Escape The City At This California Lakeside Campground With Shaded Sites And Mountain Views

When you're looking for a break from LA's infamous traffic and the go-go-go pace of city life, one of Southern California's best lakeside escapes is just a car ride away. Situated about an hour from LA, Lake Piru is a reservoir surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest and one of the best day trips from Los Angeles. However, to make the most of your getaway, book an overnight stay at Lake Piru's affordable campground with shady sites, Topatopa Mountains views, and a social yet peaceful atmosphere. Home to families of surprisingly bold deer, the campground and surrounding area are shaded by mature olive trees that date back to the turn of the century, adding a Mediterranean feel to the arid environment. 

With a prime lakeside location, the year-round campground boasts 236 sites, including nine full hook-up sites (water, electricity, and sewer), over 90 partial hook-up sites (electricity), over 100 non-hook-up sites, and two spots for group camping. Each accommodates tents, campers, and RVs up to 36 feet long, but some sites towards the middle of camp are a tight squeeze for vehicles over 25 feet. In terms of amenities, guests have access to fire rings, picnic tables, paid showers, bathrooms, water spigots, a dog park, a playground, wi-fi, and a camp store. Looking for the best campsite at Lake Piru? Choose non-hook-up sites 204, 206, 208, 210, 112, or 214 for direct lake views. However, non-hook-up site 18 is the best for privacy as you have no neighbors.

At Lake Piru, it's all about the water. Enjoy waterskiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, swimming (in designated areas), kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, or simply spending a day on the lake. If you don't own a craft, you can rent a boat directly from the campground. The maximum allowed craft length is 26 feet, and only 20 boats are permitted on the lake at a given time to prevent congestion. 

While Lake Piru is home to catfish, blue gill, crappie, and bass, it's an ideal destination for trout fishing due to the cool waters. The deepest parts of the lake are best for catching trout, but the shoreline near the campground is a relaxing place to throw in a line and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. Just make sure you have your fishing license and take advantage of the cleaning stations provided by the recreational area. 

Although the Agua Blanca Trail and Pothole Trail start near Lake Piru, we wouldn't recommend them unless you're an experienced hiker and don't mind a bit of bushwhacking. In addition, these hiking trails are known for bear and snake sightings, so keep an eye out for fresh skat and mind your surroundings. For fewer bears and less intense trails in the area, take a look at the best hikes for your next trip to Los Angeles.

While many visitors head straight to Lake Piru, the surrounding area is home to several underappreciated attractions and experiences that many Angelenos don't know about. Ensconced in the remote Sespe Wilderness, the Sespe Condor Sanctuary is critical to the repopulation of California Condors. Once fully extinct in the wild, there are now 230 wild California Condors thanks to conservation efforts. Although you aren't allowed to enter the sanctuary, condors occasionally circle the ridges near Lake Piru. In addition, birders should also keep an eye out for bald eagles perched in the trees around the lake.

As you drive to Lake Piru, make a stop at Rancho Camulos Museum. Settled on 1,800 acres of functional ranch space, the adobe dates back to 1853 and is a beautifully preserved National Historic Landmark (NHL). Stroll through the rose and citrus gardens, or join a public tour of the main house, chapel, winery, and Native American village every Sunday. 

Extend your trip by driving 45 minutes to the coast and staying at a beautiful California beach that's a great spot for your next camping adventure. Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, this Ventura campground offers impressive views of the Channel Islands and incredible sunsets. After a couple of nights at Lake Piru, Faria Beach Park Campground is the perfect spot to end your camping excursion.