Places to Run your boat

Electrics do not face many of the same noise issues that a Nitro boat does. However, It only takes a few loud and obnoxious R/C boaters to ruin it for everyone. Yes, I know no one of us will put a "national ban" on R/C boats but, if they close the lake near you that will certainly take your fun away. 

Next, do NOT run your boat around swimmers! I know the attention is nice but you are asking for an accident. Nitro boaters, make sure you are considerate of others peace and quiet! If there is any question, ask the other people around you before you start your boat. They'll be impressed with your consideration. Otherwise it is a good idea to get a muffled pipe.

Most lakes here in California are managed by the Parks department or some other form of government. So if the see R/C boats chasing ducks or buzzing swimmers they will not be happy! Besides if your boat were to ever catch a duck it is not pretty (for your boat).

Try to run on lakes that allow full sized boats or Jet Ski's. They are most likely to not have an issue with an R/C Boater as they are already used to some noise. They also have docks that make it easy to get away from the shore swimmers and other parked water craft. Just keep in mind your R/C boat is no match for anything bigger, not even a Jet Ski. A slight collision and your boat will never be the same!
                
JetSkis make great wakes but not R/C friendly.    The smashed nose of a R/C boat in a collision.

 Here is a couple of cool places to run in California:
Lake Castaic:

Lake Castaic is located at an elevation of 2,400 feet and has 2,000 surface acres, and the Afterbay Lagoon, which has 180 surface acres. It is part of the California State Water Project. The east arm of Castiac has a 20 MPH speed limit while the west arm is open to water skiing and faster power boating. The Afterbay Lagoon is open to non-power boating, the launch facilities are closed after 500 boats & 125 personal watercraft. NOTE: Bring your rubber boots to launch your boat and fishing pole to recover your boat as the Lifeguards at the lake, do not want you swimming after your boat!

Campsites, group campsites and RV with full hookups are available.

Directions: Take Highway 5 north to Parker Road exit towards Castaic. Turn right onto Ridge Route road. Turn left onto Castaic Road.

For more information, call (661) 257-4050 or reservations.

Lake Cachuma:

Lake Cachuma is located at an elevation of 800 feet in the Santa Ynez Valley. It has 3,200 surface acres. The Cachuma Reservoir, created by Bradbury Dam, has a storage capacity of 205,000 acre-feet. The Santa Ynez River feeds this reservoir.

Campsites for tents and RV's of all sizes are available year-round on a first-come first-served basis. The Cachuma Lake Recreation Area boasts 500 regular camp sites; 90 sites with full electrical, water and sewer hook-ups; 38 sites with electrical and water hook-ups; and 6 sites with corrals for horses. All campsites include picnic tables and BBQ pits and are located near showers, rest rooms, and water.

Directions: From Santa Barbara, proceed 24 miles northwest on Hwy 154 (San Marcos Pass Road) to the park entrance. From Solvang, proceed 12 miles east on Hwy 154 to the park entrance.

Lake Nacimiento:

Lake Nacimiento is located at an elevation of 2,605 feet. It has 11,000 surface acres and a maximum depth of 200 feet and approximately 170 miles of shoreline. The lake lies in Northern San Luis Obispo County.

There are over 400 campsites and RV sites have both full or partial hook ups. All camping sites (with the exception of Sandy Point) are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Directions: The lake is located west of Hwy 101, seventeen miles north of Paso Robles. Take the 24th Street exit in Paso Robles and follow the G-14 to the lake.

Lake Isabella:

Lake Isabella is located at an elevation of 2,605 feet. It has 11,000 surface acres with 38 miles of shoreline. The U. S. Forest Services maintains the facilities at Isabella.

Lake Isabella is the 2nd largest fresh water lake in California. The lake enjoys a national reputation as a big fish lake. It also is very well known for it's high winds that can blow you off the lake.

Directions: On Highway 178, Lake Isabella is just 49 miles East of Bakersfield and Highway 99, and 39 miles West of Highway 14.

Lake Elsinore:

Lake Elsinore is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California with over 3,300 surface acres. The Lake Elsinore Recreation Area offers 150 sites for tent camping and RVs. There are also several private campgrounds and resorts available around the lake.

Other activities to participate in on Lake Elsinore include Water Skiing, Hiking, Parachuting and Hang Gliding and Cycling.

Directions: From I-15 South, take the Nichols Road exit and turn right onto Nichols Road. Turn left onto Collier Avenue. Proceed to and turn right onto Riverside Drive/Highway 74.

Lake Big Bear:

Big Bear Lake is located at an elevation of 6,743 feet in the San Bernadino National Forest. It has 3,000 surface acres and has 22 miles of shoreline. The lake is controlled by the Big Bear Municipal Water District.

The USDA Forest Service has several campgrounds with hundreds of campsites for tent and RV camping, some with full hook-ups. There is also remote area camping available however, an adventure pass required.

There are several full service marinas surrounding the lake.

For more information, call (800)BIG-BEAR for reservations and information.

Lake Perris:

Lake Perris has 2,200 surface acres and is part of the California State Water Project. The lake is surrounded by rocky mountains that can tower to heights of greater then one thousand feet above the water's surface.

Alessandro Island makes for a popular boat in site, rising more then 225 feet to create an interesting perspective of the lake. R/C boating can be very good, but you have to go being aware that this is a very popular lake for other water sports and there is no real safe haven for your boat. Driving your boat from the shore works great too.

Directions: 11 miles south of Riverside on I-215. Take the Ramona Expressway to Lake Perris Drive. Proceed to the entrance.

For more information, call the Visitors Center at (714) 657-9000.

Lake Casitas:
 
Lake Casitas is located at an elevation of 1,500 feet. It has 2,500 surface acres. Casitas has over 30 miles of shoreline. No body contact is the rule at this lake, So bring your boots and retrieval pole.

Casitas is a beautiful water reservoir with nearly 500 campsites with 141 offering power hook up. Open year around. The lake also has hiking, and a water park.

For more information, call (805) 257-4050 for reservations and information.

Lake Crowley:
Sorry the map is upside down... Lake Crowley is located at an elevation of 7,200 feet off Hwy 395 near Mammoth Lakes California. The lake is fairly big and remote locations with sandy beaches & small coves perfect for R/C boating can be reached on the far side of the lake by 4 wheel drive. The FunRCBoats staff has spent many days running our boats here and is one of our favorite locations. Stay heads up for Ski boats and Jet Skis too.

Lake Piru:
This lake is near Los Angeles (Valencia, California) and is primarily a fishing lake so be considerate when running your R/C boat and find a location as to not bother anyone.

 Here is a couple of cool places to run in Arizona:

Lake Havasu:
This lake is in Lake Havasu City, AZ and is part of the Colorado River and primarily a recreation lake so be considerate when running your R/C boat and find a location as to not bother anyone. We like the launch bay off the Islander resort.

Please Contact Us with additional locations to add to this list.