Lake Perris State Recreation Area sits in Riverside County about 70 miles east of Los Angeles, a 2,200-acre reservoir ringed by nearly 9 miles of shoreline with the Badlands of the San Jacinto Valley rising to the south. The lake is a terminal reservoir of the State Water Project, completed in 1973, and it supports fishing, swimming, water-skiing, and nine miles of paved and unpaved bike and horse trails around its perimeter. Bernasconi Beach and the main Perris Beach area anchor the day-use picnic and swim zones.

Dogs on leash are welcome in the campgrounds, the day-use picnic areas, and on the paved perimeter trail that rings the lake; leash maximum is six feet. Dogs are not allowed on the designated swim beaches or on dirt/equestrian trails. The paved trail gives dogs and owners a long, flat walk with steady lake views and shade at intervals along the south shore.

The developed campground at Lake Perris has 241 sites with water and restrooms, most sized for RVs but all pet-friendly. Bernasconi Beach on the south shore gives access to the paved bike and pedestrian path, a picnic lawn with cottonwood shade, and the most peaceful area of the lake. For dogs that tolerate crowds, the main Perris Beach area on the north shore has more amenities and longer walking options along the pavement east toward Moreno Beach.

Reach the park from Highway 215 at the Ramona Expressway exit, then east about three miles to the main entrance; Bernasconi Beach is reached from the south via Bernasconi Road off Highway 74. Day-use entry is ten dollars per vehicle. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees in July and August, so dog visits outside those months or in early morning are easier on everyone.