Lopez Lake Recreation Area

Located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more.  The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. Once covered by the sea, the surrounding hills of Lopez Lake are rich with relics of ancient days and studded with oak trees. Over 175 species of flowering plants, and more than 150 species of birds have been identified within the park. The naturally beautiful canyons were once hunting and fishing grounds for the Chumash Indians. Later, homesteaders and ranchers inhabited the area and harvested grain crops for Mission San Luis Obispo. Lopez Lake was then created in 1969 to provide domestic water for the Five Cities area of the Central Coast.

Quagga Mussel Notice:

ATTENTION BOATERS:  Starting November 1, 2024, SLO County Parks will no longer accept clear tags from other lakes due to the risk of Quagga and Zebra Mussel infestations. Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita Lake will also no longer honor each other’s clear tags. We apologize for the inconvenience, but this is crucial to prevent mussel infestations.

We are conducting boat inspections at both Lopez and Santa Margarita Lakes. All vessels must be clean and dry. Lopez Lake also requires wakeboard and ski boats with internal ballasts to be decontaminated. Vessel owner must call the Ranger Station to make an appointment Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. NO DECONTAMINATIONS ON WEEKENDS OR HOLIDAYS. For further information regarding decontamination reservations & procedures please call 805-788-2386. The following link will provide information regarding invasive species that can potentially impact these lakes. California Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Contact Information

Lopez Lake Office 805.788.2381 |  Mustang Water Park 805.489.8898 |  Marina & Store 805.489.1006 | Vista Lago Adventure Park 805.710.7970

Camping

There are over 350 campsites to choose from. Many overlook the lake, while others are nestled among picturesque oaks. There are primitive, electrical and full hook-up campsites available. Hot shower facilities are at several campgrounds. Coin operated shower facilities are also available. Click Here: Lopez Lake Campsite Map for a copy of the campground map.

Encinal (Boat-In or Hike-In Camping)

We offer a backcountry/ boat-in site that is at the back of our lake in the Lopez Arm. This site features picnic tables, a fire ring and a pit toilet for campers wishing for a more remote and rural camping experience. Please adhere to backcountry rules such as packing out all your trash, bringing your own bucket for fire suppression, and bringing your own bear canister for safe storage of foods. This campsite is only accessible by boat or by a 4-mile moderate hike on the Duna Vista Trail. Please call our reservation line at (805) 788-2381 ext. 1 to reserve.

Cabins

We have cabins available to reserve in our Hawk camping area. These cabins will accommodate up to 6 people (no pets allowed inside cabin). Perfect for 4 adults and 2 kids. Two queen size bunk bed mattress pads with table and four chairs. No running water or heating/cooling inside. Restrooms and coin operated showers are located at the marina. Cabin reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Please call our reservation line at (805) 788- 2381 ext. 1 to reserve.

Camp French Event Center – Temporarily Closed

Camp French Event Center is a great location for weddings and large scale events.  The event center can accommodate approximately 150 people in the banquet facility.  There are tables and chairs, professional kitchen with warming trays walk in refrigerator and dish washer.  Camping is located close by.  For more information or to schedule a walk-thru please give us a call at 805.781.2381.

Fishing / Boating

Nearly 1,000 acres of lake surface attract fishing and boating enthusiasts.  Crappie, red-ear sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass provide the best angling in warmer months.  Catfish exceeding 25 pounds are caught at dusk and dawn all during the year.  Windy coves and the warm water are ideal for windsurfing.  Canoeists delight in the tranquil waters of the secluded upper Lopez Arm.  A marina with a launch ramp, a food store, snack bar, tackle shop, and boat rentals operate year-round. Current Lake Level can be found at https://wr.slocountywater.org/home.php.

Picnic Areas / Hiking Trails

Individual picnic sites with shade, ample seating, larger barbecues and other amenities are found throughout the park. The Arboleda Group Day Use Area is perfect for family reunions, company picnics, club barbeques or special events, and can be reserved year-round. There are numerous hiking trails for the adventurous types, and endless areas for those who want a peaceful and relaxing stroll.

Other Activities

Vista Lago Adventure Park is a state-of-the-art high adventure ropes course with over 50 exciting elements that will test your abilities.  It has 4 high-speed zip lines and a lower course for beginners.  Unzip the adventurer in you! Mustang Water Park is also located in the heart of Lopez Lake and offers “wet and wild” fun for the entire family.  Two 600-foot curving waterslides, a “Stampede” inner tube ride down a 38-foot drop, tot pool with mini-slides, waterfall trees, and relaxing cabana picnic areas are just a few of your choices for a fun-filled day in the sun.

Location / Directions

Lopez Lake is 184 miles North of Los Angeles and 254 miles South of San Francisco. Whether you’re driving North or South on Highway 101, take the Grand Avenue exit in Arroyo Grande. Turn East onto Grand Ave and head toward the mountains. You will drive through old town Arroyo Grande and then turn right onto Huasna Road. Huasna Road becomes Lopez Drive. Stay on Lopez Drive for approximately 10 miles until you come to the entrance of Lopez Lake.