Castaic Lake Recreation
Fishing is one of the recreational opportunities at Castaic Lake
Castaic Lake, one of the State Water Project's largest recreational lakes and the terminal of its west branch, provides emergency storage in the event of a shutdown of the SWP to the north. The lake is located 41 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, north of Santa Clarita on the Interstate 5 freeway.
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), consisting of an upper lake and a lagoon, includes 29 miles of accessible shoreline and more than 11,200 acres of parkland and open space habitat. All this space offers multiple opportunities for recreation. Some favorite water activities at the lake include boating, water skiing, and sailing. At the lagoon, the only boating allowed is non-powered watercraft. Camping, fishing, picnicking, and trails for bicycling, horseback riding, and hiking are also available at Castaic Lake SRA.
DWR regularly monitors SWP reservoirs for harmful algal blooms. For current conditions, visit DWR's algal bloom webpage.
To access the lake, visitors enter through the main park entrance on Castaic Lake Drive.
There are two launch ramps on the upper lake. The main ramp has 18 launching lanes and the west ramp has six.
The lagoon is accessible from Castaic Lake Drive and Lake Hughes Road. The only launch ramp on the lagoon is on the east side and launches non-gasoline powered boats. Swimming in the lagoon is only permitted during the summer season in the designated swim beach with a lifeguard on duty.
Castaic Lake's recreational hours vary depending on the season.
RV and tent camping are available on the east side of the lagoon year-round and each site can accommodate up to eight people, two tents, and one trailer or RV. Both types of sites include a fire ring barbecue, nearby restrooms, and picnic tables.
Castaic Lake SRA also offers a three-acre group camping site for organized or non-profit groups and can accommodate up to 300 people. This site includes picnic tables, a fire pit, and restrooms. Group campers' vehicles and RVs must remain in the parking lot.
A campground amphitheater with a small stage, campfire ring, flagpole, and bench seating is available to rent for day use.
Picnic areas in various sizes are also available to rent in advance.
To reserve a campsite, amphitheater, or picnic area, visit LA County reservations.
Boaters can explore 2,235 acres of accessible waterways on the upper lake. The upper lake is made up of three areas: the east arm, the west arm, and the main lake. The west arm is dedicated to towable watercraft activities, and the east arm is primarily for fishing. Near the dam, there is about a mile dedicated to personal watercraft.
Maximum speed limit on the lake is 35 MPH and 5 MPH in areas near launch ramps or coves.
Boat rentals are available near the upper lake main launch ramp. For more information visit Boat Rentals @ Castaic Landing.
The lagoon is reserved for non-gasoline powered boats, including canoes, sailboats, kayaks, and float tubes.
The east arm of the upper lake is the designated spot for fishing and offers many great places to catch fish. Castaic Lake is stocked with rainbow trout during the colder months. Fishing is also allowed in the west arm coves and near the shoreline.
The lagoon’s 197 acres of shallow waterways are perfect for fishing. On the east side, near the lagoon launch ramp, is a 24-hour fishing pier with a fish cleaning station.
For more information, view the Fish Planting Schedule.
Castaic Lake SRA offers over seven miles of exciting trails to explore. Most of the trails are open to bicycles, horses, and hiking, but the Grapevine and Deer Trails are restricted to downhill mountain biking.
There are trails for all levels, novice through experienced. Visitors can access the trails in three separate areas along the lake. For more information about the trails and a map, visit Castaic Lake Trails.
Castaic Lake offers several reoccurring activities including nature walks, lake cleanups, and boat clubs. View the Calendar of Events for more information.
Contact
Castaic Lake - Main Office
Castaic Lake Recreation Area
32132 Castaic Lake Drive
Castaic, CA 91384
General Information: (661) 257-4050
Fax Number: (661) 257-3759
Camping Reservations - 7 days/week (8 AM - 4 PM): (661) 257-4050
Boating Instruction Safety Center (BISC): (661) 257-4050
Park Hours
Park hours vary by season. For additional Castaic Lake recreation information, visit Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation website.