Fresno is a city in central California and has been the county seat since 1874. The town site was established in 1872 as a station on the Central Pacific Railroad. The Spanish name Fresno meaning "Ash Tree," was chosen after irrigation was introduced in the 1880s. Fresno is known for its production of dairy products, cotton, grains, fruits, wines, and other produce. There is some manufacturing in the area as well.
Fresno is the administrative center and gateway to the Sierra National Forest resort regions. In 1911, California State University, Fresno, was established there, and Fresno Pacific University was established in 1944.
Local attractions include the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, which opened in 1984 and explains the city's history. The Fresno Art Museum displays art that will help you understand the culture of Fresno. East of Fresno, there are several national parks and forests, including Sequoia National Forest, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park, allowing you to enjoy camping, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
You can participate in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and trail running. Fresno's many urban trails are multi-use and family-friendly routes. One of the most popular trails for hikers, joggers, and bikers is the Lewis S. Eaton Trail. The San Joaquin River and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are beautifully visible from this 22-mile trail. You can get unrivaled access to a waterfall that pours through granite rocks by taking the three-mile Roaring River Falls Trail, a short hike that is popular with locals. You will find over 120 acres of pristine wilderness in China Creek Park, and it has a trail where you can enjoy bird watching.
Campgrounds Near Fresno, California
One of the best campgrounds in Fresno is Blackstone North RV Park which has 94 back-in and pull-through sites. It is close to a mall and has a Wi-Fi connection, cable, spacious sites, and full hookups. You can enjoy your stay with your pet and enjoy military personnel discounts. Prices start at $43 for a single night.
Another excellent RV campground to try is the Fresno Mobile Home & RV Park, which has 61 sites to choose from. A heated pool is available at the RV park, which is open every day of the year. The nightly rate for visitors is $48. In this campground, pets are welcome, and there is Wi-Fi access.
Three Palms Mobile Home & RV Park has 38 full-hookup back-in and pull-through sites. They have a heated pool as well as shower facilities. Amenities at this pet-friendly facility include hot showers and laundry facilities. Monthly rates are available.
State Parks Near Fresno, California
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is 27 miles northeast of Fresno and features recreational opportunities and interpretive programs. This area is home to various wildlife, such as cottontails, bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions. The weather can be erratic during all four seasons, so wear layers of clothing as you visit. You will find RV camping spots in and around Millerton Lake State Recreation Area well distributed. The North Shore Campground at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area has 148 sites and can accommodate RVs up to 36 feet long.
Visit Beaver Dam State Park, which covers over 2,000 acres. Its forest areas are dense and are home to animals like coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, snakes, and lizards. The park has breathtaking landscapes, including deep canyons, hot springs, flowing streams, volcanic rock outcrops, and waterfalls. Some outdoor activities are available to you for hiking on the park's scenic trails, picnicking, and trout fishing. The state park has two developed campgrounds, but you cannot make reservations because camping is first-come, first-served.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park honors the 300-plus families who immigrated to the area in the early 1900s to avoid Southern sharecropping. Explore the 20th-century structures in the park, which include a school, a church, businesses, residences, a hotel, and a library. You will discover how this community was created by the highest-ranking black officer in the US military after he retired to enable other people of color to realize their aspirations. Explore the interpretive exhibits and maps that show what led to this community's demise as you hike or bike along the paths.
National Sites Near Fresno, California
Devils Postpile National Monument safeguards the formation of Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and excellent views of high mountain scenery. Your days will be spent hiking, taking in the sights of lakes, rivers, and rock formations. Enjoy some fishing, take some excellent photos, and anticipate spotting various species of birds and wildlife viewing.
Manzanar National Historic Site is a well-known tourist destination near Fresno, California. Elk, striped skunks, mice, gophers, and plants like bitterbrush, desert peach, and silver lupine can all be found at this Historic Site. You will adore the vast night sky and the far-off mountain views. Enjoy the gleaming blue lake, snow-capped mountains, and verdant paths while hiking on the Kearsarge Pass. There are numerous opportunities to learn something new thanks to the locally owned stores and eateries like Lone Pine Rocks & Gift, which sells rocks and gems along with other souvenirs and where you can also find pottery and clothing purchased from Native American vendors.
Explore César E. Chávez National Monument, designated a national historic landmark in 2012 and about two hours from Fresno, California. Start your tour at the visitor center, which was rebuilt in 2003, and offers the opportunity to watch a documentary on the Life of César E. Chavez. You will learn his story of how he brought attention to the poor working conditions on American farms in the 1960s. Visit the well-preserved office and library on the property to learn about various examples of housing typical for farmworkers at the time. Discover the memorial garden where Chávez and his wife are buried as a tribute to his leadership. Enjoy bird watching while hiking on the pet-friendly trails available.
National Forests Near Fresno, California
The Sierra National Forest has a range of elevations, from 900 feet to 13,986 feet, with a diverse landscape. The foothills are covered with oaks, heavily forested slopes, and alpine forests on the peaks. The mountain slopes have various wildflowers in the spring, including redmaids, foothill poppies, Indian pink, and goldfields. You will have the opportunity to see some of the park's wildlife as you hike the mountain slopes. You may encounter black bears, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, porcupines, marmots, and quail.
The Inyo National Forest covers approximately two million acres and contains nine Wilderness Areas. The lodge pole pine and the Jefferson pine are the two most common tree species. Bitterbrush, sagebrush, saltbush, rabbit brush, buckwheat, and pinyon-juniper are the other vegetation to find in the area. Explore the natural ecosystem by hiking, fishing, camping, biking, riding horses, and other leisure activities. This forest is also home to mule deer, pronghorn antelope, black bears, mountain lions, doves, grouse, quail, and various waterfowl species.
In total, the Stanislaus National Forest has an area of about 898,000 acres. More than 1,100 miles of trails can be found in this forest, along with 811 miles of streams and rivers, including the Stanislaus River, after which the forest is named. The park is home to spotted and great grey owls, so keep an eye out for them while hiking. Look for different turtles, including the Western pond turtle, near lower-elevation ponds, lakes, and rivers. Also, possible sightings include Foothill yellow-legged and California red-legged frogs.
