Pyramid Lake Emigrant Landing

Emigrant Landing is the main launch and day-use area on Pyramid Lake, a State Water Project reservoir in the Angeles National Forest off I-5 north of Castaic. It has an eight-lane boat launching ramp and the lake's marina with boat rentals, so most trailer boaters, skiers and anglers start their day here.

Layout and facilities

Along with the ramp, the day-use area has an accessible fishing pier, a fish cleaning station, picnic tables and shelters, flush toilets, drinking water and a sandy swim beach under shade trees. Entry is first come, first served for one vehicle plus one boat or personal watercraft; no reservations are taken. Mooring isn't allowed and it's day use only.

Boating on Pyramid

The lake is open to boating year-round. Speed limits change around the lake: canyons are slower, and water skiing at higher speeds is allowed on the main body. Watch for floating debris, submerged obstacles near shore and sudden wind waves. Steep slopes with active slides and rockfall can also throw unexpected waves. Boat-in picnic sites with courtesy docks are at Spanish Point, Bear Trap, Yellowbar and Serrano, though Yellowbar is closed for fire repairs until summer 2027.

Mussels and water quality

Golden mussels have turned up in some State Water Project reservoirs, so arrive clean, drained and dry. A warning advisory for algal blooms was issued on August 27, 2026.