If you’ve spent much time exploring the Southern California desert, then you know that there’s no telling what you’ll find hiding out there. For instance, did you know there’s an old water park that was completely abandoned and left to decay in the desert elements? Originally opened in the ’60s, the water park operated for several decades actually before it closed for good. Today, all that’s left is the remains of what was once a cheerful, family destination. This intriguing abandoned water park seems to be full of secrets, so let’s take a closer look.

Please note that this destination is on private property with “No Trespassing” signs. We discourage anyone from physically exploring the abandoned waterpark. The following information is for entertainment purposes only. Do not try to explore this property yourself. 

The abandoned water park off Interstate 15 on the edge of the Mojave Desert went by many names during its lifetime.
Clay Larsen/Flickr
You might've known it as Lake Dolores, Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark, or Discovery Waterpark. No matter what you know it as, nowadays it's looking a little on the rough side.
A piece of arid land in the Mojave Desert may seem like a strange destination for a water park - it certainly was.
Luis Cisneros/Google
Perhaps that's why the destination was destined for ruin. However, it didn't always look this eerie! Once upon a time, it was actually quite modern, and families came from all over to enjoy it.
The park was designed and built by local businessman Bob Byers, primarily and originally for use by his extended family.
Anthony Citrano/Flickr
He even named Lake Dolores after his wife. Over the following 25 years, the water park would be advertised as "The Fun Spot of the Desert!" and it boasted numerous attractions and rides.

Related Stories

The Most Epic Indoor Playground In Southern California Will Bring Out The Kid In Everyone

The Most Epic Indoor Playground In Southern California Will Bring Out The Kid In Everyone

 The Massive Indoor Playground In Southern California With Endless Places To Play

The Massive Indoor Playground In Southern California With Endless Places To Play

 The Ocean-Themed Indoor Playground In Southern California That’s Insanely Fun

The Ocean-Themed Indoor Playground In Southern California That’s Insanely Fun
The park saw peak attendance between the early '70s and mid-'80s, drawing in visitors with rides like the "Zip-Cord" (a zipline-style experience that thrust you into a lagoon) and the "Big Bopper" (a fast and long group raft ride.)
Anthony Citrano/Flickr
Sounds fun, we're in. When are we going?
The park officially closed for the first time when it experienced a downturn in popularity in the late '80s.
ChristopherTitzer/Flickr
It eventually reopened as Rock-A-Hoola in 1998, featuring a more polished atmosphere with a vintage 1950s theme. Unfortunately, the park's existence was destined to be short-lived. It filed for bankruptcy in 2000 and the property was handed back to Dolores Byers (Bob passed in 1996.)
One final attempt was made to turn this slice of the Mojave Desert into an oasis.
Clay Larsen/Flickr
Discovery Waterpark opened in 2002 and operated intermittently through the summer of 2004. After that, the water park was officially abandoned, and today, it remains a quiet shell of what it once was.
After decades of neglect, graffiti, and being left to the elements, what's left of the water park has certainly seen better days.
Matt Topper/Flickr
It doesn't look like much, but you can almost imagine the fun and memories that were made here. There are plenty of people still alive today that have memories of this place - people from a couple generations, at that.

Did you know about this abandoned water park way out in the California desert? There’s something slightly eerie about exploring long-abandoned spots like this one in California! Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

If you’re interested in even more amazing abandoned places in Southern California, be sure to also check out these awesome abandoned places in CA that nature is reclaiming. Talk about awe-inspiring!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Abandoned Water Park

Tori Jane | January 09, 2023
  1. Is there an abandoned water park in California?  

There most certainly is. The abandoned water park in Southern California is a little spooky place known as Lake Dolores Waterpark, which is in the depths of the Mohave desert and has been abandoned not once, not twice, but three times since its original opening in 1962. Talk about a bumpy ride.  

2. Is Lake Dolores waterpark reopening?  

At the time of this writing, there are whispers and rumors about Lake Dolores Waterpark and a possible reopening in 2023. The park and its grounds were acquired by a private firm recently, and who knows what might happen – maybe it’ll be back!  

3. What are some interesting abandoned places in California? 

Of course, Lake Dolores Waterpark is far from the only interesting abandoned place in California. Other notable abandoned places in Southern California include:  

Related Articles

Explore Southern California