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    Castaic Lake

    3.2 (112 reviews)

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    Yippee! Water safety!
    Cynthia C.

    What a beautiful day for some SUP. Arrived about 10:30am and water was calm. Inspection was easy because our birds were COMPLETELY dry and had not been used since August. These are the things they ask: name of boards? When we're they last used? We're they put away dry? Do you have a life vest for each board? First timers get additional questions like name, address, etc., but once you're in the system, like we are, they pretty much ask if it's all still the same and just jot down what they have on the paperwork. That stays with you. Parking pass($12 as of 10/17/22), SUP launch x 2 ($9 as of same date) = $18, and we're in! Pull to launch on lower lake - no one around - SWEEET! Put our towels, equipment, snacks, drinks, etc on table under shady tree, off loaded our boards and friend parked car in nearby lot w/ parking pass taped to driver's side, inside windshield. Launched our boards, paddled for a little over an hour and conditions were great. Came back in for a rest, my friend ordered some food for pickup from nearby Casa Lupita(see separate review), went to pick it up - because parking pass is good for all day re-entry - while I did some SDP (SIT DOWN PADDLING! ;-)). When she came back we ate our yummy burritos, played some cards, then got back in the water around 3pm. Breeze had picked up a TINY bit, so still good for paddling around. Came back in around 4pm, packed up everything and left around 4:45. FUN! All day we saw just 2 motorboats, 2 non motorized fishermen, and a few people sprinkled around the shores fishing. I'd consider that empty on a Monday. Bathrooms next to lower lake launch area get cleaned each day and were clean and operating fine each time we used. Shout out to Lifeguard John who helped us with some equipment issues and made for an even better experience!

    Trash before 10 AM
    Angela A.

    Wow! Visited swimming area on Sunday August 11, 2024 and was disgusted. It was so bad that I will not be returning unless there are some drastic changes. Drive from LA county was about an hour. I called and spoke to a staff a day before to prepare myself. They do not allow floaties and life jackets need to be certified. Arrived around 5:30 AM as suggested by the staff (he said Sundays are the most packed) but you don't have to arrive so early unless you have no portable tables. I was not prepared with some essentials here like additional tables and canopy for shade. Hammocks are a must here and if you can claim a spot right in front of the swimming area i highly recommend it. These areas by the trees will have shade through the day. The bathrooms were full of toilet paper, every single stall. You couldn't avoid stepping on used tampons, pads and toilet paper through out the whole day. They never got cleaned. The trash bins were overflowing with trash and bird had all night to go through it and make more of a mess. It got picked up before 10 AM. The beach was never cleaned. There was left over trash and bird feathers everywhere. It was horrifying how trashed this lake is. $12 a parking for this poop show is ridiculous. We got kicked out the lake because someone pooped in it. Whoever did it would rather poop in the lake than those disgusting restrooms.

    Me
    Jared B.

    Had an amazing time would come back great spot to go fishing and close to six flags so kids can do rollercoasters and the boys can relax and go fish

    Catch and release
    Jacqueline V.

    Bass gods answered tonight!! My mom with her first big boy Castaic lagoon night fishing

    Leah W.

    We camped here for 2 nights, and went fishing, and kayaking on the lake. (Of course you need a fishing license for those asking.) I suggest looking on the website and reading the regulations so that you may have the most enjoyable experience. It was $9.00 to kayak and your kayak will be inspected. The camp sites are all $30/night. I liked the site we camped in but next time Im going to look for the lake view sites. I notice that they book out pretty fast at this site. Swimming ends after labor day I believe so best to go the dares that the swim beach is open if you want to go for a dip. This lake is beautiful. I truly enjoyed fishing and kayaking here, and next summer, Im coming out here to swim/snorkel. I want to especially express my gratitude for the staff. The guy that inspected our kayak was so nice and helpful. We spent a total of 69.00 for 2 nights camping and kayaking. They sell firewood as well on the site. I cannot believe after kayaking, I dropped my phone off the boat launch dock into the water while unloading. I notified the guy that does the boat check in and he notified base, who notified the lifeguard. Would you believe that the lifeguard came boating over to the dock, put on his dive mask, and dove in to look for my phone? Took him about 7 minutes in and out but he found it and my phone worked! I am so grateful for Richard Curl and I hope that he sees this review. I thought my phone was a lost cause at the bottom of the lake but he took the time and effort to get in that cold water at the end of the afternoon and retrieve my cell phone for me. Words cannot express my appreciation for him. If you are looking for a campsite that allows fire pit, fishing, swimming, kayaking, then this is tge lake. I like camping near water and Lake Castaic is a huge lake. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and I will be back! Thanks to all staff who help make this place thrive.

    Lake fishing
    Mary P.

    Beautiful clean lake. Came in early, lots of parking space. Water is clear, lots of fish swimming. Not crowded. Came on a Sunday. $12 for the day pass. Very relaxing, chill, lots of trees for the shade. I've seen people kayak, and ride the boats. They are pet friendly as long as you have them on the leash. There's multiple stalls bathroom. Bathroom is well maintained. Will definitely come back.

    Watching a movie on a boat!
    Kayla K.

    Omgggggg!! Watched a movie on a boat here they were sold out and my mom got me a VIP boat and it was amazing front row and watching Jaws the movie on the lake it was so beautiful and such an amazing experience it's not all the time that they have this going on but I definitely will be back when they have it again!! Lots of parking in the middle of no where but worth the drive

    Gone fishing
    David R.

    Cool place to fish. Lots of parking near the dock. Other patrons seems respectful of each other's space. Portable bathroom near the lake was blown out, but if you don't mind walking or a small drive there are better restrooms near the pay booth by the entrance/exit.

    Map of the lake
    Peter H.

    If it's your first time, You have to have a dry vessel ! Absolutely dry and free of any moisture or water. If there is any water , from other lakes or ocean or even from your hose water at home, and I mean as little as a drop, you will not pass the inspection. You will waste your time in line. They will mark you down and you'll have to come back in 8 days. Any water on your boat including on or in the jet engine, propellers or even in your flush whole, instant fail, they will turn you away. It won't matter if you hosed your boat down the day before with fresh water???? They will even ask you to turn on your engine for a few seconds just to see if anything spits out. They will go inside your boat and check all areas that water may linger. Be patient, there is limited staff. They will get to you. Most waiting is due to inspections. The staff was very helpful. Very nice . The lake is absolutely amazing and that's cause they are really strict AF. Not much fun for PWCs like jet skis, small area for those to play around. Restrooms on the lake water are broken all of the time, so go before you get on the water or good luck If you do end up making it through and you plan on coming back to the lake, make sure to get a tag on the way out. Ask what time to be back to get a tag "very important" Getting a tag on the way out ensures that you can come back to the lake without your vessel having to go through a rigorous boat inspection. Also a castaic lake tag is also good to go for pyramid lake inspection, however, A pyramid lake tag is not good for Castaic lake unless 8 days have passed. Make sure to call if you have any questions.

    Daniels R.

    I have a soft spot for lakes since I grew up on a lake.  This lake impressed me because it has floating outhouses on the lake where you can drop a deuce instead of in the water.    There are small boats available for rent at the landing and the lake doesn't seem to be overcrowded.  I'm not sure about the fishing on the lake but if you get here early enough you might get lucky to find calm waters.  In the afternoon the wind picks up and the water is rough for skiers and wake boarders.

    Izabella
    Jacob B.

    Depending on what you're coming here for, this place is so beautiful and a perfect place to bring your pets, friends, family, and especially if you have kids. There's so much open space and different ways you can walk that all have fantastic views. It's best to go when the weather is nice so you're able to walk around comfortably and can stay awhile. My favorite time is a little bit before sunset. Everyone is usually really nice and doing all sorts of activities. There are plenty of benches, grills, playgrounds, open spaces of grass and also parking along the streets before you turn right @ the stop sign (if you don't want to pay $12 for parking) and the walk to & fro is not bad at all! There's all different types of hiking trails further up the hill and even a lookout; just keep driving up a little and you'll see everyone parked in in different dirt areas. My favorite is the "3rd dirt area" as you keep going. Perfect for lovebirds and stoners, of course.

    Cased in swimming area.

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    Castaic Lake Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Castaic Lake

    Do you need fishing licenses here?

    yes, you do need a fishing license

    What are the rules for dogs? Do I have to show current vaccination papers?

    No. Standard dog laws. Leash, clean up after etc

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    Review Highlights - Castaic Lake

    We had a super fun time here fishing both the lower lake and off the dam on the upper lake.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Pyramid Lake Recreation Area/Los Alamos Campground

    Pyramid Lake Recreation Area/Los Alamos Campground

    3.3(240 reviews)
    15.8 mi

    On a road trip from LA to a national park, my friend Denise and I stopped at Pyramid Lake to…read morestretch our legs and witness the majestic waves that Mother Nature can introduce with a slow roll. When we first arrived, we pulled off at a spot that was the Lake but not the part of the lake that had the expansive water stretch. This part of the lake was so long in length that the water seemed to reach past infinity into the very moment where it all begin-- the point of creation that can be described as the bing bang or the celestial light was turn on, or something else all together. Who am I to judge how someone believes that this lake and all other molecules and atoms were created? I can appreciate beauty without knowing its first source. When we stepped into the first part of the lake we approached a fishermen. He explained that this part was the smaller part of the lake and if we drove a bit, we would see the bigger part. What he neglected to say to us, is that we had to leave the smaller part of the lake get into freeway to get to the bigger part of the lake. Eventually Denise and I figured it out but it took some wrong terms and clearer directions from a park ranger. What was grand about speaking with this fishermen was that I was able to see the carcasses of fish he had caught. I describe it as grand but in reality the moment was grim for I saw multiple fish caught in a hook, still in the water. What was once their area of splash and play now was their grave. I guess that is why people should not see how the sausage is made, for we will know that death is required to make a beautiful plate sing with a protein at the center. I digress. Once we got to the large area of the lake, where the water stretched like I said before, we were welcomed to the type of serenity that only still water can produce within humans and fowl. I wish I would have taken more pictures of the glistening beauty all around but I did take a few. For instance there is this picture where the lake begins, after a boardwalk ends, and the water continues past mountains into the sky. The water and sky did not become one but they seemed to meet at point of convergence. Furthermore, in this picture, there is a single boat, barely visible, but it is there. The boat goers were living the moment to the max. Denise and I just walked a bridge that took us to the water's edge but these folks, in the boat, were dancing with nature. The dance was slow, not tedious, and the movement was graceful, like those performed by members of a ballet company. The boat goers were the swans in the dance, they were the swans swimming calmly along. I asked a lake worker if Denise and I could get in a boat for like 10 to 15 minutes just so we can say we experienced the boat in the water and the day to the max. We were not allowed, we needed to shell 150 for an hour rental. We did not have the time to enjoy the lake to this max. I guess sometimes, people only have time to smell a rose, they do not have time to cultivate one of their very own. The place was not lush or rustic. It was more simple nature left undisturbed. It's growth and water were the kind of work that makes me understand why some people escape to the woods and to the beach. Because in places like this, where nature holds might, problems do not exist. It is only the cherished traits of nature that remain, and I guess this is why these places remain as oases or is it osai or osaieses? As Denise and I were leaving the bigger part of the lake we saw the most wonderful thing, a rock formation with a pyramid in front of its face. We discovered why this lake was named Pyramid Lake. It turns out that the detour was part of the journey all along. True about this roadtrip true about life.

    Beautiful lake, you can see this lake from the 5fwy it looks so crystal blue and pretty. We saw it…read morefrom the recreational center and took some amazing pictures. It's $15 per car, that's all I recall reading when we approached pyramid lake entrance.

    Photos
    Pyramid Lake Recreation Area/Los Alamos Campground
    Pyramid Lake Recreation Area/Los Alamos Campground
    Pyramid Lake Recreation Area/Los Alamos Campground

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    Happy Hikers

    Happy Hikers

    5.0(3 reviews)
    21.9 miWest Hills

    'Happy Hikers' hikes are all led by Wendy Shugar...and it has been such an amazingly FUN and…read morelife-changing experience for me:) I am not really a fan of indoor gyms and I love being out in nature, so this is a perfect fit for me. I also don't want to feel I have to be a 'super-star' athlete and feel intimidated to hike, and Happy Hikers and Wendy's warmth and laid back but focused attitude makes ALL the difference in the world! She has built my confidence and continues to build such an important community!!! I also LOVE LOVE being motivated by people and having a good laugh with them, and with Happy Hikers I get both!!! We laugh so much together and motivate one another to get through our beautiful hikes. With the group and Wendy leading us, I feel I can really do anything!!! And the rest of the week I can really feel how important this is in my life. I have become so much stronger since I started, and confident!!! I really LOVE feeling like I'm part of such an important healing and spirited community where all are welcomed! And sometimes when we do hikes with the children my daughter has the best time. And we get to meet the most wonderful people!! Being in nature just changes you and when you combine that with a Happy Hikers experience, it makes you want to do more and more...you don't even realize sometimes how much you've actually exercised, but your body will definitely thank you for it!!!

    Happy Hikers is an amazing group led by Wendy. Her passion and caring for her hikers are…read moreincredible. She does a great job making sure everybody can complete the hike safely and picks great locations every single week. Don't miss out on all the fun!

    Photos
    Happy Hikers - Pt. Dume Beach

    Pt. Dume Beach

    Happy Hikers
    Happy Hikers

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    Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park - Nice views from the top

    Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

    4.8(321 reviews)
    16.3 mi

    FUN rock scrambling at almost 45 degrees! It was slightly out of the way on our drive to LA but I…read morewanted to come here for a long time. A lot of movies, music videos, and TV have been filmed here, often to depict otherworldly alien landscape, it was in a couple episodes of Star Trek and the gift shop has some Star Trek related merchandise. You can park right next to the famous rocks and go climbing up, this is my favorite type of park since there are no guardrails or fences, you can go where you want. Be careful though, the ranger told us the week before we went someone got scared coming down and broke their ankle and had to be airlifted out, remember it's always easy to climb up than it is to climb down. Toward the back of the famous rocks are some nice boulders and a hike you can go on, some of these rocks look like animals or faces and is worth checking out if the famous ones are too crowded. The witches hat is a bit hard to find but go to the visitor center and it's walkable from there. The rangers can help you find it, there are also animals in the different sheds you can check out.

    Hidden little gem for you your friends and family to come down and check out. On-site staff at the…read moremain Center are super sweet and answer any and all questions that you have and you additionally get an opportunity to see some of the local wildlife up close. For the most part trails are pretty flat however, rocky and uneven ground in certain parts so make sure to wear sturdy shoes. I'd recommend taking a backpack with some water, pack a few snacks, or even a sack lunch to enjoy while on the trail. And most importantly make sure to take your trash out with you.

    Photos
    Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park - Kids loved rock scrambling here

    Kids loved rock scrambling here

    Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park - Kids and I climbed it and explored, really nice area

    Kids and I climbed it and explored, really nice area

    Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

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    Castaic Lake State Recreational Area - End of Sunday Fun Day Vibes...

    Castaic Lake State Recreational Area

    3.2(139 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    The staff here are amazing!!!! Okay, I meant to write this review 2 months ago…read more I am a new boat owner and still learning a TON. It was my first time taking my new boat out without anyones guidance, and of course, being inexperienced, I unknowingly took it out on a super, like super windy day, with 25+ mph winds! And again, being naive and inexperienced, I launch my little boat, immediately regretting it hahaha. And being new to all of this at the time, I had no confidence or knowledge to properly retrieve my boat out of that, mess, to say the least hahaha. The workers, working at the launch ramp SAVED ME!!! They were all so beyond super nice, awesome, and helpful! I asked if they could help me retrieve my boat, cause, I didn't know what to do hahaha, and oh my gosh. I am beyond thankful for them! They all helped me and only thanks to them we were able get the boat back on the trailer with those crazy winds. A MASSIVELY HUGE SHOUTOUT TO KEARNS, HOGGIE, AND BURNETT!!!!! I CAN NOT THANK YOU GUYS ENOUGH AND HOPE YOU READ THIS!!! They were so helpful and so kind! Didn't take money or anything! Amazing workers! So sorry it took so long to write a review! I didn't forget! Get them a raise frickin immediately! They definitely made it a memorable first experience hahahaha! May the Lord BLESS all of you!!!

    Drove 2 hours to go to swim beach and they were closed for the season even though their website…read moreshows they are still open!

    Photos
    Castaic Lake State Recreational Area - The ol' bucket carry unmasked

    The ol' bucket carry unmasked

    Castaic Lake State Recreational Area - Beautiful fall

    Beautiful fall

    Castaic Lake State Recreational Area - Adventure Walk....

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    Adventure Walk....

    Castaic Lake - lakes - Updated September 2026

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