Lake Casitas Boating in a Nutshell
- Pleasure Cruising, Patio Boats, Fishing Boats
- Kayaking, Canoeing
Because Lake Casitas is a drinking water supply and allows no body to water contact, boating is limited. There is no water skiing or jet skiing. Furthermore, Lake Casitas has one of the strictest Quagga and Zebra Mussels inspection systems in the state. Beginning in 2014, boat quarantine periods were extended to 35 days. See Lake Casitas Quagga and Zebra Mussels Boat Inspections below.
Hours of the park vary by season, so it is best to call ahead to be sure of opening and closing times - (805) 649-2233.. The maximum speed on the lake is 40 MPH. Dogs are allowed on boats. Boats must be at least 11 feet long and not over 35 feet, with at least one foot of freeboard.
Shop Amazon: Boating Essentials
- 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
Lake Casitas Marina
Lake Casitas Marina Bait & Tackle Shop
(805) 649-2043
Located at the main Santa Ana Ramp, a half mile inside the park.
Casitas Boat Rentals & Marina Cafe
Marina:
- Launch Ramps 5 concrete lanes
- Facilities and Services: Fishing Tackle and Bait Shop, Boat Rentals, Marine Repairs, Slip Rentals, Fuel, Marina Cafe
- Boat Storage: slips and trailer storage
- Boat Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes
| Boat | Features | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing Boat | 8 HP, no shade | 4 |
| Fishing Boat | 8 HP, no shade | 6 |
| Pontoon Boat | 25 HP, shade | 10 |
| Pontoon Boat | 25 HP, shade | 12 |
| Single Kayak | 1 | |
| Double Kayak, Canoe | 2 |
Lake Casitas Quagga and Zebra Mussels
Boat Inspections Overview
Under a resolution passed in 2008 by the Casitas Municipal Water District (CMWD), outside boats, including canoes, kayaks and float tubes were restricted from entering the Lake Casitas Recreation Area. Those vessels stored or moored at the recreation area were exempted.
These severe restrictions were modified shortly afterward, allowing local boaters admission after a 20 step Quagga and Zebra Mussels inspection that included a 10-day quarantine. In 2014 the boat quarantine period was extended to 35 days. Inspections are by appointment only: (805) 649-2233 EX 103.
Boats that pass inspection can be fitted with a tamper-proof tag and lock that prevent the boat from being launched into any other water between visits to Lake Casitas. There will be a one-time $50 charge to cover the cost of the lock and tag.
Boats will be locked to a trailer, which can then be stored at a boater's home or at Lake Casitas. Boaters will be able to use the lake as often as they like after their boat goes through the initial clean and dry inspection and a 10-day quarantine period. Once a boater decides to use another lake they will need to start the process all over again.
Before bringing your boat to Lake Casitas, read the full, up-to-date information at Lake Casitas Boat Inspections.
