Lake Piru Recreation Area

 Nestled in Ventura County, California—just under an hour from Los Angeles—Lake Piru Recreation Area offers a stunning retreat in the Los Padres National Forest with panoramic views of the Topatopa Mountains .

History & Geography

Created in 1955 by building the Santa Felicia Dam on Piru Creek, this 1,240-acre reservoir lies at approximately 1,043 ft above sea level and reaches depths of 130 ft .

Managed by the United Water Conservation District, the reservoir serves both flood control and recreational purposes for Ventura County and the Santa Clara River Valley .

The name “Piru” is derived from native reeds historically used by local Indigenous peoples .

Camping & Facilities

The campground features 236 tree-shaded campsites, accommodating tents, RVs, and trailers, including full‑hookup, electric-only, and primitive sites, as well as two group campsites .

Amenities include modern restrooms, hot pay showers, laundry, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, and Wi‑Fi access in most sites .

The Condor Point Store on site offers snacks, ice, firewood, camping essentials, fishing gear, and lake merchandise .

Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. .

Camper Fees (2025 rates)

Off‑season (Oct–Mar): Basic $28, Electric $32, Full hookup $45

Peak season (Apr–Sept): Basic $36, Electric $43, Full hookup $56

Vehicle passes, boat permits, and extra‑person fees available separately .

Water & Shore Activities

Boating, fishing, water-skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and pontoon rentals are popular. Personal watercraft are capped at 20 units at once, and restricted zones exist near the dam .

Pontoon boat rentals available—seating up to 10—with rental rates tapering from peak to off‑peak season (e.g., $170/day peak) .

All boat operators must hold a valid California boater card, and vessels are subject to inspection to prevent spread of quagga mussels, an invasive species identified in the reservoir in 2013 .

Fishing

The lake is stocked annually with species including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Recorded catches include a 15‑lb bass and a 3½‑lb crappie .

Shore fishing, pier access, and fish‑cleaning facilities are available on site .

Some species like carp require catch‑and‑release only, and local advisories may apply for mercury or PCB limits .

On-Land Recreation

The recreation area includes picnic zones with grills, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and a 9‑hole disc golf course .

Hiking trails are abundant: Agua Blanca Trail (~12 miles) and Pothole Trail (~6 miles with ridge views) connect to the Sespe Wilderness .

Wildlife enthusiasts may spot deer, golden eagles, osprey, bobcats, and the nearby Sespe Condor Sanctuary, one of the key recovery areas for the endangered California condor .

Safety & Swimming Restriction

Swimming was officially banned in August 2020, following the tragic drowning of actress Naya Rivera. The lake had previously permitted swimming areas, but the ban remains in effect due to safety concerns .

Visitors should also be cautious of cold water temperatures, underwater currents, boat traffic, and no lifeguards on duty .

Planning Your Visit

Lake Piru is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Overnight camping is available year-round, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially for peak seasons or weekends 

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Keep sites clean—pack in, pack out policy is enforced to preserve natural beauty .

Make sure to bring valid ID, boater card (if boating), and equipment appropriate for the conditions.

Final Thoughts

Lake Piru Recreation Area offers a balanced blend of natural serenity and outdoor adventure—ideal for camping families, angling enthusiasts, and day‑trip explorers. Whether you're drifting on a pontoon, fishing at sunrise, or hiking through scenic trails, the area delivers a refreshing escape from Southern California’s hustle—just under one hour from Los Angeles.

Here is a local Business that supports the community

 

 

Google Map- 

 

4060 Camulos St, Piru, CA 93040

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