Can You Swim in Lake Arrowhead?
No — visitors cannot swim in Lake Arrowhead. The lake is private, owned by the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA), and swimming is limited to Arrowhead Woods property owners with deeded lake rights and their registered guests. The nearest public swim beach is Lake Gregory in Crestline, about 15 minutes away.
The facts
- Open to the public
- No — ALA members and their guests only
- Cost
- No public option at any price
- Drive from Lake Arrowhead
- Public beaches: 15–30 min away
Getting there
Phone: (909) 337-2595 (ALA)
Get directions →Why the lake is private
Lake Arrowhead is owned and managed by the Arrowhead Lake Association, a private organization. Lake rights are deeded to properties in a defined boundary called Arrowhead Woods — roughly the neighborhoods surrounding the lake. If a property is inside Arrowhead Woods, its owner can join the ALA and use the lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. If it isn't, no amount of money buys access; day passes for the general public do not exist.
This surprises a lot of first-time visitors, because the Village waterfront looks like any public lakefront. It isn't. The docks are private, the beaches are gated ALA beach clubs, and lake patrol enforces the rules.
Who actually gets in the water
Three groups can swim or boat in Lake Arrowhead: Arrowhead Woods property owners who are current ALA members, their registered guests (guests generally must be accompanied or registered under the member), and guests of lakefront resorts with their own private lake access — most notably the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, which has a private beach for hotel guests.
Renting a vacation home in Arrowhead Woods does not automatically grant lake rights — short-term renters are generally not entitled to use ALA facilities. If lake access matters to your trip, book a stay that explicitly includes it and confirm directly with the property before you pay.
What visitors can do instead
You can still get on (but not in) the water: the Arrowhead Queen tour boat runs one-hour narrated cruises from the Village, and the Village waterfront, shops, and restaurants are fully open to the public.
For actual swimming, three public mountain lakes are close: Lake Gregory (~15 min, sand beach, waterslides, inflatable waterpark), Green Valley Lake (~25 min, quiet sand beach), and Silverwood Lake (~30 min, two large state-park beaches — check the algae advisory before going). All three are covered in detail on this site.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists swim in Lake Arrowhead at all?
No. Swimming is restricted to Arrowhead Lake Association members (Arrowhead Woods property owners with lake rights) and their registered guests. There is no public beach and no day pass for visitors.
Can I swim if I rent an Airbnb in Lake Arrowhead?
Usually not. Lake rights belong to the property owner and generally do not extend to short-term renters. Some rentals advertise lake access through special arrangements — confirm directly with the host and the ALA before assuming anything.
Does the Lake Arrowhead Resort include lake access?
The Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa has a private beach area on the lake for registered hotel guests. What's allowed (swimming, dock use, watercraft) varies — confirm current rules with the resort at (909) 336-1511 when booking.
Where is the closest public place to swim?
Lake Gregory Regional Park in Crestline, about 15 minutes west. It has a sand swim beach, waterslides, and an inflatable waterpark, open Memorial Day through Labor Day. See our Lake Gregory guide.
Can I kayak or paddleboard on Lake Arrowhead?
Only with ALA credentials: every kayak and paddleboard on the lake needs a current ALA decal, and paddlers need ALA membership or guest registration. The public cannot launch watercraft. Details on our lake access page.
Facts on this page last verified July 17, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.