Lake Casitas

Lake Casitas Recreation Area sits on the north shore of Lake Casitas in the hills above Ventura and Ojai, and it is operated by the Casitas Municipal Water District rather than a private campground company. The recreation area holds roughly 445 campsites ranging from basic tent spots to full-hookup RV sites, and it has long been rated among the better bass fishing lakes in Southern California, having hosted national bass tournaments over the years. Because Lake Casitas is a drinking-water reservoir for the district, swimming directly in the lake is not permitted; visitors instead use a seasonal water park with a children's play structure and a lazy river during the summer months. Other activities include boating, kayaking, biking on the perimeter roads, and shoreline access for anglers, with a reservation office that handles both camping and day-use bookings.