Lake Casitas

Lake Casitas is well known as one of the best bass fishing destinations in the state. Many campers like the quiet atmosphere around the lake. Several attractions are available at the lake -- a top-ranked disc golf course and Water Adventure, a fun-filled water park. Because the lake is a drinking water supply, no body contact with the water is allowed at Lake Casitas. That, of course, means no water skiing, personal watercraft, or swimming.

Lake Casitas is operated by the Casitas Municipal Water District. The lake is located only a few miles north of Ventura. Park hours vary by seasons. Generally in summer they open around 5:30 - 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. Walk-ins and bicyclists are admitted free.
Information: (805) 649-2233

Entrance Fees

• Regular Daily Vehicle Entrance: $10
• Weekend and Holiday Entrance Fee (Easter weekend through Labor Day): $20
• Annual Vehicle Entrance:   $135
• Daily Motorized Boat Entrance:   $15 (plus vehicle fee)
• Daily Canoe/Kayak Boat Entrance:   $5 (plus vehicle fee)
• Annual Boat Entrance:   $145, Canoe/Kayak $40
• Pets Entrance:   $2

Current Lake Casitas Water Level

Boating

Lake Casita's strict Quagga and Zebra Mussels boat inspection program limits access to the lake to boats which have passed through their 35-day quarantine. As a result, most boats on the lake belong to locals who only fish at Lake Casitas. There is no body to water contact allowed, so there is no water skiing or jet skiing.

There is a single marina at Lake Casitas. It has two launch ramps, a bait and tackle store, a restaurant, and limited boat rentals.

Lake Casitas is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the state. Record largemouth bass have come from the lake's warm waters. Rainbow trout, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and catfish are also caught in the lake.

Lake Casitas has numerous campgrounds clustered in the north shore's Lake Casitas Recreation Area. They offer a variety of levels of amenities, ranging from basic campsites to deluxe RV sites with full hook-ups and even TV. There are nearby facilities such as showers, an amphitheater, store, and the popular Casitas Water Adventure. Several National Forest campgrounds are within driving distance of the lake and RV parks are found in nearby towns.

Lake Casitas has no lodging within the lake area. The nearby towns of Ojai, Ventura, and Oxnard have an abundance of motels, inns, and resorts.

Lake Casitas is a beautiful lake with rows of rugged mountains rising up around it. Numerous winding coves and a large main island make exploring the lake an interesting adventure. In the spring wildflowers are in bloom. Birds of prey nest in the area and wildlife abounds in the area.

Lake Casitas is only a few miles away from the charming little town of Ojai to the north and the coastal communities of Ventura and Oxnard to the south. Santa Barbara is a mere 23 miles west of the lake.