Managed by the City of Los Angeles, the Hansen Dam is the perfect place for family outdoor recreation. The top notch facilities here will keep everyone busy. The site is probably best-known for its sprawling water park but there's horseback riding, sports fields, and other water-based activities within the Hansen Dam basin.
The dam, built in 1940, was originally constructed as a method of flood control in the northeastern part of the San Fernando Valley. It was named after Homer and Marie Hansen, horse ranchers who established a ranch in the area in the 19th century.
The Hansen Dam Recreation Center is located in the flood control basin and surrounding slopes behind the dam
There are no Army Corps of Engineers camping facilities at Hansen Dam, but head over to the Angeles National Forest or the San Bernardino National Forest to find lodging among the beautiful surroundings.
Since Hansen Dam is located within the city limits of Los Angeles, it may be difficult to maneuver larger rigs through the city streets. Be prepared to encounter heavier traffic during rush hour due to the urban location. It's the price you pay for a city location. Just take it slow and steady; remember, you're on vacation.
At least the roads are well maintained, with no driving restrictions that you need to be aware of.
There is ample parking for large RVs and trailers at the Hansen Dam Recreation Center and Aquatic Center.
Part of the Big Bear Lake Recreation Area, Serrano Campground is one of the closer options to Hansen Dam that can accommodate larger RVs and trailers. Full hookups are available at a couple dozen of the 112 sites. Campers with rigs under 40 feet will have no problems finding a suitable site here.
There are flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and drinking water available here. You'll be staying in the gorgeous San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear Lake, with all the water recreation activities it provides, is within walking distance. There's also easy access to both the Cougar Crest Trail and the Alpine Pedal Path for avid hikers. These two trails provide access to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Another option among the many campgrounds within the San Bernardino National Forest is the Heart Bar Campground, which can accommodate larger rigs. Reservations can be made online and there are 66 total campsites. There are no hookups here but a dump station and drinking water can be found nearby and there are vault toilets onsite.
The highlight at this campground is the quiet, secluded atmosphere. You're close to backcountry hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails while being nestled among the pines at almost 7,000 feet. For anglers, you can also find creek fishing nearby. This is a great option for a primitive and remote camping experience.
The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center is a big draw for lovers of large swimming areas and waterslides. The whole family will have fun spending a day in the water here. Recline on one of the lounge chairs by the pool and sink your toes into the sand of the man-made beach.
The recreation area is home to two different water areas - a 1.5 acre swimming lake and a nine acre recreation lake. There is a small fee for entry and lifeguards are on duty. The swimming lake is only open seasonally. Check their website for opening hours and fees.
There's so much to do at Hansen Dam that everyone will want to come together for a relaxing picnic lunch. For horseback riders, there are even two picnic areas in the recreation area that have hitching posts. The Aquatic Center also features ample picnicking opportunities.
You can bring your own barbecue for your picnic as long as it uses gas and not charcoal. You can choose to have your picnic at the Aquatic Center or somewhere more quiet by simply spreading out a blanket in one of the less-frequented areas. Wherever you choose, you're certain to be rewarded with picturesque mountain views.
Head to the recreation lake at Hansen Dam to do a variety of water activities. For anglers, you can fish in this COE lake as long as you carry a license and follow any applicable Fish and Game regulations. Catch limits will also apply so it is best to consult signs onsite.
You can glide across the lake's waters in any non-motorized boat that is less than 18 feet in length. If you boat has a motor, as long as it is in the up position (and not being used) it is permitted on the lake. There is also an area of the recreation lake set aside for remote control boating. Only boats that are electric are permitted.
Located adjacent to the Pacific Coast Trail, the Messenger Flats Campground provides ten hike-in campsites for visitors to the Angeles National Forest. Sometimes, when the access road (FS 3N17) is open, you can take smaller 4x4 vehicles to the sites. Less than 14 miles from Hansen Dam, this is one of the closest camping options.
Sites are available on a first come, first served basis and most of the time you can only bring in what you can carry. This is a truly primitive camping experience with the only real amenities being vault toilets. Make sure you bring in your own drinking water too as none is available at the campground.
Pay a visit to Hansen Dam Horse Park on the edge of the Hansen Dam Recreation Area to practice your skills in one of the many riding rings. There's easy access to numerous equestrian-friendly trails right from the center. It's a popular spot to use as a base camp for those wanting to explore the surrounding are on horseback.
If your timing is right, you might even be in the area during one of the more than ten horse shows the venue hosts each year.
Athletes of all kinds will enjoy their trip to Hansen Dam. The sports complex here features fields for both soccer and baseball. Hopefully you have enough people in your group to enjoy a challenging game of one of these sports. It's a great way to incorporate exercise into your trip.
There is also a golf course located on the face of the dam, south of the Aquatic Center. There are two distinct nine hole sections of the course featuring holes with trees and significant elevation changes to keep things interesting.
There's an abundance of hiking trails on the grounds around Hansen Dam. Head to the Wildlife Reserve for a hike through the gentle slopes and cross clear streams. You can also hike the trails around the ranger station. Suitable for most hikers, the trails are relatively level.
All the trails offers excellent views mountains but it should be noted that there are very few trees here. Trails are dog-friendly as long they remain on leash.
