History
While the Casitas Dam was under construction, the United States Park Service made a detailed study of the recreation potential of the area around the reservoir. Even though it was thought of as secondary to the Dam project, the recreation area has become one of the most utilized in California and maybe the western states. While a multitude of events have been held at Lake Casitas, never has one come with such fanfare as the 1984 Olympics. It was with careful planning and negotiation that the Casitas Board welcomed the Olympic Committee to Lake Casitas for the 1984 Olympic rowing and canoeing events. Throughout July and August of that year, thousands of people came to view and share in an event that would go down in history. In 1996 a water playground was added for guests under age 12 to cool off on hot summer days, which was further expanded in 2003 to include a lazy river facility.
Specialties
The Lake Casitas Recreation Area is a campground with 445 campsites in the recreation area on north shore of Lake Casitas. Camping, boating, kayaking, and biking are popular activities - Swimming is NOT allowed in the lake as lake is drinking water reservoir, however a small water park with a children's play structure and a scenic lazy river is available (additional fee applies) for swimming during the summer season.