Outdoors
Lakes near Palm Desert
6 named lakes within 30 miles, nearest first, with a map and directions.
Lakes within 30 mi
6
Closest
4.2 mi
Cotino® Bay
Within 10 miles
2
Reservoirs
3
Map
Map of 6 places loads as you scroll.
All lakes, nearest first
- 4.2miCotino® Bay
- 8.4miLake Cahuillareservoir
- 18.8miLake Hemet
- 22.3miPaac Kü̱vü̱hü̱’kreservoir
- 24miLake Fulmor
- 28.2miLake Riversidereservoir
Straight-line distance from the center of Palm Desert; driving and trail distances are longer.
Before you go
Many reservoirs are drinking-water supplies with no swimming or body contact. Look for a designated swim beach.
Green, scummy or paint-like water can be a toxic blue-green algae bloom. Keep kids and dogs out and check the county advisory.
Boat launches often need a day pass or inspection for invasive mussels, and anglers 16 and older usually need a state fishing license.
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Questions
What is the closest lake to Palm Desert?
Cotino® Bay, about 4.2 miles from the center of Palm Desert.
How many lakes are near Palm Desert?
6 named lakes are within 30 miles, 2 of them within 10 miles.
Are the lakes near Palm Desert natural?
3 of the 6 are reservoirs made by dams; the rest are mapped as natural lakes. Swimming rules differ, so check each one.
Sources: Wikidata and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked 2026-11-08; photos from Wikimedia Commons under the licenses shown. Access, fees and conditions change; check before visiting.