Clovis, California is a bustling city in Fresno County only a short distance from the city of Fresno, California. The city was originally established in the late 19th century as a freight stop along the San Joaquin Valley Railroad. Several Fresno area businessmen organized the new community, and the railroad officially began operating in January 1892. Within a few years, a lumber mill was opened in the area as well, and by 1894, the city of Clovis was beginning to see significant development. Clovis's first post office opened in 1895, and by 1896, the town had a population of nearly 500. Clovis was officially incorporated as a city in February 1912, and the community saw significant population growth throughout the remainder of the 20th century.
As of 2022, Clovis has an approximate population of 127,000. Clovis offers a variety of family-friendly attractions as well as quality shopping and dining destinations. One area worth checking out is Old Town Clovis, where you can get a glimpse of the town's history and explore several antique stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, and more. If you're looking for a day of family fun, consider heading to Wild Water Adventure Park to cool off while enjoying lots of awesome rides. Another unique option is to head to MB2 Raceway for some thrilling indoor go-karting.
When you want to enjoy the California sunshine, you could visit Sierra National Forest for an adventurous day of hiking. For something more leisurely, you and the family could have a pleasant stroll around the Clovis Botanical Garden. If your stomach starts to rumble, you'll have numerous choices in the Clovis area for excellent cuisine. A few of the most popular spots in town are the House of JuJu, Luna Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, and Trelio.
Campgrounds Near Clovis, California
One excellent campground in the Clovis area is the Fresno Mobile Home & RV Park, which features 61 RV campsites with 50-amp electrical hookups. The park is located conveniently close to downtown Fresno and offers many lovely amenities. Guests have access to a heated pool that's open 24 hours per day as well as shower facilities and free Wi-Fi.
You could also camp at the Blackstone North RV Park. There, you can stay in one of the 94 RV campsites for $43-$50 per night or $209-$234 per week. The campground is known for its beautiful setting and quiet, grassy campsites. You'll be able to stay at the park for a discount if you're a senior, Good Sam member, or active military member.
Another reputable campground in the Clovis area is the Inspire Communities Country Manor, which caters exclusively to guests aged 55 and older. The park has full-hookup RV campsites available and provides a variety of amenities, including a clubhouse, laundry facilities, a library, a swimming pool, billiards, and helpful staff members.
State Parks Near Clovis, California
Located 20 miles northeast of Clovis, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is a tranquil waterfront park known as a great destination for family fun. The park regularly offers interpretive programs and a variety of recreational activities. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, you should be on the lookout for bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, and other interesting creatures. The park is also a great spot for water-based activities like boating, swimming, and fishing. If you'd prefer to stay on land, there are some excellent hiking and mountain biking trails to explore.
Beaver Dam State Park is a 2,000-acre natural haven located along the Nevada-Utah border. The park is known for its rustic charm and serene atmosphere, and while you're there, you can enjoy activities like hiking, camping, and picnicking. Alternatively, you can fish for trout in the area's streams or observe the area's many amazing wildlife species, which include foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, lizards, and coyotes. The park also offers barbecue pits, potable water, picnic tables, and restrooms.
If you're a history buff, you ought to pay a visit to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The park commemorates the 300-plus families who settled in the region during the early 20th century. They came to the area in an effort to escape Southern sharecropping. The park is named after Colonel Allensworth, who was the highest-ranking African American officer in the country until he retired in 1906. While visiting the site, you can explore nine historic buildings and learn about the history of the area. Additionally, the park hosts celebrations and other events periodically throughout the year. There are several hiking and biking routes featuring interpretive displays as well.
National Sites Near Clovis, California
For anyone interested in unique natural landmarks, the Devils Postpile National Monument is a cool attraction to see in person. The Devils Postpile, which is made of columnar basalt, towers 60 feet above the area. Modern-day studies believe that the formation and others like it were created as a result of cooling lava cracking into columns. The national site is also home to the majestic Rainbow Falls and lots of gorgeous mountain scenery. While visiting the area, you can hike the scenic trails, cast your fishing line in the local lakes and rivers, and take some photographs of the breathtaking views.
Another interesting national site to see in the greater Clovis area is the Manzanar National Historic Site. For many years, the site featured a ranching town that grew apples, peaches, and other crops. However, when World War II arrived, the area was converted into an internment camp for Japanese Americans. These days, the site is known for its unique collection of flora and fauna, including fascinating wildlife species like striped skunks, gophers, and elk. Many visitors also take the time to hike Kearsarge Pass, which offers exceptional views and scenery.
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is a unique trail that ranges from Nogales, Arizona to San Francisco, California. The trail is meant to recreate the famed Anza expedition of 1775-76. As you navigate the route, you'll encounter interesting historic sites, exhibitions, and plenty of wonderful views. You'll also have many opportunities to learn about the amazing journey that the migrants took during the late 18th century. Along the trail, there are several other routes to explore, some of which are accessible by vehicle.
National Forests Near Clovis, California
Located on the western slopes of the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, Sierra National Forest features dense woodlands and elevations ranging from 900 to nearly 14,000 feet. The forest is home to many superb hiking trails, including the Angel Falls via Willow Creek Trail, the Kings River Trail, and the Manzanita Lake Trail. While exploring the area, you may get to glimpse a variety of wildlife species, such as porcupines, foxes, mule deer, black bears, and many more. You can also visit the streams and lakes to fish for trout, bluegill, bass, and other species. And during winter, you can utilize the beautiful area for snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, and other fun activities.
Inyo National Forest is a sizable natural area on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the western slopes of the White Mountains. The forest, which encompasses roughly two million acres, contains nine different wilderness areas. Perhaps the most notable feature in the area is the majestic Mt. Whitney, which is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Popular activities in the park include wildlife viewing, fishing, geocaching, and hiking.
Situated near Yosemite National Park, Stanislaus National Forest covers just under 900,000 acres and is one of the country's oldest national forests. The tranquil forest boasts over 1,100 miles of trails, including excellent hiking routes such as the High Country Meadows Trail and the Bull Run Lake Trail. There are also over 800 miles of rivers and streams, including the beautiful Stanislaus River, which the national forest was named for. During your visit, keep an eye out for western pond turtles, coyotes, bears, mule deer, and many species of birds and bats. If you're an angling enthusiast, consider casting your line in Pinecrest Lake, Beardsley Reservoir, or Spicer Reservoir.
