Day Use:
Picnicking can be enjoyed at all accessible areas of the park. Lemon Hill, Kaweah and Horse Creek recreation areas have tables and piped water. A $5 day-use fee is charged at Lemon Hill, Slick Rock and Kaweah recreation areas. Swimming is permitted at your own risk around the lake but is prohibited at posted areas near the marina, boat ramps and the dam's intake structure. In the interest of safety, we ask that swimming must be done close to shore and never alone.
Camping:
Some Lake Kaweah campgrounds are flooded during parts of the year when the lake level is high, so please call the park office to confirm availability. Horse Creek Campground has 80 campsites, restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and a trailer dump station. Campsites are equipped with tables and fire rings.
Fire restrictions vary by recreation area throughout the year, so please confirm current guidelines with park staff before building fires. Eight people are permitted per campsite and there is a 14-day limit per 30-day period.
Campfire programs are presented at the Horse Creek Amphitheater on Saturday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
To reserve a site, visit
RECREATION.GOV or call 1-877-444-6777.
Boating:
The lake offers a variety of opportunities for water-skiing, sailing, and pleasure boating. Launch ramps are located in the Kaweah, Lemon Hill and Slick Rock recreation areas.
The marina at Lemon Hill offers boating and camping supplies, fishing tackle, a snack bar, boat rentals and fuel. Call 559-597-2526 for marina information.
For information about boating registration and operating regulations, contact the Tulare County Boat Patrol Office at 559-597-2437.
Fishing:
Lake Kaweah offers both lake and stream fishing. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and rainbow trout are the most common. Bass, limit 2, must be a minimum of 15" long before they can be kept by the angler. Fishing licenses and supplies can be purchased in nearby towns.
Fees:
The Corps of Engineers is now included in the America the Beautiful interagency pass! For a one time purchase of $80, you have access to all of your favorite Corps parks in addition to all the other federal public lands and national parks for one year after the date of purchase.
Individuals 62 years or older can buy a $10 lifetime senior pass, which does not expire. All other passes and kids 15 years or younger are free of charge at all federal recreation areas. Senior and access pass holders also receive a 50 percent discount on campsites at Corps-managed campgrounds.
Be sure to pick up your America the Beautiful pass at any of our parks as the money is turned right around and invested in the facilities to improve your recreational experience.
Get details about the America the Beautiful pass series here http://1.usa.gov/1T6TRMt.
| Camping |
Day Use |
Annual Pass
|
| $20 |
$5 |
$40 |
The Corps Annual Pass gives unlimited access to day-use areas at any Corps park for one calendar year, and is sold at all Corps parks.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
Lake Kaweah is fed by the Kaweah River, which originates in the Sierra Nevada at Sequoia National Park. Long ago, Yokuts, Wukchumne, and Kaweah people lived and hunted along this river. Spaniards were the first Europeans to explore this area two centuries ago. Settlers arrived fifty years later.
Cattleman Hale Tharp started a ranch at the confluence of the Kaweah River and Horse Creek in 1856. He lived here until his death in 1912. Several landmarks still bear his name.