Santa Barbara County, Southern California
Lake Cachuma
Lake Cachuma
BOATING
MARINAS
FISHING
CAMPING
LODGING
SCENERY
Lake Cachuma Recreation
Cachuma Lake Nature Center
Exhibits on local environment, including mounted specimens of animals and birds
Information on Bradbury Dam, flora and fauna, geology, and Chumash Indians.
(805) 693-0691
Located in the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Hiking at Cachuma Lake
Self-Guided Hikes
Sweetwater Trail - 2.5 miles connects Bradbury Dam and campgrounds
Oak Canyon Nature Trail - .5 miles at the Nature Center
Mohawk Loop - quarter mile trail at Mohawk Mesa
Other longer trails into Los Padres National Forest.
Junior Ranger Program
Children learn about local wildlife and the environment
Year-round on Saturdays, 12:30 Pm - 1:30 PM, $2 per child
Meet at the Nature Center
(805) 688-4515
TOP
Lake Cachuma
Lake Cachuma is a favorite destination for people in the greater Santa Barbara area. Although no body-to-water contact is allowed, there are still plenty of recreation opportunities available around the lake. Camping is popular at the Santa Barbara County Park; and fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities draw many visitors every year.
Lake Cachuma Recreation area includes a swimming pool, Nature Center, and miles of hiking trails. They also offer a Junior Ranger Program on Saturdays. During the year they provide a variety of programs from campfires to fishing clinics.
Entrance Fees
- Daily Vehicle Entrance: $10
- Annual Vehicle Entrance: $100 ($75 for Santa Barbara County residents)
- Daily Boat Entrance and Launch: $13 ($125 annual for non-residents, $100 for county residents)
- Hikers and Bikers: $5
- Canoes or Kayaks Entrance and Launch: $5 ($30 annual)
- Dogs Entrance: $3 ($20 annual)
Boating
Lake Cachuma's There is no body-to-water contact allowed, so there is no water skiing or jet skiing. Boats which pass inspections can be launched the same day. A 40 MPH speed limit in the center of the lake means bass fishermen can move quickly from area to area. Canoes and Kayaks are permitted and even have areas set aside exclusively for them.
Marinas
Lake Cachuma has one marina with a variety of fishing and pontoon boats for rent, along with paddleboats, kayaks, and rowboats. There is a good launch ramp. Support services include fuel, a store and snack shop, and boat storage.
Fishing
Lake Cachuma is quickly becoming a leading bass fishing destination. Smallmouth bass are a favorite target of sportsmen as well as largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Bowfishing for carp is allowed here. Lake Cachuma is also home to bluegill, catfish redear sunfish, and crappie. An annual trout fishing derby draws large numbers.
Campgrounds
Lake Cachuma campgrounds are part of the Santa Barbara County Park. They are clustered for the most part on a single peninsula close to the marina, a swimming pool, store, and other support services. Group campsites and yurts are available. There are several good National Forest campgrounds within a few miles of the lake.
Lodging
Lake Cachuma offers several small cabins for rent at reasonable prices. Beyond those, lodging must be found in neighboring communities. Prices are generally high.
Scenery
Lake Cachuma rests in the Santa Ynez Valley between ridges of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Visitors to Lake Cachuma enjoy its rugged beauty, its variety of inlets and coves, and its wild shorelines.
Nearby Communities
Eight miles to the west of Lake Cachuma is the small community of Santa Ynez with restaurants and lodging. Twenty-two miles to the south are Santa Barbara and Goleta. Many visitors to the lake like to take the 12 miles drive to the west to spend a day in the picturesque Danish town of Solvang.
TOP
| Lake Size: | 3,100 surface acres |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth: | 150 feet |
| Length: | 6.5 miles |
| Shoreline: | 42 miles |
| Dam Construction: | 1953 |
| Lake Owner: | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Maximum Lake Elevation: | 751 feet |
| Average High Air Temperatures | |
| spring: | 79 degrees |
| summer: | 93 degrees |
| fall: | 85 degrees |
| winter: | 66 degrees |
| Summer Water Temperature: | 79 degrees |
Cachuma Lake Swimming Pool
Location: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Open: Memorial Day Weekend and June 12 - Sept. 6 (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Session Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Sessions are 50 minutes)
Cost: $3 per session
Lifeguards on Duty