Boat ramp guide
Castaic Lake West Launch Ramp
Castaic, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
The West Launch Ramp is the six-lane launch on Castaic Lake's upper lake, inside Castaic Lake State Recreation Area at 32132 Castaic Lake Drive. The lake is a State Water Project reservoir, and Los Angeles County Parks runs recreation, fees and reservations. The upper lake also has an 18-lane main ramp, but in its October 30, 2025 update the Department of Water Resources said the main ramp, campground and 24-hour parking lot remain temporarily closed for Hughes Fire damage repairs. The West Ramp stays open except on Mondays and Tuesdays, so for now it is the main way onto the upper lake for trailer boats.
Who launches here
Wakeboard and ski boats, bass anglers and personal watercraft all use this ramp. The west arm is dedicated to towable watersports, the east arm is mainly for fishing, and about a mile near the dam is set aside for personal watercraft. The lake limit is 35 mph, with 5 mph near launch ramps and in coves.
Before you go
Quagga mussels are established here, so LA County no longer runs arrival mussel inspections. Every vessel is inspected when it leaves, with the drain plug pulled. Caution advisories for algal blooms were posted in 2026, so keep people and pets away from any scum. Pay vehicle and boat entry online before you arrive, and expect weekend lines with only one ramp operating.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Castaic Lake SRA is at 32132 Castaic Lake Drive in Castaic, just off I-5. Follow park signs to the West Ramp on the upper lake. The main ramp and 24-hour lot were closed for Hughes Fire repairs as of October 30, 2025, so check current status before towing up.
Fees and payment
LA County charges $13 per day for a motorized boat and $9 for non-motorized craft. Annual boat passes are $150 per motorized vessel and $105 per non-motorized craft, with senior (65+) and disabled rates of $80 and $50. Vehicle and boat entry can be paid online. Castaic does not accept the State Parks annual pass.
Exit inspections
Arrival mussel inspections are discontinued because the lake is considered infested, but safety-equipment checks continue. All vessels are inspected on exit: pull the drain plug and clear mud, weeds and debris from the boat and trailer. Exit seals may be issued, but other lakes may not honor them and can require reinspection, dry-out or decontamination.
On the water
Keep to 5 mph near the ramps and in coves. The west arm is for towed watersports and the east arm is mainly for anglers; personal watercraft have about a mile near the dam.
Amenities
- Launch lanes — Six lanes at the West Ramp
- Launching valet — Listed for this ramp
- Boat rentals — Boat Rentals @ Castaic Landing operates near the main ramp; call to confirm while it is closed
- Restrooms — At the ramp area
- Swim area — Lifeguarded swimming is at the lagoon in summer, not the upper lake
- Boating instruction — Boating Instruction Safety Center (BISC), (661) 257-4050
Rules & official resources
- All vessels are inspected for invasive mussels on exit; remove drain plugs before the exit inspection
- 35 mph lake maximum; 5 mph near launch ramps and in coves
- West arm reserved for towable watersports; about a mile near the dam dedicated to personal watercraft
- LA County regional parks, including the West Ramp, are closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Launch fees: $13 daily motorized, $9 non-motorized (subject to change)
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Inboard and wake-boat service
Castaic's west arm is a towed-sports lake, so ballast pumps, impellers and V-drive or inboard service are frequent needs, especially after hot summer weekends.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Mussel-safe cleaning
Quagga mussels live here, and other lakes may require a dry-out or decontamination after a Castaic trip. A thorough washdown and drying of ballast tanks and livewells saves time at the next lake.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Gelcoat and UV care
Santa Clarita Valley sun and heat chalk gelcoat on trailered boats. Periodic compounding and wax keep hulls protected.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Trailer and tow help
With one ramp handling the traffic, a breakdown on the ramp or a dead trailer bearing is costly. Owners without a reliable tow rig often use boat transport.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026