[citation needed] Formerly called Harold Reservoir or Alpine Reservoir (after the settlement of Alpine/Harold), and Yuna Lake, Lake Palmdale was completed in 1924 to aid local Antelope Valley agriculture by providing a stable and consistent water source for the local farmers.

The nearby Littlerock Reservoir is a Los Angeles County operated park and is open to the public and can be used for boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping.

[citation needed] The International Game Fish Association all tackle world record 7 lb 10 oz (3.5 kg) Sacramento sucker was taken from Lake Palmdale.

[1] Lake Palmdale has very hot, dry summers, breezy springs and autumns, and frigid, highly windy winters.

[citation needed] The alignment of the local hills and the fault creates a sort of wind tunnel effect on the lake during the winter months.