Santa Barbara and the Central Coast Sights

Lake Casitas Recreation Area

Lake Casitas Recreation Area Review

Lunker largemouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, redears, and channel catfish live in the waters at Lake Casitas Recreation Area, an impoundment of the Ventura River. The lake is one of the country's best bass-fishing areas, and anglers come from all over the United States to test their luck. The park, nestled below the Santa Ynez Mountains' Laguna Ridge, is also a beautiful spot for pitching a tent or having a picnic. The Casitas Water Adventure, which has two water playgrounds and a lazy river for tubing and floating, is a great place to take kids in summer ($12 for an all-day pass; $6 from 5 to 7 pm). The park is 13 miles northwest of Ventura.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 11311 Santa Ana Rd., off Hwy. 33, Ventura, CA, 93001 | Map It
  • Phone: 805/649-2233; 805/649-1122 campground reservations
  • Cost: $10--$15 per vehicle, $13 per boat
  • Hours: Daily
  • Website: www.casitaswater.org
  • Location: Ventura

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