San Luis Reservoir - State Recreation Area
Nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin Valley near historic
Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is noted for boating,
board sailing, camping, and picnicking. But it's anglers who find the unit's
three lakes most inviting.
The area around San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay is often very windy,
and winds can come up quite suddenly. Watch the wind warning lights at the
Basalt entrance station, Quien Sabe Point, and Romero Visitor Center. On the
forebay, wind warning lights are located at the Medeiros boat ramp and above
the South Beach picnic area at San Luis Creek.
Location/Directions
On Highway 152, 7 miles West of I-5, or 33 miles East of Highway 101 from Gilroy.
Address for Park Headquarters
31426 Gonzaga Road
Gustine, CA 95322
Hours are Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
Operating hours/seasons
All year. Day use hours sunrise to 10 PM. Boating sunrise to sunset. Camping,
check-in 2 PM., check-out noon.
Summer Hours: Day use hours sunrise to 10 PM. Boating sunrise to sunset. Camping,
check-in 2 PM., check-out noon.
Winter Hours: Day use hours sunrise to 10 PM. Boating sunrise to sunset. Camping,
check-in 2 PM., check-out noon.
Park Features: Exhibits & Programs, Family Campsites, Fishing, Group Campsites,
Hike or Bike Campsites, Hiking Trails, Horseback Trails, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing
Facilities: Boat Ramps, Boat Rentals, Picnic Areas, Restrooms, RV Dump Station, RV
Hookups, Showers
Lake McClure & Lake McSwain
Two great lakes - offering. . .
Picnicking - You'll have a choice of many delightful spots in every recreation
area, with tree or ramada-shaded tables and barbeques. Some areas have children's
play areas and facilities for handicapped persons. Group picnic shelters are
available for reservation.
Boating-Lake McClure is a water skiing enthusiast's dream! McClure's often-glassy
surface provides runs that are both smooth and picturesque. Ski boats are available
for rent at Barrett Cove Marina.
The Barrett Cove Marina on Lake McClure has year-round houseboat and patio boat
rentals to suit a variety of budgets (plus rentals on fishing boats, wave runners
and ski boats, too). By day, your houseboat is the perfect hub for the day's
activities. At nightfall, you can slip into a secluded cove and enjoy a peaceful
evening in the clean Sierra air.
Boating on Lake McClure is both pleasurable and convenient. Large concrete boat
ramps and first-class boarding floats are available at each recreation area, with
comfort stations, fish cleaning facilities and plenty of parking for cars and
trailers nearby. Convenient marinas provide mooring, boat rentals, bait and
tackle, ice, gas, oil and groceries.
Lake Yosemite
Lake Road, Merced
209-385-7426
Open sunrise to sunset, $4 entry per car. Boating, wind sailing, swimming, canoeing,
picnic areas with bbq's and facilities to rent.