New to Casting

Hey Everyone! Just got back into fishing! Castaic lake is the closet location to fish for me, was trying to find a parking spot where I do not have to pay the fee to enter the recreation area. However, after driving around I did not see one. My question is, is there any where to park for free in order to cast from the lake shore or the dam itself? Do you know any tackle shops in the Santa Clarita area to find gear other then Big 5 and Walmart? Feed me your knowledge!! oh, also since I don't have a boat any tips on shore spots would be much appreciated! Lastly, are there any good fishing spots from Santa Clarita to Ventura/Oxnard area?

We have Tackle Express which has very informative cool people that work there and them seem to have mostly everything you need including fishing advice. Or you can go to Dicks Sporting Goods across the Wal-Mart parking lot.

As far as free parking to practice casting I go to Hansen Dam not that close to us but it's on my way to work