Lake Casitas Recreation Area — Hotel in San Buenaventura (Ventura)

Amazing Experience at Lake Casitas Recreation Area

Nestled in the picturesque Ojai Valley, Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, this hidden gem is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a tranquil retreat in nature.

As you arrive, the beauty of Lake Casitas immediately captures your senses. The shimmering waters, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, create a postcard-perfect scene. The lake itself, covering over 2,500 acres, is a centerpiece for various activities, from fishing and boating to kayaking and paddleboarding. The tranquil waters are teeming with fish, making it a prime spot for anglers hoping to catch bass, trout, and catfish.

For those who love to camp, Lake Casitas offers a range of options, from basic tent sites to full hook-up RV spots. The campgrounds are well-maintained, with clean facilities and plenty of space to spread out. Waking up to the sound of birdsong and the gentle lapping of water against the shore is a refreshing change from city life. At night, the clear skies provide an incredible stargazing experience, free from light pollution.

One of the highlights of Lake Casitas is the Water Adventure park, a seasonal attraction featuring water slides, a lazy river, and various splash zones. It’s a perfect way for families to cool off during the hot summer months. Kids and adults alike enjoy the fun and excitement, making it a memorable part of any visit.

The recreation area also boasts numerous hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and serious hikers. Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to see deer, rabbits, and a variety of bird species, including majestic bald eagles.

For those interested in a more relaxed experience, picnicking by the lake is a delightful way to spend the day. Numerous picnic areas, complete with tables and grills, are scattered throughout the park. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or a family barbecue, the scenic backdrop enhances every meal.

To reach Lake Casitas from Los Angeles, start by taking US-101 North. After about 70 miles, take the exit for CA-33 North toward Ojai. Follow CA-33 for approximately 10 miles until you reach Baldwin Road (CA-150). Turn left onto Baldwin Road and continue for about 6 miles. Turn right onto Santa Ana Road, and follow the signs to Lake Casitas Recreation Area. The drive, while relatively short, takes you through some of Southern California’s most beautiful landscapes, from coastal views to rolling hills and lush valleys.

The journey itself is part of the adventure, setting the stage for the natural beauty and tranquility that awaits at Lake Casitas. Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers a wealth of activities and experiences that make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and unwind from the stresses...

This place is a dump. False advertisement, there is no lake.. Just a couple of mud puddles and no fish. Very disappointed.

The facilities are outhouses, dirty, trash strewn about and very little sites to choose from as the majority of the lake was closed.

Water Park: Again, save your money unless you like being stuck in a watery version of the 405.. in Mexico.. My experience was wretched.

Park "policies": When I made the reservation I only wanted one day. A Saturday. I was told reservations require a two day stay regardless of whether you are going to be there or not. I figured, ok.. Its my daughters bday and I want to teach my son to fish.. Why not.

When we arrive on Friday to check in, I was in my car as the RV was being serviced. I informed the man at the gate and he proceeded to charge me an additional $14.00 dollars. When I asked what the additional charge was for he said it was "policy" that additional vehicles pay $14.00. I said, okay, that makes sense. However, this is one vehicle, I had just paid $120.00, for the site and this one vehicle would be in the site one night, until the following day, I would be bringing the RV (one vehicle) and leaving the other vehicle at home.

After some debate with, Abel (a manager...lol.. hardly). Heinsists if I want to use my camp site this evening either I would be paying an additional $15.00 dollars for my vehicle or my RV that I would be bring the following day. One site, one car. That makes sense.

The policy is as such the pass is written once and the park management will not make any exceptions.

I get it.. Its only $15.00. Its the principal of it. They nickel and dime the very patrons who keep them open. I will not be back and I highly suggest to anyone else thinking about spending their hard earned money there.

Many, many, many other places to go in the area that have way better amenities, at a better price and no sneaky policies in place designed for profit. If you let them they will scam you out of every cent they can.

If, IF you still decide to go.. If you have an extra vehicle or friend have them park out...

-0 stars Loud, noisy, no management,

The water park is a sad joke

Went there for 3 nights and the noise level was really bad. Way too loud. On the first night one of the campsites even had lights going with a full blown DJ. we saw the Ranger come by they turned it down as soon as he left they turned it back up till 1 am. On one night someone was playing their music loud and it had very foul language in it that my kids had to listen to as they went to sleep. This went on for all three nights of our visit.

At first glance the water park is really nice although it only has three things to do a lazy river, splash and play zone for tiny kids and the jungle gym water area. But due to faulty operations only half of my party was able to go because they sell out within 30 minutes of opening. This information would have been nice to have prior to showing up. sice we spoke with the resevations lade on the phone and said we have a large party. We rented a shade area..... DONT DO IT .... when we got there there were people in it and chairs were put in front of ours so we could not event see the water. Oh and you can bring your ez ups if you want to so why Pay $75 for theirs. NO FOOD... i mean no food in the water park so if you want a coke to drink that you payed $3 from there vending machines ... sorry you will have to drink it out side then you can come in. they say no outside floties but i saw them all day

The only good points I can list about this place is everyone was really nice and understanding although even after speaking with the management nothing changed or was done.

I hope within a few years they will get their act together but as of right now its BAD!!

This campground if properly managed would be a a family camp dream with lots to do fishing and water park but as it stands right now we had an awful experience with loud noise and and a water park that we couldn't go to in the hot Sun and a lake that you can't go swimming in because it's a reservoir

Shame on you Lake casitas management for...