Lopez Lake, Central Coast Travel Guide

4.5 (119)

A scenic recreational area in Arroyo Grande, CA, offering camping, water sports, hiking, and family-friendly activities year-round.

Nestled in the hills east of Arroyo Grande, Lopez Lake is a year-round recreational destination offering a wide array of activities, from camping and fishing to waterslides and zip-lining. Created in 1969, it serves as a vital water source and a scenic escape for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Lopez Lake

Lopez Dr, Arroyo Grande, California, 93420, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lopez Lake.

Check the SLO County Parks website for alerts and current conditions, especially regarding boat inspections and invasive species prevention.
Reserve campsites and cabins in advance, especially during peak season, by calling (805) 788-2381 ext. 1.
Bring your own bikes to save money on rentals, and explore the numerous hiking and biking trails.
Be aware that there is limited or no internet service in the park, but you may find a signal near the waterslides and marina.
Consider purchasing a Splash Pass for access to Lopez Lake Recreation Area if you plan to visit Mustang Waterpark multiple times.

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Explore Lopez Lake on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lopez Lake, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Arroyo Grande, head east on Grand Avenue. Turn right onto Huasna Road, which becomes Lopez Drive. Continue on Lopez Drive for approximately 10 miles until you reach the entrance of Lopez Lake. The vehicle entry fee is $12. Parking is free inside the park.
Public Transport

From Arroyo Grande, several bus lines (10, 24, 27, 28, B) stop near Lopez Lake. From the closest bus stop (East Grand Avenue @ West Branch Street Eb), it is approximately a 30-minute walk (2503 yards) to the lake. A single bus fare is around $1-$3.

Discover more about Lopez Lake

Lopez Lake Recreation Area, located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, is a popular destination offering a diverse range of outdoor activities. The lake was created in 1969 by the construction of Lopez Dam on Arroyo Grande Creek to provide domestic water for the Five Cities area.The lake boasts 22 miles of shoreline and warm summer water temperatures, making it ideal for various water sports. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. The Lopez Lake Marina offers boat rentals, a tackle shop, and a snack bar. For those seeking more thrilling adventures, Mustang Water Park features two 600-foot waterslides, a tube ride, and a tot pool. Vista Lago Adventure Park offers zip lines and ropes courses.Beyond the water, the recreation area encompasses 4,200 acres of open space with hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. The surrounding hills are rich in history, once serving as hunting grounds for the Chumash Indians and later as farmland for Mission San Luis Obispo. Today, the area is home to diverse flora and fauna, with over 175 species of flowering plants and 150 species of birds.Lopez Lake provides a variety of camping options, from primitive sites to full hook-up campsites. Cabins are also available for reservation. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, with crappie, bass, sunfish, and catfish inhabiting its waters. Special events, such as the Lopez Lake Trout Derby and triathlons, are held throughout the year.