Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Lake Skinner Recreation Area is located in Riverside County, California, encompassing the 955-acre Lake Skinner reservoir and surrounding facilities managed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The recreation area sits within the Peninsular Ranges foothills and features coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats. Constructed in the early 1970s as a key water storage and conservation facility, the lake was named after Clifford A. Skinner, a local water pioneer. The site offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities centered around the lake’s clear waters, including fishing for bass, catfish, and trout; non-motorized and motorized boating; and paddle sports such as kayaking. Campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs and are equipped with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Several miles of multi-use trails surround the lake, allowing mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding through rolling hills that provide scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape. Bird watchers can spot species such as red-tailed hawks, great blue herons, and various songbirds. The nearby Visitor Center supplies maps, permits, and educational materials. Lake Skinner is an accessible escape from urban Southern California, drawing anglers, campers, and nature enthusiasts year-round. Its combination of engineered water infrastructure and natural outdoor appeal makes it a unique protected recreational setting in the region.
