Lake Perris
Lake Perris is a convenient boating, camping, and fishing destination for the greater Los Angeles area. With upgrades to the dam completed in 2018, water levels are back up to normal.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area is located just a few miles east of Riverside. Visitors are advised to make reservations before arriving at the lake. (800) 444-7275.
Park Hours: Check Perris Lake SRA website for current opening and closing hours.
Boating Hours: Summer: 6:00 am - 8:30 pm
Winter: 6:00 am - 6:30 pm
Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle (9 people), seniors 62+ $2 off
Peak Season Weekend & Holiday Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Per Watercraft: $10 (canoes and kayaks are free)
When water levels are low, boaters should use extra caution, especially around the east end and near the island.
Boating
Lake Perris is open to all kinds of boating. The number of boats allowed on the water is restricted, so reservations are recommended on summer weekends and on major holidays. Water skiers, wake boarders, jet skiers, and all other kinds of water sports are popular at the lake. Nearly half the lake is held to a 5 MPH speed limit while the main body of water has a 35 MPH limit. Newly extended hours allow boating into the evening.
Marinas
The Lake Perris Marina continues to be closed for renovations (2022). However, a new concessionaire for the marina has been selected: REC-OUT SOCAL. Dry storage is now available.
Fishing
Lake Perris was originally stocked with Alabama Spotted Bass and during the lake's early years record fish were caught. The introduction of largemouth bass has diminished the spotted bass fishing. Nevertheless, Lake Perris is considered a top fishing lake for bass, trout, and other species. Large portions of the lake are kept to a 5 MPH speed limit.
Campgrounds
Lake Perris has one large family campground with sites for tents and for RVs. The sites are close together with sparse vegetation. Water and electricity hook-ups are provided at the RV sites. There is a nearby horse camp with corrals. Campgrounds have hot showers. A number of good RV Resorts are located in the area.
Lodging
There is no lodging at Lake Perris . Plentiful lodging can be found in nearby Moreno Valley and other cities in the area.
Scenery
Lake Perris has a rugged appearance with the rocky Bernasconi Hills rising nearby and little vegetation in the area.
Nearby Communities
Moreno Valley is only a couple of miles to the north while the larger cities of Riverside, Ontario, and Redlands are nearby.
Lake Perris Museum
The Lake Perris Museum provides a comprehensive interpretation of Native American history, the cultures of the various native tribes throughout the southern California desert region and provides an educational experience into the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the southern California deserts.
Ya'i Heki' (pronounced yahee ehkey) is translated from the Cahuilla language meaning "Home of the Wind". This museum is one of a series of regional museums funded by the State of California.
Open to the public
Fridays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00PM
School Tours are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information
about arranging a school group tour call 951-940-5657.
Lake Perris Museum
