An Underrated Lake Tucked Away In California's Forests Is A Turquoise Treasure For Recreation

California's Pyramid Lake, a huge 1,360 acre body of water, has become a hub for recreation and beachside camping adventures in Los Padres National Forest just an hour and a half from LA. This beautiful scenic lake attracts visitors from all over, drawing campers and water sport enthusiasts year-round. The lake caters to tourism with fishing, boating, and waterskiing available on its banks, while the surrounding forestland is perfect for hiking and horseback riding. There are also multiple campsites to stay at, making it a viable option for a budget-friendly outdoor getaway.

Pyramid Lake has 21 miles of shoreline, meaning it has ample space if you're traveling with a large group or prefer the opportunity to find a quiet section of the lakeside. With its stunning white-sand Vaquero Beach and great picnic spots along the lakeshore at Emigrant Landing, you can enjoy underrated beaches in California for an off the beaten path adventure.

You'll find Pyramid Lake in the Los Angeles National Forest, just off Interstate 5. Weather conditions are warm from May through September and perfect for swimming, with averages of 77 to 93 degrees. Wintertime can see this plummet to 60 degrees, but fishing and water sports are possible all year round despite the cold.

You can see the lake and surrounding valley from a viewing deck at the Vista del Lago Visitors Center, which is a great place to start your visit. Just a few minutes away, you'll find Vaquero Beach, the most popular spot around Pyramid Lake. This is a pristine white sand beach where you can swim or rent pedal boats available by the hour. Emigrant Landing is another great spot to set up a beach chair or enjoy a picnic. Many locals have their boats moored nearby, and if you've rented one, you can also set sail from points at this beach. Los Alamos Campground is perfect for those who wish to pull up at Pyramid Lake with a tent or RV and have access to basic camping amenities like shared bathroom facilities and on-site personal barbecues and picnic tables.

The lake also has some camping or picnic areas only reachable by boat. Tin Cup Campgrounds, Spanish Point, Bear Trap, Yellowbar, and Serrano are all beach areas that can only be accessed via a boat ride, making these spots very secluded and unique. With quieter shores than Vaquero Beach or Emigrant Landing, these spots are worth a visit. Fishing is allowed anywhere on the lake, with numerous types of fish to look out for including striped bass, bluegill, crappie, and trout.

For those who enjoy hiking, two lookout points offer incredible lakeside views. Slide Mountain Lookout is a 5-mile hike away from the lake and has a great view of the northern part of the Angeles National Forest, while Whitaker Peak is around 30 minutes from the Lake and from here you can see the Canyon and neighboring Manzanita Fields. With such a variety of recreational activities within the lake's surrounding area, Pyramid Lake is the perfect weekend getaway or a great road trip stop on the way from Los Angeles to San Francisco.