Lopez Lake
Lopez Lake is one of the most popular recreation lakes along California's central coast. Located 13 miles east of Pismo Beach, the Lopez Lake Recreation Area offers 22 miles of shoreline, extensive camping choices, a marina with boat rentals, waterskiing, fishing, Mustang Water Park, and Vista Lago Adventure Park. The lake is operated by San Luis Obispo County Parks and is open year-round.
Lopez Lake's current water level can be found by checking Lopez Lake Water Level.
Lopez Lake Entrance Fees:
- Vehicle Entrance/Parking Fee - $10
- Annual Vehicle Entrance Pass - $100
- Motorized Boats - $10
- Non-Motorized Boats - $5
- Sailboards - $3 each
For a complete fee schedule see SLO County Parks Fee Schedule
Boating
Boating on Lopez Lake includes everything from waterskiing and wakeboarding to sailboarding and kayaking. Jet skis are permitted on the lake. Canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and sailboats are often seen around Lopez Lake.
Marinas
Lopez Lake Marina offers rentals of fishing boats, pontoon boats, Waverunners, and a variety of water toys, including pedal boats, electric boats, kayaks, canoes, and hydro bikes. Mooring is available by the day, week, month, or year. the marina also has a bar and store.
Fishing
Fishing at Lopez Lake is good for bass, crappie, red-ear sunfish, and catfish. Lunker catfish are caught regularly at dawn and dusk. During the winter months the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Beginning anglers do well on the lake's "F dock" near the marina.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds abound at Lopez Lake, spread over the rolling hills between the marina and Mallard Cove. Campers can choose from among more than 350 campsites with full hook-up sites, electric only sites, or primitive sites. Also available are group sites, a boat-in camp, and an equestrian campground.
Lodging
Lopez Lake has log cabins available in their Hawk camping area. Cabins can sleep up to 6 people. They are especially well-suited for 4 adults and 2 children. Ample motels are available in nearby Arroyo Grande.
Scenery
Lopez Lake is set among rolling hills dense with mature oaks and interspersed with patches of grasslands.
Nearby Communities
Lopez Lake is only 13 miles east of Pismo Beach, known for its delightful beaches and - to the north - stretches of rugged coastline. A little farther north is beautiful Avila Beach. Oceano Dunes, south of Pismo Beach, is one of the few places where vehicles are permitted to drive out onto the sand.
Nearby Beaches
Within easy driving distance of Lopez Lake are all the great beaches along the San Luis Obispo Coast:
Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Oceano State SVRA, Avila Beach, Cayucos Beach, Moonstone Beach, San Simeon Beach,
and many more. Find them all at California's Best Beaches
