Lake guide
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Perris, Riverside County, CA
Overview
Lake Perris State Recreation Area is an 8,800-acre park about 11 miles south of Riverside, at 17801 Lake Perris Drive in Perris. The reservoir is part of the State Water Project and was opened as a state park in 1973. California State Parks runs the recreation area, and Rec-Out SoCal runs the marina, rentals and storage.
What boating is like
Lake Perris is a favorite for powerboating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing and fishing, with a large paddling and rental crowd too. The maximum speed is 35 mph with 5 mph zones near the shoreline and the island side where the water is shallow. Boats travel counter-clockwise except sailboats, kayaks and canoes, and vessels must stay 50 feet from posted swim areas.
Hours and seasons
Boating hours change with the season. From March 10 to November 2, boating runs 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with the last launch at 5:30 p.m. From November 3 to March 9, hours are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the last launch at 4:30 p.m. Vessels without running lights must be off the water by sunset.
Mussels
Every vessel must pass a mussel inspection before entering. Boats must be cleaned, drained and dry, and a failed inspection means an eight-day quarantine that also applies to Silverwood Lake and Diamond Valley Lake. Golden mussels were confirmed at Silverwood and Pyramid Lakes in September 2025 and State Parks says Lake Perris, which receives Silverwood water, is at high risk. Check current requirements before you go.
Getting there & access
Launch ramps
State boating records list Ramp 5, Ramp 6, Ramp 7 and the Power Cove ramp, plus the Lake Perris Marina. Sail Cove, Bernasconi Pass and Alessandro Island are listed as access areas without facilities. Check with the park for which ramps are open on a given day.
Mussel inspection
All vessels are inspected before entering the lake. Your boat must be cleaned, drained and dry to pass. A failed inspection means an eight-day quarantine affecting Lake Perris, Silverwood Lake and Diamond Valley Lake.
Golden mussel status
In September 2025 State Parks and DWR said Lake Perris had not tested positive for golden mussels but faced high risk because Silverwood Lake water is transferred in daily. At that time, Perris kept incoming inspections and planned to adopt Silverwood's exit protocol if it tested positive. Check current requirements.
By land
From Riverside, take Highway 60 or Interstate 215 south to the park entrance on Lake Perris Drive. The Bernasconi entrance has its own shorter hours. Day-use fees apply per vehicle and are higher on summer weekends and holidays.
Hazards and closures
Shallow water near the shoreline and island side is posted at 5 mph. The park has occasional partial closures for events, so confirm which entrances are open.
Amenities
- Launch ramps — Ramps 5, 6 and 7 and the Power Cove ramp
- Lake Perris Marina — Rec-Out SoCal: fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, pedal boats and paddleboards for rent
- Marina store — Ice, bait and tackle, snacks, beverages, firewood and beach supplies
- Boat and RV storage — Limited spaces offered through Rec-Out SoCal
- Mussel inspection — Inspection required for all vessels at entry
- Camping and day use — A park museum is on site; check State Parks for camping and day-use areas
Rules & official resources
- All vessels must pass a mussel inspection before entering; boats must be clean, drained and dry; a failure means an eight-day quarantine covering Lake Perris, Silverwood Lake and Diamond Valley Lake
- Maximum speed 35 mph; 5 mph in posted shallow zones; travel counter-clockwise except sailboats, kayaks and canoes
- Boating hours are 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (March 10 to November 2) and 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (November 3 to March 9); vessels without running lights must be off the water by sunset
- Vessels may not enter within 50 feet of posted swim areas
- Bow, gunwale or transom riding is prohibited; no freestyle or trick riding or wake jumping within 100 feet
- Alcohol is permitted on vessels only and prohibited on shore in day-use areas; dogs are not allowed in the water
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine service
Inland summer heat and long ski days are hard on cooling systems and drives, and many owners book engine and impeller service before the season.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Dry-out and cleaning
A strict inspection and an eight-day quarantine for failures make thorough cleaning and drying essential, which supports washdown and detailing.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Gelcoat and paint correction
Riverside County sun oxidizes gelcoat quickly on boats that sit outdoors, and compounding and polish are routine.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Canvas and covers
UV and heat wear out covers, Bimini tops and upholstery, so replacements are common.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Storage and transport
Boat and RV storage is offered on site, and some owners hire transport to the ramps.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 2, 2026