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Lake Piru

Reservoir

Piru Reservoir in southern Los Padres/Angeles hinterland draws weekend boaters, anglers and campers; access roads and trailheads lead to hiking and overnight sites in nearby chaparral and oak woodland.

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In this guide

Lake Piru essentials

Address: Lake Piru, Los Angeles County, California
Hours: Open sunrise-sunset
Admission: Free (parking fee may apply at trailheads)
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About Lake Piru

Lake Piru is a reservoir in southern California near the community of Piru in Ventura County. It was created by impoundment on a local river and is used for water storage and recreational activities including boating and fishing.

The lake’s shores include campgrounds, boat ramps, and picnic areas that are used for day visits and overnight camping, and watercraft recreation is common in open seasons. Management and public access are coordinated by regional water agencies and recreation authorities.

Geographically it sits inland in Ventura County, in a semi-rural valley setting north of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and is approached via regional roads from the town of Piru and nearby communities.

  • Access and recreation: Primary public access is from the county road near the town of Piru and nearby campgrounds and boat ramps, with motorized boating common on the reservoir.
  • Water levels: The reservoir is managed for water storage and recreation, and seasonal water levels affect shoreline access and boat ramp availability.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Lake Piru

Spring through early fall for boating and hikes; early weekdays avoid weekend congestion.

Spring
March-May · 12°C-24°C
Wildflowers on surrounding hills and comfortable water temperatures for boating.
Summer
June-August · 18°C-35°C
Warm, busy season-popular for boating, fishing and picnics; weekday mornings are best to avoid crowds.
Fall/Winter
September-February · 8°C-20°C
Cooler and much quieter; water levels can vary and some access roads may close after heavy rain.

Weather & Climate near Lake Piru

Climate

Lake Piru's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 28 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 4° - 18° 11° 84 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
February - 5° - 18° 12° 87 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
March - 6° - 19° 13° 67 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
April - 8° - 22° 15° 26 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
May - 10° - 24° 17° 6 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
June - 13° - 28° 21° 1 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
July - 16° - 32° 24° 0 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
August - 16° - 33° 24° 3 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
September - 14° - 31° 23° 7 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
October - 11° - 27° 19° 10 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
November - 7° - 22° 14° 58 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
December - 4° - 18° 11° 58 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Lake Piru

From Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 north to State Route 126, then follow CA-150/CA-29 toward Piru; the lake is about a 90- to 120‑minute drive depending on traffic. There is limited parking at the main recreation entrances off Lake Piru Drive; during busy weekends park rangers direct vehicles to overflow lots.

Tips for Visiting Lake Piru

  • Weekdays and early mornings have far fewer visitors; arrive before 9am at the lake trailhead to avoid weekend crowds.
  • If planning to boat or water-ski, check the Los Padres National Forest or reservoir office for seasonal restrictions and the latest water-level notices.
  • Bring a flashlight if staying until sunset-the park closes at dusk and the access road is narrow and partially unlit.