Perris Lake Recreation
Lake Perris, located 11 miles south of Riverside off Highway 60, is one of the most popular recreation lakes along the State Water Project.
Visitors to the 8,200-acre Lake Perris State Recreation Area (SRA) can enjoy an abundance of recreational activities, including hiking, bicycling, fishing, swimming, picnicking, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, and visiting the Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum.
DWR regularly monitors SWP reservoirs for harmful algal blooms. For current conditions, visit DWR's algal bloom webpage.
Visitors with cars and boats can access the lake from the Moreno Valley Entrance and the Perris Entrance.
For directions to the lake and the two entrances, visit Directions and Maps.
Hikers and bicyclists who come in without a car do not have to pay day use fees and can access the lake from most of the trails.
Alessandro Island, a day-use area only reachable by boat, has shaded picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Lake Perris offers several camp site styles, including tent, RV, and group sites. Drinking water and restrooms with showers sit near the tent, RV, and group sites and are designed to accommodate wheelchairs. All sites come with basic amenities including a picnic table, grill, and fire ring.
Tent camping sites can typically fit two to three mid-size vehicles and up to eight people.
RV camping sites allow tents, one vehicle, and up to eight people. RV sites are paved and include electrical and water hook-ups.
Group camping sites accommodate up to 100 people each. In addition to the basic amenities, the group sites also offer shade ramadas, a kitchen area with counters, and a sink.
Horse campsites are available for visitors who bring their horses. Each campsite has watering troughs, two corrals, drinking water, and chemical restrooms. The reservation covers two horses per site.
In addition to campsites, Lake Perris has day-use group picnic areas that can accommodate a maximum of 200 people per site. The areas offer picnic tables, shade ramadas, bathrooms, and a kitchen area with a sink and barbeque grill.
Reserve a campsite or picnic area at ReserveCalifornia or call (800) 444-7275.
For questions about the specific amenities or campground information, visit Family and Group Camping, call 951-940-5603, or email vsspa@parks.ca.gov.
Lake Perris is three miles long and about two miles across, which allows for ample amounts of boating fun. Speedboats, pontoons, jet skis, and non-powered boats are all permitted on the lake.
During the summer weekends and holidays, the lake may reach capacity early in the day. Reservations during these busier times are recommended. For reservations and more information, visit ReserveCalifornia or call (800) 444-7275. Sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and other non-powered vessels do not need reservations.
For more information about boating on Lake Perris, visit parks.ca.gov.
The Lake Perris Marina, located on the north side of the lake, offers two boat ramps with four lanes on each. The marina offers boat rentals, overnight boat storage and slips, and a store with camping supplies, fishing licenses, and bait.
For more information about the Lake Perris Marina, call (951) 657-2179 or visit Rocky Mountain Recreation Company.
Lake Perris is known for its trophy largemouth bass. However, there are several types of fish in the lake. Some are better than others for catching specific kinds of fish. For more information about where to find each fish, visit Fishing and Tournaments.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks Lake Perris with rainbow trout during the colder months. Contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife at (855) 887-1275 for more information about fish planting.
All visitors who fish must carry a valid California fishing license. Visitors can purchase a license at the Lake Perris Marina store. There is also fishing available off the marina dock for an additional fee.
Lake Perris SRA has many spectacular hiking trails near the lake. Some trails in the park offer only hiking. However, there are multi-use trails that accommodate biking and horseback riding. The lake does not rent horses, but visitors may bring their own.
Big Rock, located on the south end of the Lake Perris SRA, is a favorite among rock climbers. The climbing spot is approximately 180 feet high and has 34 recognized routes. Visitors must bring their own climbing gear and climb at their own risk.
For more information about recommended trails and Big Rock, visit Hiking, Biking, Climbing, & Horseback Riding.
Lake Perris hosts various events for children throughout the year including the Tommy Thomas Kids Fishing Derby, the Aquatic Adventure Camp, and Jr. Lifeguards program. The lake also hosts the annual Lights on the Lake Boat Parade in December to raise money for charity.
For more information about these events, visit parks.ca.gov.Contact
Park Hours
Open 7 days a week
Perris and Moreno Day Use: 6 AM - 8 PM
Bernasconi Beach Day Use 7 AM - 7 PM