Which Pine Flat Lake boat ramps are open at low water?

The marina says Deer Creek and Lake View stay operational year-round, while Island Park and Trimmer close when the water drops below ramp length. Check current lake levels before you go.

What is the speed limit on Pine Flat Lake?

The Corps lists a 50 mph speed limit with counter-clockwise travel, and the Fresno County Sheriff lists a 5 mph night limit.

Is there fuel at Pine Flat Lake?

Yes. Pine Flat Lake Marina at Deer Creek sells gasoline for vessels; the marina says there is no diesel.

Can I camp at Pine Flat Lake?

Yes. The Corps lists Island Park Campground (94 sites), Trimmer Campground (10 sites) and Deer Creek Point group campground (two large group sites).

Who patrols Pine Flat Lake?

The Fresno County Sheriff's Boating Enforcement Unit patrols Pine Flat, Shaver and Huntington lakes and the Kings River.

Pine Flat Lake Boating Guide: Four Ramps, Marina, Speed Limits & Rules

Overview

Pine Flat Lake is a US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Kings River east of Fresno. It is about 20 miles long with 67 miles of shoreline and roughly nine square miles of surface area, and at full pool it holds about 1,000,000 acre-feet behind the 429-foot Pine Flat Dam, built between 1947 and 1954. Water levels fluctuate daily.

Ramps

Four launch facilities line the lake, listed from the dam to the river inlet: Deer Creek, Island Park, Lake View and Trimmer. Deer Creek and Lake View stay operational year-round, while Island Park and Trimmer close when water drops below ramp length, so check current lake levels before you tow.

Marinas

Pine Flat Lake Marina is at Deer Creek Recreation Area, 30801 East Sunnyslope Road in Piedra. The state directory lists 400 slips and tie-ups for boats 14 to 36 feet, boat rentals, fuel, a store, tackle and pump-out. The marina says it sells gasoline only, with no diesel. Lakeview Marina is at the Lake View launch area on Lakeview Road. Overnight transient slips are first-come at Pine Flat and by reservation at Lakeview, with no overnight stays or fishing from docks.

Rules

The Corps lists counter-clockwise travel and a 50 mph speed limit. The Fresno County Sheriff, which patrols the lake, lists a 5 mph night limit. Camping is at Island Park (94 sites), Trimmer (10 sites) and Deer Creek Point group sites.

Getting there & access

Ramp order, dam to inlet

Deer Creek, Island Park, Lake View and Trimmer. Deer Creek and Lake View remain operational year-round. Island Park and Trimmer close when the water level falls below the end of the ramp, so call the Corps or the marinas before towing.

Deer Creek and the marina

Pine Flat Lake Marina is at the Deer Creek Recreation Area on Sunnyslope Road. It has a fuel dock selling gasoline only, a store, tackle and rentals. Slip inquiries are at (559) 787-2506 and reservations at (559) 787-2207.

Lake View

Lakeview Marina is at the Lake View launch area on Lakeview Road. Transient slips there are booked by advance reservation, and the marina's yearly slips run May 1 to April 30.

Directions warning

The marina warns that GPS can send drivers toward Squaw Valley by mistake and recommends approaching via Academy Avenue or Belmont Avenue.

Amenities

Four launch ramps — Deer Creek, Island Park, Lake View, Trimmer
Pine Flat Lake Marina — Slips, rentals, store, tackle, gasoline, pump-out; 400 slips and tie-ups
Lakeview Marina and resort — Reservation-based slips and lodging at the Lake View launch area
Island Park Campground — 94 sites, 25 with electricity
Trimmer Campground — 10 sites
Deer Creek Point group camp — Two large group sites, up to 80 people each
Transient slips — First-come at Pine Flat, reservations at Lakeview