Casitas Municipal Water District, CA
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Things to Do
Visitor Information
Day Use
- Vehicle: $10.00
- Vehicle Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays (Easter Weekend - Labor Day): $20.00
- Boats (Subject to Boating Restrictions): $13.00 (Plus Vehicle Fee)
- Canoes/Kayaks (Subject to Boating Restrictions): $3.00 (Plus Vehicle Fee)
- Pets: $2.00
- Bus Entry: $30.00
- Annual Vehicle Decal: $120.00
- Annual Boat Decal: $130.00
- Annual Canoe/Kayak Decal: $35.00
- Walk In and Bicycles: Free
NOTE:
The Marina Café Pass is available for guests who are only visiting the Café for a meal. The pass does not allow for travel throughout the Recreation Area, only from the entrance to the Café and back to exit the Recreation Area. Upon driving into the Recreation Area , inform the gate staff that you will only be eating at the Café. You will be given a special yellow pass with a 1-1/2 hour time limit and parking restricted to the Santa Ana Ramp parking lot. Display the pass on your windshield. Detach the stub and hand in to the staff at the Café. Bon Appétit!
Day Use Hours
When coming for the day, allow enough time to play. Day use hours are generally sunrise to sunset and change with the season.
The main gate to the Recreation Area opens and closes following the monthly calendar as follows:
- Third Tuesday in January 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Second Monday in February 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Second Sunday in March 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- First Monday in April 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Fourth Monday in April 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Third Monday in August 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Third Monday in September 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- First Monday in October 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- First Sunday in November 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Second Monday in December 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Lake Casitas Recreation Area user fees fund all park operations and maintenance at Lake Casitas Recreation Area. As an Enterprise Fund facility, the Recreation Area is mandated to generate sufficient revenue to cover all operating expenses with no subsidy of taxpayer or water ratepayer dollars.
Marina Cafe (Hours: 6:30am-2:00pm)
(805) 649-2514. We Accept MasterCard and Visa
The café serves breakfast and lunch, opening at the "crack of dawn", when the park opens for day use, to serve the earlybird anglers. Its covered patio dining area, air-conditioned for comfort during the hot summer months and heated by a cheerful fireplace in the winter, offers a spectacular view of the lake. In the warmer weather, outside dining is available surrounded by rose bushes for your enjoyment. Wild ducks and other birds add to the outdoor experience. Parking is ample and convenient.
Visit Marina Cafe without the need to pay an entrance fee to the recreation area:
The "Café Pass" was created to encourage customers to come in and enjoy a meal at the beautiful Casitas Marina Café. Upon entering the Recreation Area in your vehicle, tell the gate staff you are only here to eat at the Café. You will be given a special yellow pass with a 1-1/2 hour time limit, and restricted parking at Santa Ana Ramp. Keep the pass displayed in your windshield, and bring the detachable stub into the Marina for a free drawing. Note: The pass does not allow for travel throughout the Recreation Area, only from the entrance to the Café and back to exit the Recreation Area.
Park Store - Open Daily! Located across from Campground F (Fox).
As you enter the park, make a right. We are 1/2 mile from the main entrance on the right.
Address is: 11311 Santa Ana Rd. #D, Ventura, CA 90031.
https://lakecasitasparkstore.com/
We currently have a space for you!
Trailer and boat storage is available on a first come, first served basis. Rates vary from $84 to $102 per month.
Requirements for entry into Trailer Storage include:
- copy of registration for unit, boat and trailer (as applicable)
- prior location of the VIN and/or HIN numbers for verification by Casitas staff
- copy of driver's license
- payment of 2 months fees in advance (monthly billing after initial payment).
All documentation must match with owner's name and address and unit IDs.
There is also space available to store canoes and kayaks!
Contact Park Ranger Stuart Birdsey at sbirdsey@casitaswater.com or call 805-649-2233 to inquire about storage possibilities!
For current Trailer Storage customers, please remember to check at the front gate upon entry for the active gate code. The code is changed frequently for safety and security.
Visitors at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area will be greeted by Casitas’ new Park Ranger staff. The Park Rangers were presented badges during the August 9, 2017 Casitas Board meeting. The Park Rangers were selected from a competitive interview process and meet strict requirements that include the completion of law enforcement training, an in-depth background investigation, physiological exam and a physical agility test that are all in compliance with POST standards (California Peace Officers Standards and Training).
The Park Rangers are sworn peace officers that serve as ambassadors and protectors of the Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Lake Casitas, and the surrounding watershed lands, while ensuring public safety. Our Park Rangers also lead interpretation programs, youth programs and are always available for customer service support to help ensure you have a pleasant and enjoyable park experience. The Park Rangers' are a welcomed asset to the staff force and are here every day and night to assist you.
To file a complaint, please fill out a Citizen Complaint Form:
In English: Ranger Citizen Complaint Form
In Spanish: Ranger Citizen Complaint Form (Spanish)
From the South (Los Angeles)
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Take the 101 Freeway north to Ventura
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Take the 33 Freeway towards Ojai (starts as Freeway and continues as 2 lane road)
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After approximately 10 miles from the 101, in Mira Monte, look for a McDonalds, then a Taco Bell and then a Wendy's on the right hand side of the road
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At the stop light immediately after the Wendy's (Intersection of Baldwin Road (Highway 150) and the 33), turn left on to Highway 150 (Baldwin Road)
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Go west on Highway 150 approximately 3 miles
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Turn left on Santa Ana Road
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Entrance to Lake is within 100 yards of turning on right hand side
From the North (Santa Barbara)
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Take the 101 Freeway south to Ventura
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Take the 33 Freeway towards Ojai (starts as Freeway and continues as 2 lane road)
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At the stop light immediately after the Wendy's (Intersection of Baldwin Road (Highway 150) and the 33), turn left on to Highway 150 (Baldwin Road)
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Go west on Highway 150 approximately 3 miles
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Turn left on Santa Ana Road
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Entrance to Lake is within 100 yards of turning on right hand side
From the North (Carpinteria via the Scenic Route, Narrow and Winding in Places)
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Take the 101 Freeway south to Carpinteria
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Take Highway 150 directly to Lake Casitas
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
From Ventura take the 101 Fwy to Hwy 33 North toward Ojai (Ventura Ave). Turn left at Santa Ana Blvd. and then right at Santa Ana Road. Follow Santa Ana Road 1.5 miles to the gate entrance at 11311 Santa Ana Road.
A variety of animals make the area their home, including deer, coyotes, mountain lions, skunks, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, many species of birds (bald eagles nest in the trees!), and ground squirrels. Bears have even been sighted but rare! There is also an abundance of insects and arachnids, including ticks. With numerous trees and the historic drought, dead tree limbs may fall. Awareness of trees and wildlife will help ensure a safe and fun visit.
Check out some of our tips to ensure a great visit!
Upcoming events at Lake Casitas Recreation Area
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
- Date: 09/01/2019 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- Location: Casitas Water Adventure
11311 Santa Ana Rd
Ventura, California 93001 - Introduction: Admission is FREE- Popcorn and Water is admitted for this program only