Park Activities (Boating, Fishing, Picknicking, Horse Riding etc)

NOTICE REGARDING GRASS AT THE DAY USE AREAS

Due to the 2014 drought, and the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency, Lake Perris has been required to stop irrigating all grass areas until further notice. Grass at the Day Use and Group Picnic areas is dead and brown.

The day use areas of Lake Perris offer almost 300 picnic sites with tables and grilling features.  Many of the tables are sheltered from the heat of the summer with shade Ramadas, and almost all have a beautiful view of the lake.  The most popular areas are near our two swim areas at Moreno and Perris Beach.  Both beaches have large grass areas (no longer watered) adjacent to the sand for playing games, sunbathing, and picnicking. All of our tables are wheelchair accessible, as well as our bathroom facilities.
   
If you have large groups, you may reserve one, or all three of our group picnic areas on the more developed side of the park.  Under each large Ramada we supply tables, grills, running water and large sinks.  Each unit will accommodate up to 200 people and all facilities are wheelchair accessible. 

Perris Beach (Lot 3) now has two smaller group picnic areas near the restrooms in the Day Use area. Each of these two units allow 50 people at the site. Guests pay regular day use entry fees upon arrival.

Call 951-940-5603 or e-mail vsspa@parks.ca.govfor more information on all of our group sites.

Remember Lake Perris does not allow the possession or the consumption of alcohol in any of its day use facilities.


Bernasconi Beach area (CLOSED AS OF JULY 1, 2014 UNTIL CONSTRUCTION ON THE DAM IS COMPLETE) also has one group picnic area that can accommodate 25-100 people and has tables, grills, water and chemical toilets.  Swimming is not permitted at Bernasconi Beach, but it is accessible to vessels that wish to come on shore.  Reservations for all group facilities can be made at the campground visitor services kiosk.

Swimming

Lake Perris has two designated swim areas  Moreno Beach accessed through lots 8,9,10 and Perris Beach that is accessed through lots 1 through 4.   Lifeguards are on duty in those areas daily during the summer and on weekends in spring and fall.  We encourage all swimmers to swim in front of the Lifeguard and to swim parallel to the shoreline. There are changing rooms, showers and restrooms located behind towers 2 and 4.  There are picnic areas that are also near the beach. 

SCUBA Diving is allowed at the swim beach at Lots 1-4.  Lake Perris does not rent SCUBA gear.

The Marina rents pontoon boats and small fishing boats. More information about the Marina is available in the Boating and Watercraft link and at 951-657-2179

Hiking, Bicycling, Horse Back Riding

There is a nine-mile hiking and bicycling trail around the lake. It is paved except for a short stretch at the south end of the dam. A hiking trail leads to the scenic overlook at Terri Peak. Interpretive panels near the campfire center tell the story of the area before Lake Perris was built.  A horse trail circles the lake and goes on into the underdeveloped part of the recreation areas. Springtime riders find themselves in the midst of a colorful sea of wildflowers. 

There is a day use horse camp area near the overnight horse campground. There is also extra equestrian day use available in the "Hunter's Parking Lot" area near the Group Campground with water available.

Rock Climbing

Big Rock is a popular Southern California climbing spot located within Lake Perris State Recreation Area in Riverside County.  Big rock is just that, a giant granite rock approximately 180 feet high.  It hosts 34 recognized routes that range from a modest 4th class to a 5.10d with one A3 route.  Although most routes are single pitch, or suitable for top rope, we have a couple of multi-pitch that take you to the upper level of the rock and several of the more challenging routes.  It’s popular with mostly beginning and intermediate climbers, but provides some aggressive opportunities for that more advanced climber looking for a quick urban workout.  A route map is provided at the base of the rock, and they are also printed in several Southern California climbing guides.

Big Rock has approximately 110 bolts on its face and no more are permitted.  Please enjoy the routes already established.  If you need to add some excitement try some traverses between routes.  We also ask that if you must aid up the flakes, please use nuts only.

The climbing area is open year round although the best temperatures are from late September to about mid June.  Big Rock boasts a west face so it provides shade in the morning and long evenings during day light savings.

Equipment requirements are fairly light: quick draws, runners, 165 feet of rope, and a selection of nuts and/or anchors.

It’s an easy approach to the climbing area requiring about a half mile hike along a paved road.  Chemical toilets and picnic tables are provided, but you must provide your own water, and the park does not rent climbing gear.  

All climbing is at your own risk.  The Department of Parks and Recreation does not install or maintain any fixtures or equipment on Big Rock.