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California is a fascinating state because it is such a study in contrast. The southern regions are filled with massive and sprawling cities and permanently warm weather.
The north and eastern areas are much more rural and even snowy as you get closer to Oregon.
With so many great things to do in the state, regardless of your interests, there’s a good chance you don’t even know about the area’s thriving archery scene.
California has some of the best and most fascinating archery ranges in the country!
These ranges include private clubs that require a membership or public ranges that anyone can attend.
Some are even located in the state’s many beautiful parks and are absolutely free!
This diverse range of options should give you plenty of choices when trying them out for the first time.
Without further ado, let’s just jump right into the list!
You’ll learn about the best archery ranges in the state, including some unexpected options that might surprise you.
You’ll also get contact information and other vital details to make your trip easier.
Santa Ynez Valley Bow Club
Located on 25 acres of rolling terrain, this archery club is a gorgeous and fantastic option for your archery experience.
Members get the chance to shoot on various ranges and hang out, learning about archery from high-quality professionals.
Santa Ynez Valley Bow Club also keeps track of things like shooting events and hosting various competitions that put the best bow shooters up against each other.
These events occur throughout the year and are a great way to try your skills against others.
One thing that’s cool about this club is its low-key nature.
Run by a handful of dedicated people, it has over 150 members who contribute donations, time, and money.
Even better, it has a real place in California archery history, as Cal Vogt, the seven-time National Bowhunter Champion, often visited this range.
Facebook Review
“Great setting for archery, and all the members are great! Can’t say enough about the folks that run it!!”
- Address: 1817 Jonata Park Road Buellton CA 93427
- Contact Information: 805-938-5171
- Website: syvbowclub.com
- Hours: Open to members 24/7.
Cherry Valley Bowhunters
Here’s another private club that gives you unique access to a variety of outdoor ranges.
Members can shoot on a range from 10-60 yards at 14 different targets, though there is also an indoor facility for members.
Broadheads are not allowed on the range, so keep that in mind before attending.
Cherry Valley has a unique membership option that considers your participation in various club events.
Members are expected to attend what events they can and earn discounts on membership for attending and working on various shooting events.
Just as importantly, Cherry Valley Bowhunters provides a useful training program on most Saturdays. JOAD, or Junior Olympic Archery Development, helps young shooters learn more about this skill and get ready to compete in various important archery events.
Google Review
“I was recommended to visit the Cherry Valley Bowhunters by a current member. My son and I have taken some lessons and have really enjoyed our time at the Cherry Valley Bowhunters Archery Range. My family and I are looking forward to being members of the club and learning more about archery.”
- Address: 38061 Kehl Canyon Road Cherry Valley CA 92223
- Contact Information: 951-845-2754
- Website: www.cherryvalleybowhunters.com
- Hours: Open to members 24/7.
Woodley Park Archery Range
Located in the beautiful Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, Woodley Park Archery Range is open from sunrise to sunset throughout the season and is a perfect outdoor shooting experience for those who want an inexpensive but enjoyable archery shoot.
This outdoor range includes multiple targets that you can shoot, various beautiful views, and much more.
It’s a great place to take your family if you plan on hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor exploring.
Even better, you can take shooting classes if you’re new to the sport.
Visitors just need to pay a parking or camping fee to attend the range and there’s no cost for introductory beginner classes.
Classes are often quite busy because this is one of the most popular and inexpensive public archery ranges in the area.
Google Review
“Took the family to the Wednesday evening beginner class. Quite a few people there that day, but kept hearing that it’s better than Saturday. Staff and volunteers were knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Also patient with our teenage daughters. No cost on Saturday or Wednesday introductory beginner course.”
- Address: 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91436
- Contact Information: 818-521-1205
- Website: https://registration.woodleyparkarchers.org/
- Hours: Daily from 6 am to 7 pm.
Oranco Bowmen
As a non-profit archery club, Oranco has a unique setup and is maintained on a volunteer basis by archers who simply love the sport.
It is a private club that is open to members seven days a week but also available to the public on Sundays at specific times.
Currently, they do not rent equipment and do not allow crossbows on the site.
As a result, you can feel comfortable bringing your compound bow without getting scared away by crossbow owners.
Even better, you can take education courses to learn more about shooting safety and expertise.
Oranco also hosts events yearly, including the North American Field Archery Championships.
These events include 28 field, 28 hunter, and 28 animal targets and are recognized by the International Field Archery Association for quality.
Google Review
“The range is meticulously maintained, and the members are very friendly and helpful if you are new to the sport, this is a great place to start. If you are an old pro, you’ll feel right at home as this club has some of the best archers in the sport. It’s a great place to make new friends or to just be alone and tune your bow.”
- Address: 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd. Chino CA 91710
- Contact Information: 909-597-7582
- Website: http://www.orancobowmen.org/
- Hours: 24/7 to members, 8:30 am to 2 pm on Sundays (exempting holidays, major competitions, or work parties)
Nevada County Sportsmen Club
The Nevada County Sportsmen Club is one of the most diverse and popular outdoor experiences in California.
It includes multiple ranges, like trap, rifle, pistol, and archery.
These ranges have different hours and are open to both the public and members.
This club focuses heavily on youth sports education and provides high-quality classes to help young shooters learn proper safety and handling skills.
Just as importantly, this range includes hunter’s education classes to ensure that anyone, regardless of age, knows proper hunter etiquette.
Nevada County Sportsmen Club also hosts various events throughout the years, such as summer shoots, during which you can show off your skills.
Club events let you hang out with members and create a fun social scene to enjoy.
Google Review
“I spent time here as a child but hadn’t been back in years. I brought my 5-year-old to the archery range today, and we had an amazing time! Everyone was very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. We will be back without a doubt!”
- Address: 11296 Banner Mountain Trail, Nevada City, CA 95959
- Contact Information: 530-265-5131
- Website: www.nevadacountysportsmen.org
- Hours: Sunday, Wednesday through Friday, 9-6; Saturday, 10-6.
Have Fun With Your Bow
If you love archery, any of these amazing ranges will suit your needs!
Make sure that you carefully read through the reviews to learn about hours, membership fees, and much more.
Other archery ranges you may want to consider:
I live in Alberta, Canada where I enjoy indoor and 3D archery with traditional bows and compound bows. On this site, I share everything I’ve learned about archery along the way.