Lake guide
Lake Skinner Recreation Area
Winchester, Riverside County, CA
Overview
Lake Skinner is a Metropolitan Water District reservoir near Winchester in Riverside County, operated for recreation by Riverside County Regional Parks. It is a drinking-water supply, so the rules are strict: boats are speed-limited, engines must be clean-burning, and anything touching the water is inspected first.
Layout
The marina and Boat Ramp #1 are at 37701 Warren Road, with a second launch ramp on the lake. The marina offers year-round boat rentals and dry storage. The park also has a large campground and a camp store that sells fishing permits.
What makes boating here different
The top speed on the main body of the lake is 10 mph for powered vessels, and everyone drops to 5 mph within 100 feet of shore, the marina or docks. Boats must be at least 12 feet long and 42 inches wide, with 12 inches of freeboard at idle. Engines must be four-stroke or direct-injection two-stroke, 2001 or later model year, and only fuel free of MTBE is allowed. Sit-on-top kayaks are not allowed, and jet skis are not permitted.
No body contact
Bodily contact with the water is prohibited, so swimming, wading and diving are out. Alcohol, cooking, barbecues and fires aren't allowed aboard, and portable toilets and waste discharge are forbidden.
Inspection
Every boat is inspected for seaworthiness and cleanliness before launch, and county pages describe a 7-day quarantine after the inspection. Call the park before you trailer out.
Getting there & access
By road
The marina and Boat Ramp #1 are at 37701 Warren Road in Winchester, between Temecula and Hemet. Call (951) 926-1541 for inspection appointments and current hours.
Launching
Boats may be launched only at designated launch areas and landed only at designated docks, ramps or beach areas. The county lists a $7 boat launch fee on its park page, so confirm the current rate at the gate.
Inspection
Each boat is inspected before use and issued a decal. The county page describes a 7-day quarantine after the mandatory inspection. Boats must come in clean, drained and dry.
On the water
Keep to 10 mph or less on the main lake and 5 mph within 100 feet of shore, the marina and docks, with low wake at any speed. All boats must exit the lake half an hour before the park closes.
Amenities
- Marina — Year-round boat rentals and dry storage
- Boat ramps — Two launch ramps listed by the State Division of Boating and Waterways
- Camp store — Sells fishing day permits and yearly licenses
- Campground — 199 full hook-up sites plus developed sites with water and electricity or water only
- Fishing — Day-use fishing permit required in addition to a state license for anglers 16 and older
- Day use — Open 6 a.m. to sunset daily
Rules & official resources
- Boats must be at least 12 ft long, 42 in wide with 12 in of freeboard at idle; sit-on-top kayaks are not allowed
- Engines must be four-stroke or direct-injection two-stroke meeting the 2001 or later California Air Resources Board marine standard, using MTBE-free gasoline
- Speed limit 10 mph on the main lake and 5 mph within 100 ft of shore, marina and docks
- Boats may operate only during park hours and must exit one-half hour before closing
- Bodily contact with the water is prohibited; no alcohol, cooking, fires or barbecues on boats
- All boats must be inspected and meet cleanliness standards before launching; launch only at designated areas
- No jet skis, swimming or body contact; vessels are quarantined 7 days after mandatory inspection
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine compliance and service
Only clean-burning 2001-or-newer engines may launch here, so older outboards need a mechanic's check or replacement before they are allowed.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Pre-launch cleaning
Boats must arrive clean, drained and dry, and a failed inspection means a quarantine. A thorough wash and dry before arriving saves a trip.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Dry storage and canvas
Inland sun and heat are hard on covers and upholstery on boats kept in dry storage.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Surveys and pre-purchase checks
Small fishing boats change hands often in the area, and a surveyor can confirm a boat meets the lake's size and freeboard rules.
Find Marine Surveyors & Inspections providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026