Best lakes around Lake Sherwood, California, refers to a man-made reservoir located in Ventura County. Situated in the Santa Monica Mountains, it offers scenic views and a tranquil environment. The area is known for its exclusive community and its history as a filming location, notably for "Robin Hood." This body of water and its surroundings provide opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
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This is one of the prettiest sections of bikeable roadway near Thousand Oaks, with gorgeous Lake Sherwood just off the road to the south. If you head west on West Potrero Road you can connect into a large loop of roughly 20 miles, doubling back toward Thousand Oaks before returning to the lake.
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Westlake Lake is a stunning lake privately maintained for the residents of Westlake Village. However, there are many ways to enjoy its beauty. Popular activities include running, cycling, and walking around the lake via Triunfo Canyon and other adjacent streets. On the lake's southwest side, several lakefront restaurants offer indoor/outdoor dining. Alternatively, you can stroll around, enjoying the sweeping views and serenity.
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Leo Carrillo State Park is a 2,513-acre park on the Malibu coast and is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It offers swimming, surfing, fishing, as well as an inland campground and backcountry hiking trails.
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Los Padres Open Space is located near the southern end of Moorpark Road. Spanning across 187 acres, this beautiful area features chaparral-covered hillsides, captivating oak woodlands, and a stunning stand of coast live oaks. Accessible via the Los Padres Trail (mostly single track)on the west side of Los Padres Drive, this area is frequented by deer, rabbits, California quail, California thrashers, and many other birds and animals. The oak woodlands are an excellent place to observe migrating birds, such as warblers and vireos, in the spring and fall.
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The Las Virgenes Reservoir supplies a large percentage of water for the residents of Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and parts of Malibu. This reservoir offers stunning views with a relatively easy hike or run to get there.
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Explore the breathtaking terrain of Los Padres Open Space, situated at the southern end of Moorpark Road. Spanning 187 acres, this mountain biking haven showcases chaparral-covered hills and majestic oak woodlands. The scenic Los Padres Trail on the west side of Los Padres Drive invites riders to experience the beauty of nature's pristine landscapes.
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The area around Lake Sherwood, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, offers picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere. You'll find chaparral-covered hills, oak woodlands, and stunning lake vistas. Highlights like Lake Sherwood Drive provide scenic views of the main lake, while Las Virgenes Reservoir also offers stunning views.
Lake Sherwood is a 'body contact lake,' which means various water activities are permitted. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and boating on the lake.
Yes, Leo Carrillo State Park Beach is a notable beach and natural area nearby. It offers opportunities for swimming, surfing, and fishing, along with inland campgrounds and backcountry hiking trails.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. Leo Carrillo State Park Beach features backcountry hiking trails. You can also find trails in Los Padres Open Space, which is a mountain biking haven with chaparral-covered hills and oak woodlands. For easy hikes, consider routes like Sundown Trail or Space Mountain, which you can explore further in the Easy hikes around Lake Sherwood guide.
Cycling is a popular activity. Lake Sherwood Drive is known as one of the prettiest sections of bikeable roadway near Thousand Oaks. Around Westlake Lake, many enjoy cycling along Triunfo Canyon and other adjacent streets. For more adventurous rides, explore the MTB Trails around Lake Sherwood or the Gravel biking around Lake Sherwood guides.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Leo Carrillo State Park Beach is family-friendly, offering swimming and beach activities. Westlake Lake is also considered family-friendly, with opportunities for walking and dining. Additionally, Los Padres Open Space is a family-friendly area for exploring nature.
Lake Sherwood has a rich Hollywood history. The area was famously transformed into Sherwood Forest for the 1922 silent film 'Robin Hood' starring Douglas Fairbanks, which inspired the lake's name. Many other productions, including the 1938 version of 'The Adventures of Robin Hood,' also used the lake and its surroundings as a backdrop.
While Lake Sherwood itself is primarily residential, Westlake Lake, a privately maintained lake, features several lakefront restaurants on its southwest side, offering indoor and outdoor dining options. Nearby Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village also provide convenient access to a variety of dining establishments.
In natural areas like Los Padres Open Space, you might spot deer, rabbits, California quail, California thrashers, and various other birds and animals. The oak woodlands are particularly good for observing migrating birds in the spring and fall.
Lake Sherwood is at the heart of an exclusive, guard-gated community. While the lake itself is a significant body of water, access to its shores and amenities is primarily for residents and members of the prestigious Sherwood Country Club.
Yes, for those seeking easier options, the area around Westlake Lake is popular for walking. Additionally, the hike or run to Las Virgenes Reservoir is considered relatively easy while offering stunning views. You can find more easy options in the Easy hikes around Lake Sherwood guide.
Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty and tranquil environment, especially the picturesque views from Lake Sherwood Drive. The variety of outdoor activities, from water sports on Lake Sherwood to hiking and cycling around Westlake Lake and exploring Leo Carrillo State Park Beach, are also highly valued.


Still not found your perfect lake around Lake Sherwood? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.