Lake guide
Lake Piru Recreation Area
Piru, Ventura County, CA
Overview
Lake Piru sits in Piru Canyon in Ventura County, behind Santa Felicia Dam, and is run as a recreation area by United Water Conservation District at 4780 Piru Canyon Road.
Layout
The launch, marina and swim beach are on the lake near the campground. State listings show a boat launch with launching valet service, and the marina offers boat rentals, fuel, a store, transient tie-ups, and sewage and bilge pump-out service. The reservoir and day-use area are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What makes boating here different
Personal watercraft are allowed only on weekdays (Monday through Friday), with no more than 20 on the water at a time. No vessel may go past the 5 mph buoy line at the south end near Santa Felicia Dam. Daily permits run $8 for motorized boats, $5 for non-motorized boats and $8 for personal watercraft, and motorized vessels need current registration and invasive species stickers.
Inspection
All watercraft are subject to mandatory quagga mussel inspection when entering and exiting, and only boats with a valid vessel inspection permit are allowed on the lake. Failing to inspect brings citations. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult and wear a Coast Guard approved life vest. Swimming is prohibited.
Getting there & access
By road
The recreation area is at 4780 Piru Canyon Road, Piru, CA, in Piru Canyon. The boat launch and marina are both at that address.
Permits and inspection
Buy a daily permit for each vessel and bring current registration and invasive species stickers. Every watercraft must pass a quagga mussel inspection coming in and going out, and only boats with a valid vessel inspection permit may launch. Cleaning checklists and the permit application are on the lake's website.
On the water
Stay behind the 5 mph buoy line at the south end of the reservoir near Santa Felicia Dam. PWCs are limited to Monday through Friday and 20 at a time.
Rentals
Pontoons carry up to 10 people and 1,370 lbs; V-hull fishing boats carry up to 5 people and 820 lbs. Renters must be 21 or older with ID and complete a safety video. No glass is allowed aboard, and fishing is not permitted from the pontoons.
Amenities
- Marina — Boat rentals, fuel, convenience store, snack bar, ice, laundry and showers
- Launch valet — Launching valet service listed for the boat launch facility
- Pump-out and washdown — Sewage and bilge pump-out and a boat washdown area
- Transient berths — Transient berths and tie-ups with electricity on the dock
- Fish cleaning station — At the marina
- Camping — RV, trailer and tent camping; reserve through the lake's campground system
- Day use — Swim beach, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball and a 9-hole disc golf course
Rules & official resources
- Personal watercraft are allowed only Monday through Friday and limited to 20 on the reservoir at one time
- No vessels may pass the 5 mph buoy line at the south end near Santa Felicia Dam
- All watercraft must pass a quagga mussel inspection entering and exiting; failure to inspect results in citations
- Motorized vessels need current registration and invasive species stickers; permits are $8 motorized, $5 non-motorized, $8 PWC
- Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult and wear a Coast Guard approved life vest
- Reservoir and day-use access hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; swimming is prohibited
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Cleaning for mussel inspection
Boats are inspected going in and out, so a thorough wash, flush and dry keeps owners from being turned away.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →PWC and outboard service
Weekday PWC riders and trailer boaters in the canyon need cooling-system and engine servicing.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Dry storage and covers
Boats kept at the marina in canyon heat need cover and upholstery care.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Gelcoat restoration
Strong sun leaves boats chalky and oxidized; polishing restores them.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026