Riverside County, Southern California
Lake Perris
Lake Perris
BOATING
MARINAS
FISHING
CAMPING
LODGING
SCENERY
Lake Perris Museum
The Lake Perris Museum provides a comprehensive interpretation of Native American history, the cultures of the various native tribes throughout the southern California desert region and provides an educational experience into the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the southern California deserts.
Open to the public
Saturday and Sunday: 10 - 4
Fridays: 10 - 2
School Tours are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information about arranging a school group tour call Ellen Absher at (951) 940-5656
Lake Perris
Lake Perris is a convenient boating, camping, and fishing destination for the greater Los Angeles area. Despite a slight draw-down of the water level, the lake still offers plenty of room for water sports like waterskiing and jet skiing, broad beaches, and good fishing.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area is located just a few miles east of Riverside. Visitors are advised to make reservations before arriving at the lake. (800) 444-7275.
Lake Perris is currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until April 30, 2012.
Summer Park Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Lake Hours: 6:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle (9 people; seniors 62+ $9) Per Watercraft: $8 (canoes and kayaks are free)
Annual Passes: Vehicle - $125, Watercraft $75 (good at most State Parks)
Boating
Lake Perris is open to all kinds of boating. Because of limited space, the number of boats allowed on the water is restricted, so reservations are recommended. Waterskiers, wake boarders, jet skiers, and all other kinds of water sports are popular at the lake. Nearly half the lake is limited to a 5 MPH speed limit while the main body of water has a 35 MPH limit. Newly extended hours allow boating into the evening.
Marinas
There is a single marina at Lake Perris, which for a lake of its size is adequate. The marina has a limited selection of boats for rent, a store, and boat ramps. Boats can be kept in slips or in dry storage.
Fishing
Lake Perris was originally stocked with Alabama Spotted Bass and during the lake's early years record fish were caught. The introduction of largemouth bass has diminished the spotted bass fishing. Nevertheless, Lake Perris is considered a top fishing lake for bass, trout, and other species. Large portions of the lake are limited to a 5 MPH speed limit.
Campgrounds
Lake Perris has one large family campground with sites for tents and for RVs. The sites are close together with limited vegetation. Water and electricity hook-ups are provided at the RV sites. There is a nearby horse camp with corrals. Campgrounds have hot showers. A number of good RV Resorts are located in the area.
Lodging
There is no lodging at Lake Perris . Plentiful lodging can be found in nearby Moreno Valley and other cities in the area.
Scenery
Lake Perris has a rugged appearance with the rocky Bernasconi Hills rising nearby and little vegetation in the area.
Nearby Communities
Moreno Valley is only a couple of miles to the north while the larger cities of Riverside, Ontario, and Redlands are nearby.
TOP
| Lake Size: | 2,250 surface acres |
|---|---|
| Current Maximum Depth: | 85 feet |
| Length: | 2.8 miles |
| Shoreline: | 10 miles |
| Dam Construction: | 1970-1973 |
| Maximum Lake Elevation: | 1,560 feet |
| Average High Air Temperatures | |
| spring: | 77 º |
| summer: | 94 º |
| fall: | 85 º |
| winter: | 66 º |
| Summer Water Temperature: | 79 º |
Recreation around Lake Perris
- Swimming: Moreno Beach at parking lots 8-10 and Perris Beach near parking lots 1-4 have designated swimming areas. lifeguards are on duty during the summer and on weekends in the fall and spring.
- Scuba Diving: Allowed at Perris Beach.
- Hiking and Bicycling A 9-mile hiking and cycling trail leads around the lake. Another trail leads to the scenic overlook at Terri Peak.
- Horse Back Riding: A horse trail circles the lake and into undeveloped parts of the recreation area. Spring is best for wildflowers.
- Rock Climbing: Big Rock in the Lake Perris SRA attracts rock climbers from around the area. Routes range from Class 4 to 5.10d. There is one A3 route.