Lake guide
Castaic Lagoon (Lower Lake)
Castaic, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
Castaic Lagoon, also called the Lower Lake, is the smaller of the two lakes in Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, run by Los Angeles County Parks. At about 197 acres with roughly 3 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of about 70 feet, it's a quiet alternative to the big main reservoir upstream.
Electric and paddle only
Any vessel on the Lagoon must be powered by hand, sail or an electric trolling motor. Gasoline engines are prohibited on Lagoon waters, and a boat that carries one must keep it tilted up. That makes the Lagoon popular with kayakers, canoeists, small sailboats, windsurfers and anglers in float tubes, which are allowed only here.
Layout
The East Side Lagoon has a two-lane launch ramp for non-gasoline boats, a fish cleaning station, an accessible fishing pier and 24-hour fishing-area parking. The West Side Lagoon has the summer swim beach, picnic areas and trailheads.
Before you go
The park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. LA County treats Castaic Lake as infested with invasive mussels and inspects boats on exit, so pull your drain plugs before the exit inspection. Exit seals may not be accepted at other lakes.
Getting there & access
By road
Castaic Lake SRA's office is at 32132 Castaic Lake Dr., Castaic. The Lagoon launch ramp is off Lake Hughes Rd. Vehicle entry is $15 a day ($8 for seniors 65+ and disabled visitors).
Launch ramp
The East Side Lagoon has a two-lane launch ramp for non-gasoline vessels, with a fish cleaning station at the ramp. Every vessel, including kayaks and float tubes, needs a launch permit before launching, and launching from the campgrounds is prohibited.
Mussel inspections
LA County considers Castaic Lake and Pyramid Lake infested with invasive mussels, so inspections on arrival are discontinued and all vessels are inspected on exit. Remove drain plugs before the exit inspection and make sure the boat and trailer are free of mud, plants and debris. Exit seals are issued, but other lakes may not accept them.
Float tubes
Float tubes are allowed only on the Lagoon. They need a launch permit, a Coast Guard-approved PFD that is worn, and a 12-inch by 12-inch orange square on the rear.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — Two lanes, non-gasoline vessels only
- Fish cleaning station — At the Lagoon launch ramp
- Fishing pier — Accessible pier on the East Side Lagoon
- 24-hour fishing parking — East Side Lagoon fishing area
- Swim beach — West Side Lagoon, lifeguarded in summer (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day)
- Picnic areas and trails — West Side Lagoon, with hiking, biking and equestrian trail access
Rules & official resources
- Vessels on Lagoon waters must be powered by hand, sail or electric trolling motor; gasoline engines are prohibited and must be tilted up
- All vessels must buy a launch permit before launching; launching from the campgrounds is prohibited
- All vessels are inspected on exit; remove drain plugs before the exit inspection
- Swimming only in designated areas when a lifeguard is on duty
- Alcohol is prohibited
- Float tubes only on the Lagoon, with a worn PFD and a 12x12-inch orange square on the rear
- A Coast Guard-approved PFD is required for every person, and children under 13 must wear one
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Electric motor and battery care
Because only electric trolling motors are allowed, deep-cycle batteries, chargers and wiring get heavy use here. Battery testing and trolling-motor wiring repairs keep anglers from being stranded mid-lake.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Cleaning for exit inspections
Castaic is treated as infested and boats are inspected on exit, so a thorough wash, drain and dry before heading to another lake matters, especially since other lakes may not accept Castaic's seals.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Transport
Kayaks, small sailboats and fishing skiffs all arrive by car-top or trailer, so trailer and transport help is a common need.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
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Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026