Where can I launch a boat at Lake Kaweah?

The Army Corps has boat ramps with courtesy docks at the Kaweah Recreation Area (34443 Sierra Drive, Lemon Cove) and the Lemon Hill Recreation Area. Usable ramp length depends on the water level.

When is Lake Kaweah full?

The lake is operated for flood control and generally fills only in May and June. It's kept low for much of the rest of the year, so late spring and early summer are the best boating months.

Is there gas at Lake Kaweah?

Yes. Kaweah Marina at 34467 Sierra Drive sells fuel and also rents boats and offers haul-out and repair.

Does Lake Kaweah inspect boats for mussels?

As of May 2026, Lake Kaweah had no mandatory boat inspection program. Arrive clean, drained and dry anyway, and make sure your registered motorized boat displays the state Mussel Fee sticker.

Lake Kaweah Boating Guide: Ramps, Marina, Fuel & Water Levels

Overview

Lake Kaweah is an Army Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir on the Kaweah River in the Sierra foothills, about 20 miles east of Visalia on Highway 198 near Lemon Cove. It sits on the main southern route into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, about 11 miles from Sequoia's southern entrance. A project completed in 2004 raised the lake level by 21 feet, bringing capacity to about 185,000 acre-feet.

A lake that comes and goes

Kaweah behaves very differently from a typical recreation lake. It's operated for flood control, so it's kept low or nearly empty for much of the year and generally fills in May and June with snowmelt. Late spring and early summer are prime boating months. By late summer and fall the shoreline retreats a long way, ramps may be out of reach and new hazards surface, so check current lake levels before you tow.

Ramps and services

The Corps runs boat ramps with courtesy docks at the Kaweah Recreation Area and Lemon Hill Recreation Area. Kaweah Marina, a private concession at 34467 Sierra Drive, sells fuel and rents boats and offers haul-out and repair for boats up to about 30 feet. Horse Creek Campground has 80 sites, flush toilets and showers.

Invasive mussels

As of May 2026, Lake Kaweah had no mandatory boat inspection station. That makes it even more important to arrive clean, drained and dry, especially if your boat was recently on a lake with golden or quagga mussels.

Getting there & access

By road

From Visalia, drive about 20 miles east on Highway 198. The Corps office and Kaweah Recreation Area are at 34443 Sierra Drive in Lemon Cove; Kaweah Marina is next door at 34467 Sierra Drive. Highway 198 continues to Three Rivers and Sequoia National Park.

Launching

Boat ramps with courtesy docks are at the Kaweah and Lemon Hill Recreation Areas. The Kaweah ramp has one boarding float and about 43 car-and-trailer spaces. Usable ramp length changes with the water level.

Water levels

The lake generally fills only in May and June and is drawn down for flood space the rest of the year. Shoreline access can change month to month, so check current conditions with the Corps before you go.

Fuel and rentals

Kaweah Marina sells fuel, rents boats, stocks tackle and snacks, and handles haul-out and repair. Its listed maximum boat length is 30 feet.

Amenities

Kaweah Recreation Area ramp — Boarding float, courtesy dock, about 43 trailer spaces, restrooms and showers
Lemon Hill Recreation Area ramp — Boat ramp and courtesy dock
Kaweah Marina — Fuel, boat rentals, store, tackle, ice, haul-out and repair
Horse Creek Campground — 80 sites, flush toilets, showers and a dump station; reserve on Recreation.gov
Floating restroom — On the lake
Day-use areas — Picnic areas at Horse Creek, Slick Rock, Cobble Knoll and other recreation areas

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Lower-unit and prop repair

Falling water exposes rocks, stumps and shallow points that weren't there a few weeks earlier. Prop and lower-unit damage is a common result late in the season.

Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →