Castaic Lake sits 41 miles northeast of downtown LA via Interstate 5, and on a hot summer weekend it can feel like everyone in the San Fernando Valley had the same idea. The 425-foot Castaic Dam backs up 29 miles of shoreline split into two distinct zones, each with its own rules and its own crowd. It's a Los Angeles County-operated water-sports complex as much as a state park, and you should walk in with that expectation.
Details
- 🏞️Type
- State Park
- 🏛️Managed by
- California State Parks
- 📍State
- CA
- 🗺️Address
- Lancaster, CA, 93535
- 📞Phone
- (661) 257-4050
- 🕐Hours
- Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday - Sunday
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📡GPS
- 34.53140, -118.60730
The Place
The upper lake is where the motors go: powerboats, water-skiers, bass fishermen running trolling motors at dawn. The lower lagoon is reserved for non-motorized craft and swimming, which makes it considerably more pleasant for anyone not trying to pull a wakeboarder. The lake is stocked with bass, trout, and catfish, and the shoreline trails connect three separate areas around the reservoir. Bicycles are allowed on the hiking and equestrian trails throughout.
One piece of current intel worth having: as of late 2025, the main launch ramp and campground remain closed due to Hughes Fire damage. The day-use areas on the west side are open Wednesday through Sunday. Call ahead at (661) 257-4050 before loading up the boat trailer.
When to Go
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Summer temperatures at Castaic can push well past 100°F, and the parking situation on holiday weekends is genuinely grim. Swimming on the lower lake runs mid-May through mid-September only, so if that's the draw, you have a narrow window. The park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Note for boaters: quagga mussels were detected at Castaic Lagoon in 2024. All watercraft are inspected before launch and must be 100% dry to pass. Plan extra time at the ramp.
Getting There
Exit I-5 at Hughes Lake Road, about 41 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. From Ventura, take Highway 126 east to I-5 north, roughly 51 miles total.
What to Do
The upper lake draws the power-boating and water-ski crowd. The lagoon is quieter, better for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Fishing is solid year-round for bass and catfish; trout are stocked seasonally. The hiking trails are modest rather than destination-worthy, but they do give you elevated views of the reservoir and the surrounding chaparral ridges. Picnic areas can accommodate large groups, up to 600 people across multiple sites.
Dogs are allowed on leash but are prohibited from the water.
Reservations & Fees
Day use is $12 per vehicle. Camping reservations, when the campground reopens, go through the LA County Parks website rather than ReserveCalifornia. The campground closure is indefinite as of early 2026, so check current status before planning an overnight.