Lopez Lake Recreation Area, Arroyo Grande CA

Category & Type :

Outdoors

Location :

6800 Lopez Drive , Arroyo Grande CA

Phone :

805-788-2381

Website :

http://www.slocountyparks.com/activities/lopez.htm

Information about 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°, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, skiing, sailing, windsurfing, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, canoeing, birdwatching and so much more. Many visitors to the Central Coast make Lopez Lake their staging area for visits to wineries, golf courses, historic sites, and Hearst Castle. 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. The park is 184 miles north from Los Angeles and 254 miles south from San Francisco. Driving north or south on Highway 101 take the Grand Avenue Exit in Arroyo Grande. Turn east towards the mountains and drive through old town Arroyo Grande to Huasna Road. Turn right onto Huasna Road which turns into Lopez Drive. Stay on Lopez Drive for approximately 10 miles. At this point the road ends at the entrance to Lopez Lake. (Signs are posted along the way.) Sailboat CAMPING / CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS There are 354 campsites to choose from. Many overlook the lake, and others are nestled amongst picturesque oaks. There are primitive, electrical and full hook-up campsites available. Hot shower facilities are at several campgrounds. Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance. Shower facilities are available for .75 for 3 minutes. 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, and regular rainbow trout plants spark "reel" action in cooler months. Catfish exceeding 25 pounds are caught at dusk and dawn all during the year. Windy coves and the warm water are the ideal setting for windsurfing, but canoeists delight in the tranquil waters of the secluded upper Lopez Arm. A modern marina with launch ramp, food store, tackle shop, and boat rentals operate year-round. Mallard cove provides a launching facility for beach launching of craft. Lopez Marina Lopez Deer 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.