Castaic Lake State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is a 12,658-acre state park located in Los Angeles County, California. It was established as an official park in 1965. This state park is known as the home of Castaic Lake, which is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in California. The park is also known for being a filming location for many television shows and movies, including "The Amazing Race" and "Fear Factor."
Nearby Cities:
Castaic, CA
Forest Park, CA
Santa Clarita, CA
Pico, CA
Spring 48–74 F
Summer 63–93 F
Fall 56–82 F
Winter 46–65 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Campground Accommodations
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 35 feet
Other amenities: Showers, dump station, fire pits, picnic tables, firewood concession
Valencia Travel Village
Valencia Travel Village, a large RV resort, is a shady and peaceful respite from the road. It offers advanced security, and you will appreciate the many amenities for the family. The park is conveniently located on Hwy 126 West, a mile west of I-5 and only 2 miles from Magic Mountain Parkway. While staying at Valencia Travel Village, you will be close to all the attractions that Los Angeles has to offer, like Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Gene Autry Western Museum, the Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Observatory and Park.
• Number of sites: 381 pull-through and back-in sites
• Rates: $65 daily, $364 weekly, $1,000 monthly
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical: 30 and 50 amp
• Pool: Two heated pools, kiddie pool, spa
• Wi-Fi: Available at several places around the park
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed
• Showers: Yes
• Camp store: Groceries, propane, accessories
• Other amenities: Laundry, playground
Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort
Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort is located below the San Gabriel Mountains and offers spectacular views from all of the campsites. There are game courts for pickleball and tennis, a miniature golf course, shuffleboard, volleyball, horseshoes, a playground and many more outside activities. You will enjoy the biking and hiking trails in and around the park, and there are multiple activities and events for the whole family. Large picnic areas surround the largest swimming pool in the west, and the park is only an hour from Los Angeles and all the fun you can find there.
• Number of sites: 854
• Rates: Call for rates
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical: 30 and 50 amp
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Pool: Pool and hot tub
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash
• Showers: Available
• Other amenities: Playground, an onsite library, game room with billiards
Castaic Lake RV Park
Castaic Lake RV Park is close to Castaic Lake and offers easy access to the lake and its resident activities, and it has all the conveniences of an RV park. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., so you will appreciate the restful atmosphere. There is a handy camp store where you can pick up supplies, and the park is close to Magic Mountain. Disneyland and Universal Studios are only an hour away.
• Number of sites: 103 back-in and pull-through sites
• Rates: $55 daily; call for weekly and monthly rates
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical: 30 and 50 amp
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed
• Showers: Available
• Other amenities: Solar panel charging stations, RV repair services available
What to Do at
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
The highlight of this state recreation area is Castaic Lake, which has 29 miles of shoreline to enjoy. This reservoir is also held by Castaic Dam, which is 425 feet tall. There are lower and upper sections of the lake that area meant for separate activities. In the lower section, you can enjoy swimming and canoeing, and in the upper section, you can have fun fishing and power boating. Boat rentals are also available to use in the lake.
There are a few picnic areas and playgrounds at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area for visitors to enjoy, and group picnic areas can be rented for up to 600 people. This recreation area is also along the border of the Angeles National Forest, where scenic woods meet riparian environments and make the perfect place for photographing wildlife.
Inside Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
The lake consists of two bodies of water with the Lower Lake for non-power boating, canoeing, and swimming. Upper Lake is for power boating, skiing, jet skiing, sailing, and fishing. The lake is stocked with bass, trout, and catfish, and boat rentals, and a tackle bait shop that are available for your convenience. Other recreational activities include hiking, biking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Fishing
Castaic Lake is stocked with bass, trout, and catfish in the spring. Fishing is allowed year-round, too, and there is a bait shop at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area with fishing supplies. Fishing is typically only permitted in the upper area of the lake during the swimming season.
Swimming
The lower portion of Castaic Lake at this recreation area is open in the summer for swimming at the swim beach. Typically, swimming season runs from the middle of May to the middle of September, and lifeguards are usually on duty. This recreation area also offers a Junior Lake Lifeguard Program that children ages eight and up can participate in.
Nature Watching
Lots of wildlife can be seen in Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, including endangered animals like bald eagles, California condors, two-striped garter snakes, Southwestern pond turtles, yellow-legged and red-legged frogs, and spade-footed toads. Larger animals that are frequently spotted include mule deer, cougars, coyotes, and even black bears. Plant life includes many yellow Mariposas, lilies, and chalk dudleyas.
Hiking
There are three trails to explore at this recreational area, and all combined total just over seven miles in length. Each of these trails can be accessed from the trailhead near the West Launch Ramp area.
Boating
The lower Castaic Lake is open for non-powered boating and canoeing year-round. For sailing, power boating, and water skiing, the upper lake is also an option. Some canoe and kayak boat rentals may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who want to bring their own boats to the lake, a strict dry boat policy is in place.
Biking
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is a great place for cyclists. Bicycles are allowed in the campground and on all of the hiking and equestrian trails at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area. A few times a year, this state park hosts professional mountain bike races on the trails, all of which are open to the public.
How to Get to
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is located about 18 miles north of Santa Clarita. To reach the recreation area from Santa Clarita, take I-5 North to exit 176B. From there, take Lake Hughes Road to the northeast until you enter the recreation area.
By Car
Entering Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
To enter the state park, there is an entrance fee of $14 a day for RVs or $12 a day for smaller vehicles. If you camp at the park, you will only need to pay the entrance fee one time for your stay.
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area Vehicle Entry : $12.0
Daily ($5 for Senior/Disabled)
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area RV Permit : $14.0
Daily
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area Vehicle Annual Pass : $150.0
($75 for Senior/Disabled)
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is a great destination for your next road trip. It has many different types of boating and other water-based recreational activities, so you and your family are sure to have a blast. We here at RVshare want to share your vacation highlights with you, so send them to us at [email protected] for us to post them on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
The most popular time to visit Castaic Lake is in the summer, the swimming season. However, the campground tends to fill up quickly then, so some campers also like camping during the quieter winter for other lake activities.
Many endangered species of plants and animals are found near Castaic Lake, including bald eagles and California condors. Other animals in the area include mule deer, coyotes, cougars, and black bears.
All of the campsites at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area are able to accommodate RVs and tents. However, only a select few sites offer hookups, so RVs may request to reserve those sites if available.
Campers may choose to reserve their campsites online or by phone to save a camping spot at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area. The fee to stay at the campground is $30 a night. Weekend campers are required to stay at least two days, while weekday campers are required to stay at least three days.
Pets are allowed at this state recreation area so long as they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Pets must also be supervised at all times, and no pets are allowed in the lake.