Castaic Lake
State Recreation Area
Friends of Castaic Lake invites you to Moonlight Madness, a unique opportunity to enjoy Castaic Lake long after the sun goes down.
Bring your family and friends for an evening under the stars. Cruise the lake, fish from your boat or the shoreline, or simply relax and enjoy Castaic Lake by moonlight.
Fishing is optional — enjoying the lake after dark is the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Everything you need to know before enjoying Castaic Lake after dark.
REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN
Is pre-registration required?
No. Pre-registration is not required, but it is preferred. Registering ahead of time helps us plan for the event, speeds up check-in, and helps participants avoid missing event giveaways.
Is walk-up registration available?
Yes. Walk-up registration is available beginning at 6:30 PM.
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit/debit cards and cash are accepted.
Do Annual Lake Passes or County Passes cover Moonlight Madness?
No. Admission is separate from regular lake access.
What will I receive at check-in?
You’ll receive a vehicle ribbon along with event information and safety instructions.
Is a light stick required?
Yes. Every participant is required to have a light stick. Light sticks help Lake Lifeguards, event staff, volunteers, and other boaters identify participants and improve visibility during nighttime operations. Light sticks are available for purchase from Friends of Castaic Lake at check-in.
EVENT BASICS
Is Moonlight Madness family-friendly?
Absolutely! Moonlight Madness is a family-friendly event.
Do I have to fish?
No. Fishing is optional, and many participants simply enjoy a peaceful evening boat ride under the stars.
Can more than one person be on my boat?
Yes. Please make sure your boat does not exceed its legal passenger capacity and that there is a properly fitted life jacket available for everyone on board.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Friendly dogs are welcome aboard your boat. Please keep pets under control at all times and clean up after them.
BOATING & SAFETY
What must my boat have?
All boats must meet California boating regulations and pass a Lake Lifeguard safety inspection before entering the water. Boats must have:
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Current boat registration
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One properly sized Type III U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board
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A Type IV throwable flotation device for boats 16 feet or longer
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Proper front and rear navigation lights for nighttime operation
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A sound-producing device, such as a horn or whistle
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A required event light stick for each participant
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A fire extinguisher, if required for your vessel
Will boats be inspected?
Yes. Boats may be inspected for required safety equipment, operational safety, and compliance with boating regulations. Any vessel that does not pass the required safety inspection may be denied entry onto the water.
Do children have to wear a life jacket?
Yes. Children 12 years old and younger must wear a properly fitted and secured life jacket at all times while aboard the vessel. Every other person aboard must have a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available.
What are the key lake rules during Moonlight Madness?
The speed limit is 5 MPH. Participants must obey all posted lake rules and No Wake zones, maintain a proper lookout, operate carefully due to limited nighttime visibility, maintain a safe distance from other vessels and restricted areas, and follow directions from Lake Lifeguards, park staff, event staff, and volunteers. Towing activities are not permitted. Boats may anchor in appropriate areas while allowing plenty of room for other participants.
What is required after sunset?
Boats operating after sunset must display proper navigation lights.
Is alcohol permitted?
No. Alcohol is not permitted at Castaic Lake. Boat operators must remain sober and comply with all California boating laws.
What if my boat breaks down?
Contact event staff or Lake Lifeguards immediately. The Lake Lifeguard emergency contact number will be provided during the safety inspection and included on the information handout provided at check-in.
FISHING & SHORELINE
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anyone 16 years of age or older who is fishing must possess a valid California fishing license.
What fishing regulations apply?
All current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations must be followed, including size limits, bag limits, legal fishing methods, and catch-and-release requirements.
How do I dispose of fishing waste?
Participants are responsible for properly disposing of fishing line, hooks, bait, and other waste.
FISHING
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anyone 16 years of age or older who is fishing must possess a valid California fishing license.
What fishing regulations apply?
All current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations must be followed, including size limits, bag limits, legal fishing methods, and catch-and-release requirements.
How do I dispose of fishing waste?
Participants are responsible for properly disposing of fishing line, hooks, bait, and other waste.
KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS
Are kayaks allowed?
Yes. Kayaks 8 feet or longer are welcome to participate, including inflatable kayaks, as long as they meet the safety requirements.
For nighttime use, kayaks need:
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A red/green bow light
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A 360° white stern light
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A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board
Are paddle boards allowed?
No. Paddle boards are not permitted on the Upper Lake.
WHAT TO BRING & EVENT RULES
What should I bring?
Come prepared for a nighttime visit to the lake. We recommend bringing warm layers, flashlights or headlamps, water, snacks, and any boating or fishing equipment you plan to use.
Are light sticks required?
Yes. Each participant must have an event light stick, available for $3 at check-in. Light sticks help event staff and Lake Lifeguards identify Moonlight Madness participants after dark.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own food, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Please help us keep Castaic Lake clean by packing out everything you bring in.
Is alcohol allowed?
No. Alcohol is not permitted during Moonlight Madness.
Are pets allowed?
Pets must follow all current Castaic Lake State Recreation Area rules. For their safety and comfort, please consider whether the nighttime environment and event activity are appropriate for your pet.
WEATHER, CANCELLATIONS & EVENT UPDATES
What happens if the weather is bad?
Moonlight Madness is subject to weather, lake conditions, and operational or safety concerns. Event plans may be adjusted, delayed, or canceled if conditions are not considered safe.
How will I know if the event is delayed or canceled?
Updates will be shared through Friends of Castaic Lake’s social media channels and other event communications as soon as information is available.
Can the lake close early or event hours change?
Yes. Castaic Lake staff and Lake Lifeguards have final authority over lake operations and water access. Event times or access may change when necessary for safety or operational reasons.
What happens if the event is canceled?
If Moonlight Madness is canceled, registered participants will receive information regarding any applicable next steps.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
For Moonlight Madness questions, contact Friends of Castaic Lake at info.focl@friendsofcastaiclake.org.
WHAT TO BRING
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Fishing gear (if you plan to fish)
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Life jackets for everyone on board
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Light jacket or sweatshirt
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Plenty of water
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Snacks or a picnic dinner
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Flashlight or headlamp
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Bug spray
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Fully charged phone
PROHIBITED / NOT PERMITTED
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Alcohol
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Fireworks
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Open campfires
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Glass containers
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Illegal substances
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Reckless or unsafe boating behavior