Lake Cachuma - Tourist Attractions

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Lake Cachuma
updated: May 14, 2011, 9:30 AM

By the dedicated staff, photos by Edhat subscribers

Beautiful man-made Lake Cachuma is full to the brim this spring. That and the recent addition of new recreational offerings at the lake make this a great time to visit.

Lake Cachuma is located on Highway 154, approximately 10 minutes from the town of Santa Ynez. It is a perfect spot for camping, fishing, a hike, or a boat tour. Recently permissible use of kayaks and canoes was added to the lake. The one thing you cannot do there is go swimming.

Because Lake Cachuma is a source of drinking water, body contact with the lake is not permitted. But that doesn't mean you can't soak up the sun and have a blast.

Day use fees are $10, with additional charges if you are bringing in your own boat or a dog. Camping starts at $25 in peak season for a simple tent spot and goes up to $45 for an RV spot with water and electric hookups.

Here are a few great reasons to visit:

Pack a picnic and park. If you just want to check out the lake on a day trip, get some sandwiches together and hit the road. If you're coming from Santa Barbara, you'll be treated to beautiful scenic views of the lake as you descend from San Marcos Pass and drive along the length of the lake en route to the park entrance. You might detour first to the overlook at the Bradbury Dam, the structure that holds the lake water back from free flow into the Santa Ynez River. The dam overlook is located about 2 miles from the park entrance. Water releases to feed the river and the aquifers beneath it are scheduled annually, although this winter the dam has spilled consistently due to late season rains. If you enter the park at the main gate, a good picnic spot and day hike is the Sweetwater trail, accessible from the Harvey Cove campground. Other hiking suggestions can be found here

Pitch a tent. Camping isn't a mainstream economic indicator, but while state park campground prices have jumped to up to $45 a night, you can pitch a tent under the oaks at Cachuma for $25 a night. Bring some hot dogs, beer, and a few friends and you've got yourself a pretty good time. Most sites have a view of the lake, and the single family campsites are first come, first served, so get up early on Friday and you have a good chance of snagging one for the weekend. Popular with traveling groups of retirees in RVs, most of the Cachuma campers come back to their favorite spot year after year. Looking for something a little more upscale? You can stay in a yurt at the lake for $60. Three available yurts, which sleep up to six, can be reserved in advance and have great lake views.

Borrow a boat. You can rent small outboard motorboats for fishing, and now kayaks and canoes at the lake's marine concession. Kayaking and canoeing are ideal activities for the early morning, when the lake is almost always placid. Take a few friends and explore the lake, which is large enough that you could paddle for hours, or share the effort in a tandem kayak. Kayak rentals start at $10/hour. Motorboat rentals begin at $30 for a two hour minimum, but are discounted if you plan to stay out all day. The lake is a good place to fish for rainbow trout, crappie, large and small mouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and channel catfish. Annual fishing derbies allow anglers to compete with one another for the biggest catch. The helpful staff at the marina can tell you where things are biting and offer tips if you're a first time fisherperson. Rainbow trout are planted in the lake during the winter months, and you can get the schedule of their arrivals at the lake website

Cruise with the Eagles. On a two hour tour ($15 each for adults) the park's expert naturalists will tell you all about the birds and other animals that make their homes on and around the lake. You might see wild turkeys along the shoreline or bald eagles soaring above you in the sky. If you aren't looking to drive or power your own watercraft, the cruise aboard the Osprey, which seats 30 passengers, is the ideal alternative. The peaceful lake is perfect for putting along in a pontoon boat. Tours are offered Fridays through Sundays in the summer months. Call ahead for reservations and scheduling: (805) 686-5050 on weekdays.