Pyramid Lake Recreation Area in Los Angeles County will increase fees for all recreational opportunities and vehicle access on September 9th.
Pyramid Lake Recreation Area in Los Angeles County will increase fees for all recreational opportunities and vehicle access on September 9th. The fee increase is the first all recreational opportunities increase since 2010 and is necessary to offset operational cost increases to maintain high quality visitor services.
To save on Annual Vehicle Passes, passes can be purchased at $125 before September 9th when fee increase becomes effective. Campsites booked before the fee increase becomes effective will remain the same without increasing even if reservation date is after September 9th.
Built in 1972, Pyramid Lake was created as a holding reservoir for the California State Water Project. This 180,000 acre reservoir is placed between the Angeles National Forest and the Los Padres National Forest, at the Northwest portion of Los Angeles County. The reservoir is west of Interstate 5, south of Tejon Pass; accessed from exit 195 off of the I-5 (Smoky Bear Road), turn left on Pyramid Lake Road.
Named after the Pyramid-shaped rock carved while building Route 99, Pyramid Lake offers a variety of activities including boating, fishing, camping, swimming, jet skiing, and hiking. The reservoir provides ample room for picnicking including 3 unique day use areas that are accessible by boat only!
To operate a PRIVATE boat/ vessel on Pyramid Lake, you need a California Boater’s Safety Card. Renters of watercraft do not apply to this.
For more information please visit http://www.californiaboatercard.com.
Please See the links Below about Boater Safety Courses
Public Education Course Flyer Boat America
News-Release_Boat-America_March-2021
PARK HOURS
Current Hours of Operation
Pyramid Lake is now open!
Monday-Sunday
Gate Hours: 6:00 a.m.- 7 p.m. (On August 11th times will be 6:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Boat Rentals/Bait Shop: 6:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. No rentals after 3:00 p.m. (On August 11th 6:30am no launching after 4pm, boats off water by 6pm, gates close at 7pm) Store closes at 6:00pm.
Personal Boats: No launching after 4 p.m. and boats must be off the water by 6 p.m.
ENTRY FEES
*Fees will be increasing September 9th, 2022
Vehicle$12.00Trailer and/or Water craft$13.00Each Additional Water craft$13.00Non Motorized Water craft$8.00Motorcycle$11.00RV’s and Trailers$18.00Buses$30.00Senior/Disabled (no weekends or holidays)$8.00Annual Vehicle Pass$125.00Annual Vehicle and 1 Vessel Pass$265.00Annual Vehicle and 2 Vessels Pass$405.00
BOATING & RENTALS
BOAT RENTALS: ( Drivers License & deposit required. Must be 18 years or older)14’ Fishing Boat with 8HP Motor – 4 Passenger MaxDeposit (required)$75Minimum 2 hours$35Each Additional Hour$10All Day Rate$7516’ Deluxe Boat with 9.9HP Motor – 5 Passenger MaxDeposit (required)$150Minimum 2 hours$70Each Additional Hour$20All Day Rate$150Pontoon with 25HP Motor – 10 Passenger MaxDeposit (required)$250Minimum 2 hours$90Each Additional Hour$40All Day Rate$250Deluxe Pontoon with 40HP Motor – 10 Passenger Max (no fishing permitted)Deposit (required)$350Minimum 2 hours$125Each Additional Hour$55All Day Rate$350Kayak – Tandem
Deposit (required)$50Minimum 1 hour$12Each Additional Hour$9CanoeDeposit (required)$50Minimum 1 hour$12Each Additional Hour$9Paddle Board
Deposit (required)$40Minimum 1 hour$10Each Additional Hour$7
The maximum allowed water crafts on Pyramid Lake is 150 boats and 50 jet skis.
This rule is strictly enforced. Once the lake reaches capacity, the attendants will allow one boat on for one boat off.
When launching a boat:
All water craft (including kayaks and float tubes) are required to pass a quagga mussel inspection before they will be allowed to launch.
A proper personal flotation device must be on board for each person.
Children 12 years and under must wear a PFD while underway.
A fire extinguisher is required on each vessel.
Operator of vessel must be at least 16 years of age.
All vessels must be effectively muffled.
PARK INFORMATION
Vaquero Day Use Area
Opening Memorial Day Weekend Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
To get to this day use area, take exit 191 off of the 1-5 and follow Vista Del Lago Road.
Spanish Point, Tin Cup, Bear Trap, Yellowbar, and Serrano Day Use Areas
These small islands offer beautiful picnic areas out on the lake! These additional day use areas are only accessible by boat. Fishing is also available off of these points.
Los Alamos Campground
The campground is now open.
Consists of 90 individual sites and 3 group sites with bathrooms with flush toilets, potable water and dump station free to overnight guests. Reservations must be made 3 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Make a reservation online here or call 877-444-6777.
Please note that any campsite discounted using a Golden Age Pass will be verified by the camp host upon arrival. The camper’s driver’s license must match the name on the Golden Age Pass and the reservation name. Only one discount may be applied per Golden Age Pass.
Boat & Trailer Storage
Monthly storage for boats, trailers and RVs is available at the lake.
$100.00 per month and have to pay 3 months up front. Requirements: Registration for boat, drivers license, and the boat. Owner of boat has to be present.
Please contact 661-295-7155 for more information.
FISHING INFORMATION
Pyramid Lake is home to large mouth bass, small mouth bass, striped bass, blue gill, crappie and some trout.
All fishermen must have a valid California State fishing license if 16 years or older. Fishing from the docks or launch ramps is prohibited. Cleaning fish on the water or shoreline is strictly prohibited. There is a fish-cleaning station located in Parking Lot B for your convenience. Please do not place fish heads in fish-cleaning station.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Vista del Lago Visitors Center
Vista del Lago Visitors Center is the largest of DWR’s three information facilities. Resident tour guides offer guests both personal and school tours. And as installation of new exhibits continues, the center now supports California’s Education and Environment Initiatives (EEI) Curriculum. The visitors center offers exhibits such as the Magic Planet and Ancient Waters exhibits. Learn more here!
Swimming is prohibited outside designated swim beaches.
Gathering firewood is prohibited, however, bundled firewood is available for sale.
Fireworks and firearms are prohibited.
Please use the the many trash cans around the park and avoid littering and damaging plants or property.
Have fun and enjoy the recreation area!