Lake guide
Castaic Lake and Castaic Lagoon
Castaic, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
Castaic Lake is a State Water Project reservoir in northern Los Angeles County, about 40 miles north of downtown Los Angeles off Interstate 5. It is really two bodies of water: the large upper lake behind Castaic Dam, and the smaller Castaic Lagoon below the dam. The lake is owned by the California Department of Water Resources, and the recreation area, launch ramps and boat inspections are run by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Upper lake versus lagoon
The upper lake covers about 2,235 acres and is the place for powerboats, wakeboarding, waterskiing and fishing. The speed limit is 35 mph, dropping to 5 mph in coves and around launch ramps. The west arm is set aside for towable watersports, the east arm is primarily for fishing, and a stretch near the dam is reserved for personal watercraft. The lagoon covers roughly 197 acres and is limited to boats powered by hand, sail or electric trolling motor. Gasoline engines are prohibited there, and engines must be tilted up.
Mussels and inspections
Quagga mussels were found at Castaic Lake in 2021 and the lagoon has been affected since, so every vessel must pass an inspection before launching. The program is zero tolerance: the boat must be 100 percent dry. Do not run water through the engine beforehand, or the boat will fail and be barred from launching for 7 days.
Before you go
Ramp availability has changed since the Hughes Fire, and lake level, algae advisories and park hours change often. Check current conditions with Castaic Lake Recreation before you tow.
Getting there & access
Upper lake ramps
The upper lake has an 18-lane main (east) ramp and a six-lane west (seasonal) ramp. DWR noted in late 2025 that the main ramp was temporarily closed for Hughes Fire repairs and that the west ramp was open except Mondays and Tuesdays. These details change, so confirm ramp status with Castaic Lake Recreation before you go.
Lagoon launch
The lagoon has a launch facility on its east side for non-powered vessels only. A launch permit is required for every vessel, including float tubes, and boats launch and retrieve only at designated areas. Gas engines are prohibited; engines must be tilted up.
Inspection
All boats and non-motorized craft are inspected before launch. Arrive clean, drained and 100 percent dry. A failed boat is barred from launching for 7 days. Contact quagga@parks.lacounty.gov with questions.
By land
The park is at 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic, off Interstate 5 in Castaic. The park gate closes at 10 p.m.
On the water
Travel counter-clockwise on the upper lake. Personal watercraft are restricted to the designated PWC area and may not tow. Tying to a buoy from a boat and fueling any vessel on the water are prohibited.
Amenities
- Main launch ramp — Upper lake, 18 lanes; check status after Hughes Fire repairs
- West launch ramp — Upper lake, six lanes, seasonal
- Lagoon launch — East side, for hand, sail and electric-powered boats
- Mussel inspection — Run by LA County Parks for all launches
- Fishing areas — Fishing is allowed around the clock in designated areas on the lake and lagoon
- Camping — 60 campsites at the lagoon
- Boating Instruction Safety Center — Reachable through the park at (661) 257-4050
Rules & official resources
- Maximum speed 35 mph on the upper lake; 5 mph in coves and launch ramp areas
- Lagoon: vessels must be powered by hand, sail or electric trolling motor; gasoline engines are prohibited and must be tilted up
- Valid launch permits are required for all boats, including float tubes; boats need valid registration and CF numbers on the bow
- Zero-tolerance mussel inspection: boats must be 100 percent dry, and a failed boat cannot launch for 7 days
- Personal watercraft limited to the designated PWC area, may not tow, and must go 5 mph on launching; bow riding is prohibited
- Operators must be at least 16; children 12 and younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Boats leaving Castaic Lake are inspected and tagged as used in an infested waterbody; follow the destination lake's rules
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Dry-out and detailing
A zero-tolerance dry rule means owners need boats, bilges and live wells fully dry between lakes, and washdown and detailing before a trip helps boats pass.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Engine service
Sustained 35 mph running and wake sports are hard on outboards and inboards. Impellers, cooling systems and fuel systems get regular attention.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Gelcoat and oxidation
Hot, sunny inland summers oxidize gelcoat quickly, and boats stored outdoors benefit from compounding and polish.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Canvas and upholstery
Heat and UV break down covers, Bimini tops and cushions, so replacements are a common need.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Towing and transport
Wake and ski boats are heavy to trailer, and owners without a tow vehicle often hire transport to and from the ramp.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 2, 2026