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There are few things more refreshing to the soul than a lakeside getaway in the mountains, whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply spending the day boating on the water. If you’re visiting southern California, there is a scenic lake that makes for the perfect outdoor escape, around 55 miles\u00a0northwest of Los Angeles and 95 miles south of Bakersfield. Lake Piru Recreation Area<\/a>, in the town of Piru, is\u00a0situated in California’s picturesque Los Padres National Forest, a giant hub for trails<\/a>, with stunning\u00a0views of the Topatopa mountains. You can relax on the water,\u00a0take a challenging hike along the area’s trails, or enjoy a night under the stars at the campgrounds. (Personally, I’ve spent time in this area, and the mountain views are breathtaking.) There is\u00a0a 9-hole disc golf course, volleyball and basketball areas, horseshoe pits, and even a dog park if\u00a0you bring your furry bestie with you. One Yelp<\/a> reviewer raved, “[I’ve] been going [to] Lake Piru for over 15 years, and I can’t say enough how much this place still feels like home! Love it here.”<\/p>\n Lake Piru Recreation Area is a bit over 60 miles\u00a0northwest from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You can also fly into the smaller Hollywood Burbank Airport, about an hour away, which\u00a0is slowly changing for travelers, who will notice upgrades of a new terminal<\/a>. While there is a train to\u00a0Santa Clarita from L.A. Union Station, it’s still around 25 miles\u00a0away from the lake, so it’s wise to rent a car. Note there are day use, boating, campground, and pet fees.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Water sports, camping, and hiking at Lake Piru Recreation Area<\/p>\n Lake Piru Recreation Area is ideal for fishing (with a valid license), whether from shore, tube, or boat. You can hook some bass, bluegill, carp, crappie, and catfish, and there are cleaning stations available. Boaters can rent\u00a0kayaks\u00a0and\u00a0pontoon boats\u00a0right at the lake or bring their own watercraft. (The lake is limited to 20 craft at a time, and a valid boating card and permit is required.) The area also offers\u00a0swimming at Juan Fernandez Beach, but the water can be dangerous. Many people don’t recommend swimming\u00a0here at all.<\/p>\n If you’re staying overnight, the area has\u00a0236 shady campsites\u00a0for\u00a0tents and RVs\u00a0up to 36 feet (a few sites fit up to 42 feet),\u00a0including some with full and partial hookups.\u00a0There are plenty of amenities, including a camp store, picnic tables, fire rings, and laundry facilities. However, the showers require payment, and\u00a0one reviewer on Yelp<\/a> recommended visitors go prepared with quarters. Additionally, the campsite’s Wi-Fi requires\u00a0a fee.<\/p>\n There are trails to explore, however, they’re not for beginners. The Pothole Trail<\/a> is over five miles, with a rating of difficult on the USDA Forest Service website<\/a>.\u00a0However, the elevation changes through the mountains and offers some great views if you’re up for it. The\u00a0Agua Blanca Trail<\/a>\u00a0is over 12.5 miles, and this one is listed as difficult and strenuous, so make sure you’re prepared before you set out. Finally, make sure to explore the nearby town of Santa Clarita, which can give you a taste of SoCal’s Hollywood magic without the crowds of L.A<\/a>. (We L.A. residents call it Hollywood North.)<\/p>\n
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