shaded open areas of the park and chow down.
