Lopez Lake Recreational Area is an outstanding destination for paddling enthusiasts. Located east of Arroyo Grande, the lake offers superb opportunities for kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, camping, and hiking - ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The beautiful natural surroundings make it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a day trip.

Wildlife sightings are common on the lake. While paddling, keep an eye out for an abundance of animals, including bears, bobcats, skunks, wild turkeys, deer, foxes, raccoons, jackrabbits, and a variety of bird species.

The lake has two boat launches - one at the marina with a paved ramp, and another hand launch access at Mallard Cove. For the best paddling conditions, it's best to get on the water at sunrise, as the winds typically pick up by mid-morning, making the lake more suitable for windsurfing.

Lopez Lake is renowned for its world-class bass fishing, with two of the top 15 heaviest largemouth bass ever caught exceeding 21 pounds. In addition to bass, the lake also has healthy populations of trout, catfish, redear sunfish, and crappie, making it a popular fishing destination year-round. The Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks the lake with thousands of pounds of rainbow trout.

With more than 350 campsites available, you have plenty of options to select from. Some sites offer stunning views of the lake, while others are tucked away among beautiful oak trees. You can find primitive sites, as well as those with electrical connections and full hook-ups.

Map of Lopez Lake

  
 
 
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