Pyramid Lake Access provides public boat launching at Emigrant Landing, the largest recreation area on the lake, featuring an eight-lane boat ramp, marina with rentals, and beach access.

Additional boat-in picnic sites are accessible by water at Spanish Point, Bear Trap, Serrano, and Yellowbar, each with courtesy docks on a first-come, first-served basis. Access is via the Smokey Bear Road off-ramp from Interstate 5 north of Santa Clarita.