My tip“Parking is free but fills up quickly in summer (arrive before 10 am). The water is very cold; swim at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards. Take your rubbish home with you.”
The most popular picnic spot in the Valsaín forest on the Segovia side of the Guadarrama: the clear Eresma river between tall pines, free tables and easy trails. The water is shallow in many places and suits children playing.
Easy to reach, needs a car
By car via the Navacerrada pass (CL-601), about an hour from Madrid. Tables and the river are near the car park; excellent shade.
Barbecue
Not allowed: there are no designated grills here, and lighting fires in the forest is banned (Castile and León rules).
Address
CL-601, km 130