Lake Perris State Recreation Area
An artificial lake offering a vibrant state park with beaches, boating, fishing, camping, and scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An artificial lake offering a vibrant state park with beaches, boating, fishing, camping, and scenic trails.
"My place of peace, Lake Perris is a great place to get away and relax."
🚗 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $10 per car entry fee. Consider a state park pass if you visit often!
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot! Bring ample water, sunscreen, and hats. Shade can be limited.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 661 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moreno Beach
Southern end of the lake
A popular sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family fun. Lifeguards are often on duty during peak season.
Biking & Hiking Trail
Circumference of the lake
Enjoy a scenic 9-mile paved trail offering stunning lake views, ideal for walking, biking, or even horseback riding.
Boating & Fishing
Various access points
Launch your boat or cast a line for a chance to catch various fish species. Boat rentals may be available.
Camping Under the Stars
Designated campgrounds
Experience a night outdoors with numerous campsites offering amenities and beautiful sunset views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Park Entry & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $10 per car entry fee. Consider a state park pass if you visit often!
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot! Bring ample water, sunscreen, and hats. Shade can be limited.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome but not on the sandy beach areas. Keep them leashed.
🎣 Fishing Essentials
A CA fishing license is required. Bring your gear; boat rentals might be available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $10 per car entry fee. Consider a state park pass if you visit often!
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot! Bring ample water, sunscreen, and hats. Shade can be limited.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome but not on the sandy beach areas. Keep them leashed.
🎣 Fishing Essentials
A CA fishing license is required. Bring your gear; boat rentals might be available.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
The 9-mile paved trail is great for walking, biking, and even horseback riding.
📱 Use the OuterSpatial App
Navigate your adventure and earn badges while exploring the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Perris for its natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities, calling it a peaceful escape. It's a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. However, some mention potential issues with noise and the need for preparedness regarding heat and wildlife.
"My place of peace, Lake Perris is a great place to get away and relax. Either take a nice long 10 mile walk, or bike it around the lake, or walk your dog on the beaches, go boating, fishing, bbq, etc. FYI; the snakes are out, be careful when in the picnic areas and playgrounds."
Desmond Marshall
"Very beautiful lake, I found a nice sandy area alone. A little cold in these winter months but perfect on a sunny day 🌞"
Kay Cat
"This place is amazing for the entire family and our pets. Has a play ground, beach, a lot of space for tables, grills, bikes, kayaks and boats. Enjoy the day with pets, but not on the sand. Bathrooms are clean and they have a dressing room too. You have to pay $10 per car."
Brenda Ortiz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Perris State Recreation Area is located in Perris, California. It's about an hour's drive from Los Angeles. Major access points are via the 215 Freeway.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots. Lot 8 is recommended for easy access to the sandy beach.
Yes, you can use GPS. The address is typically listed as 17801 Lake Perris Dr, Perris, CA 92571.
Take I-10 E to CA-60 E, then merge onto I-215 S towards San Diego. Take exit 30 for Ramona Expressway and follow signs to Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
Public transport options are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $10 per vehicle. It's advisable to check the official California State Parks website for the most current pricing and any seasonal variations.
California State Parks offers various passes, such as the Golden Poppy Pass, which may provide entry to multiple parks. Check their website for details.
Operating hours can vary by season. It's best to check the official Lake Perris State Recreation Area website for current hours of operation before your visit.
Reservations are generally not required for day use, but it's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as parking can fill up.
Camping reservations are separate from day-use entry. If you are not camping, you will need to pay the day-use fee upon arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming at Moreno Beach, boating, fishing, tubing, hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping. 
Yes, Moreno Beach is a popular sandy beach area perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Yes, swimming is permitted in designated areas, primarily at Moreno Beach. Water quality is generally good, but always check for any advisories.
Absolutely! There's a scenic 9-mile paved trail around the lake, suitable for walking, biking, and horseback riding.
Yes, Lake Perris is a popular spot for fishing. You can fish from the shore or by boat. Common catches include largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and catfish.
Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park but must be kept on a leash. They are not permitted on the sandy beach areas.
Restrooms, picnic areas with grills, and dressing rooms are available. Some areas have lifeguards during peak season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park itself. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or BBQs.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas with grills available throughout the park. It's a great spot for a family BBQ.
Nearby Perris and Moreno Valley offer various dining options, from fast food to local restaurants. Sonora Grill in Moreno Valley is a recommended spot.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged. Make sure to pack out all your trash.
Typically, there are no regular food vendors within the park. It's best to come prepared with your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The sandy beaches, the lake at sunset, and the surrounding natural landscapes offer beautiful photo opportunities.
Yes, the mountain-rimmed valley and the expansive lake provide stunning backdrops for landscape photography, especially during the golden hours.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check the official California State Parks policy on drones before flying one in the park.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always respect park rules and other visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit