Piru’s Tourist Draw Ebbs and Flows With Nearby Lake

A gray and rutted road winds six miles north, revealing sloping, mossy mountains and lush cattle pastures and connecting Piru to this sparkling lake and recreation area, a weekend destination for more than half a million visitors each year.

Since 1955, a mostly Angeleno crowd has been coming to the Lake Piru Recreation Area to swim, camp, picnic, boat and fish for trout, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Annual visitors numbered 100,000 in 1977, the year Doug West went to work at the lake as a ranger.

By last year, the number had swelled to 600,000, according to West, now the lake’s park and recreation manager.

Because of its growing draw, the lake is a crucial component to Piru’s economic revitalization efforts.

Whether visitors drive east along California 126 across Ventura County or come up Interstate 5 from Los Angeles County, Piru would be a hub for them on their way to the lake.

Redevelopment planners say those visitors--who number about 3,500 a day on summer weekends--will be a major component to a tourism-based economy they hope to build in Piru over the next several years.

Without tourists, including lake-goers and train passengers from Fillmore, the poor community of about 1,800 probably couldn’t provide the economic base needed for extra business.

“We’re one of the major attractions on the east end of the county,” West said of the lake.

As Piru gets an upgrade, lake officials have plans of their own.

West said county planners will be asked this spring to approve $10 million to $13 million worth of improvements at the park, which is run by the United Water Conservation District and pays for itself with user fees.

The water district already has signed off on the plan.

County officials must approve individual building permits as the project goes forward.

The construction, much of which could be completed in the next two years, would include a clubhouse with a swimming pool, hot tub, showers and a gym; a putting green; a swimming lagoon; improved RV campsites with cable, telephone and electric service; and a 14-mile trail around the lake.

Fees could increase from the current rate of $7.50 per car and boat and $17-$23 per campsite, although West said no new rates have been set.

The improvements are largely aimed at attracting a wealthier lake crowd, which could bring more cash into Piru.