Green Valley Lake Swim Beach
Yes, the public can swim here. The sand beach is open from early May into October, 10am–4pm weekdays and 10am–5pm weekends/holidays, with swimming roughly Memorial Day–Labor Day, weather depending. Day swim passes are sold at the beach — check the official site for current rates.
The facts
- Open to the public
- Yes — open to everyone
- Cost
- Day swim passes sold at the beach (see official site for current rates)
- Season
- Beach open early May – October; swimming roughly Memorial Day – Labor Day
- Hours
- 10am–4pm weekdays; 10am–5pm weekends & holidays
- Parking
- Small free lot and street parking by the beach
- Lifeguard
- Usually on duty during busy periods
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Drive from Lake Arrowhead
- ~25 min from Lake Arrowhead Village
Getting there
33180 Green Valley Lake Rd, Green Valley Lake, CA 92341
Get directions →Why go here instead of Lake Gregory
Green Valley Lake is the highest lake in Southern California (~7,000 ft) and the least commercial of the public swim options near Lake Arrowhead. There's no waterpark and no crowds — just a small sand beach with a roped kids' section, a deeper section for adults and older kids, and a lifeguard usually on duty at busy times. If Lake Gregory on a Saturday sounds like exactly what you're trying to avoid, this is your lake.
The lake also rents kayaks and rowboats in season and is stocked for fishing. The tiny town has a general store and a couple of places to eat, and that's about it — which is the point.
Know before you go
Hours are shorter than Lake Gregory's: 10am–4pm on weekdays, 10am–5pm weekends and holidays, and the swim season depends on weather at this elevation — early June can still be cold. Day swim passes are sold at the beach; rates are posted on the Green Valley Lake recreation site.
Getting there from Lake Arrowhead: take Highway 18 east past Running Springs, then Green Valley Lake Road up the hill. It's about 25 minutes, and you can pair it with a stop at Heaps Peak Arboretum on the way.
Frequently asked questions
Can the public swim at Green Valley Lake?
Yes. Unlike private Lake Arrowhead, Green Valley Lake's swim beach is open to everyone during the season — roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
How much does the swim beach cost?
Day swim passes are sold at the beach. Rates change year to year — check gvlfishing.com or ask at the beach kiosk for current pricing.
Is Green Valley Lake crowded?
It's the quietest public swim lake in the area. Even on summer weekends it's far mellower than Lake Gregory or Silverwood — the trade-off is fewer amenities and shorter hours.
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.