‘Too Popular’ Castaic Lake Overflows--With Crowds : Recreation: Park official warns that those arriving after 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays may be turned away.

Castaic Lake recreation area has become “too popular,” and overflow crowds such as the one that overwhelmed the park on the Fourth of July can be expected all summer, the park manager said Friday.

The crowds have gotten so big that people can expect to be turned away from the 2,235-acre reservoir 10 miles north of Santa Clarita if they arrive any later than 10 a.m. on a hot summer weekend or a holiday, said Charles Graham, manager of the Los Angeles County-run recreation area.

“It’s just too popular. There’s nothing you can do about it. That’s what happens here” in the heavily populated Los Angeles area, Graham said. “It’s part of life here.”

About 15,000 people, more than twice the park’s capacity, thronged to the lake Thursday, forcing authorities to close the entrance about 10:30 a.m.

But determined Fourth of July celebrants, including some who had traveled from as far away as West Los Angeles, simply bypassed outnumbered park police and pushed down fences to gain admittance.

“We normally can keep things under control better, but we just couldn’t be everywhere at once,” Graham said of the Independence Day crowds.

But he was quick to add that there were no arrests and no accidents despite the overcrowding. “Overall, it was a successful day.”

Castaic Lake has about 3,000 parking spaces, which often fill up early, he said.

People who park elsewhere and come on foot may also be turned away. Use of the lake is restricted to about 7,000 people because of health rules aimed at limiting the increase in bacteria in the water, park officials said.

Graham said those interested in using the reservoir or the 197-acre swimming and boating lagoon on weekends or holidays should plan on arriving early in the morning.

He also recommended that people call park officials at 805-257-4050 to find out whether the park has stopped admitting newcomers.

“We advise you to come here during the week instead,” he said.

A promoter who staged a Fourth of July fireworks display Thursday night at Castaic Lake had the opposite problem: not enough people.

Promoter Stephen J. Quinn said he will probably lose money on the 9 p.m. event that drew about 7,000 people.

Of those, about 1,500 had arrived during the day and did not pay the $3.50 admission fee.

“The jury is still out out as to whether or not it was a financial success,” Quinn said Friday. “If I don’t break even, we’ll come close.”

But Quinn, who agreed to sponsor the event about two weeks ago when another promoter backed out, said he considered the event a success because he managed to set it up on such short notice and provide people with entertainment.

“Financial gain was not the motivation,” he said, adding that because of the Persian Gulf War, he wanted to help Americans “celebrate Independence Day in a big way.”