 | San Luis Reservoir Park Brochure |

San Luis
Reservoir
State Recreation Area
Our Mission
The mission of California State Parks is
to provide for the health, inspiration and
education of the people of California by helping
to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological
diversity, protecting its most valued natural and
cultural resources, and creating opportunities
for high-quality outdoor recreation.
Water
or its scarcity
has always played
a crucial role in
Central Valley history.
California State Parks supports equal access.
Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who
need assistance should contact the park at
(209) 826-1197. If you need this publication in an
alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
For information call: (800) 777-0369
(916) 653-6995, outside the U.S.
711, TTY relay service
www.parks.ca.gov
San Luis Reservoir
State Recreation Area
31426 Gonzaga Road
Gustine, CA 95322 (209) 826-1197
www.parks.ca.gov/sanluisreservoir
© 2011 California State Parks (Rev. 2017)
N
estled in the western San Joaquin
Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis
Reservoir State Recreation Area is a popular
summer destination for anyone seeking the
perfect place to cool off. Spring rains bring
acres of wildflowers to decorate the grassy
hills at the reservoir. These oak-studded
hills undergo a short cycle of spring green,
followed by the golden browns of summer.
Summer temperatures in this part of the
valley range from the mid-90s to above
100 degrees. Generally, evenings are cool
and pleasant. Annual rainfall between
November and April averages eight to nine
inches. Winter temperatures seldom reach
freezing, but heavy fog is common. Strong
winds can come up suddenly.
PARK HISTORY
Native People
For thousands of years, the southern half
of California’s Central Valley was home
to three distinct Yokuts groups — the
Southern, the Foothill, and the Northern
Valley Yokuts. The area that is now San Luis
Reservoir was a borderland between the
Northern Yokuts people and the Mutsun
branch of the Ohlone tribe, whose territory
extended to the coast. The native people
lived on salmon and other fish, waterfowl,
large game such as pronghorns and tule elk,
seeds, roots of the cattails that grew in the
marshes, and a plentiful supply of acorns
from groves of valley oaks.
European Settlement
In 1805 Spanish Army Lieutenant Gabriel
Moraga and his troops — reportedly the
first non-natives to enter this area — came
to scout potential mission sites. The Yokuts
were forcibly brought into the mission
system at nearby Mission San Juan Bautista,
drastically changing their lives. Indian
resistance to the missions took the form
of cattle raids; what is now Pacheco Pass
provided raiders an escape route into the
relative safety of the Central Valley.
The Mexican government granted El
Rancho San Luis Gonzaga — a vast expanse
of grasslands that included the present
reservoir area — to Juan Perez Pacheco in
1843. At the site of an ancient water hole on
San Luis Creek, Pacheco’s men built a small
adobe fortress to protect their lands from
cattle raiders.
Fur trapper Jedediah Smith traveled
through the valley in 1827; soon others were
trapping river otters, beavers, and other
fur-bearers in the flourishing streams.
After the 1848 gold discovery, California
drew an estimated 300,000 gold diggers
trying to get rich quickly.
Eventually, some of the miners — tired
of heavy labor for small reward — settled
in this area and became farmers. While
the fertile east side of the Central Valley
was ideal for farming, the west side,
however, was extremely dry.
Agriculture in the Valley
In the early years after the gold rush,
agriculture on the dry side of the valley
was limited to sheep and cattle grazing,
and to what old-timers called “sky
farming.” This precarious dry-land wheat
farming depended entirely on the winter
rainfall. When little rain fell, entire crops
were lost.
In 1871 the San Joaquin and Kings River
Canal Company built an irrigation canal
from the Mendota Dam to Los Baños
Creek that eventually grew to 180 miles
in length.
By the mid-1880s, wheat had reached a
harvest peak of nearly 18 million bushels
annually. Farmers shipped their wheat to
Stockton and
San Francisco
by river
steamers until
the railroad
came to the
west valley
in 1888.
Irrigation also made it possible for
farmers to raise dairy cows and grow alfalfa,
fruit trees, and row crops. Irrigation and
flood control projects proliferated in the
Central Valley in the 1900s, culminating in
the State Water Project.
The Reservoir
Ground was broken for construction of the
San Luis Reservoir in 1962. The reservoir
stores runoff water from the Delta for the
federal Central Valley Project and the
California State Water Project.
The water arrives through the California
Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal,
pumped from the O’Neill Forebay into the
main reservoir during winter and spring.
The separate Los Baños Creek Reservoir
prevents storm runoff in Los Baños Creek
from flooding the area.
Today, local farmers use water from San
Luis Reservoir for high-tech drip irrigation;
the area has become one of the most fertile,
productive, and diverse farming regions in
the nation. In addition to the huge dairy
industry, major crops include tomatoes and
almonds — thanks to the rich soil, favorable
climate, and available water.
Natural History
Prior to European settlement, the valley
had a diverse natural environment. Its maze
of wetlands — creeks, rivers, vernal pools,
tule marshes, and sloughs — supported
large populations of wildlife. Extensive
prairie grasslands and riparian habitat
sheltered tule elk, mule deer, and kangaroo
rats. By the 1920s, the California grizzly bear
and the San Joaquin Valley pronghorn had
been hunted to extinction, and only a few
tule elk were left in the state.
In the early 1930s, state and federal
governments established reserves and
wildlife management areas in California to
protect species in danger of extinction. Tule
elk are now making a comeback.
Opossums, gray foxes, coyotes, bobcats,
and snakes (including rattlesnakes) may
be seen at the reservoir. Watch for overwintering bald eagles, as well as hawks,
owls, white-tailed kites, and golden eagles.
Migratory waterfowl include geese and
several species of ducks.
RECREATION
Camping — San Luis Creek sites have water
and power hookups. Reservations are
recommended for developed family
or group campsites at Basalt and San Luis
Creek campgrounds on warmer weekends
and holidays. For details and reservations,
visit www.parks.ca.gov or call (800) 4447275.Campsites at Medeiros and Los
Baños Creek campgrounds are first-come,
first-served.
Picnicking — The San Luis Creek dayuse area offers shaded picnic tables
near sandy beaches. The OHV area also
has picnic tables. Call (209) 826-1197 in
advance to reserve group picnic areas.
Swimming — San Luis Creek’s North Beach
area is the only roped area designated for
swimming. Swimmers throughout the park
should be cautious of boats on the water.
No lifeguards are on duty. Scuba and
other kinds of diving are not allowed.
Boating — All boats entering the park
are inspected for invasive species. All
watercraft must carry an appropriate size
personal flotation device (PFD) for each
passenger. Boats must remain at least
500 feet away from the dams and water
structures. Watch for wind-warning lights
and observe speed limits. Launch time
reservations may be made at
www.parks.ca.gov/sanluisreservoir or
call (800) 444-7275.
• San Luis Reservoir — Wind-warning
lights are located at the Romero Visitor
Center, Quien Sabe Point, and the
Basalt entrance. See map for details.
• O’Neill Forebay — Watch wind-warning
lights at the southeast area of Medeiros,
above the South Beach picnic area, and
above the San Luis Creek group camp.
Boaters may beach their boats at South
Beach. O’Neill Forebay’s winds make it
excellent for board sailing.
Trails — The five-mile San Luis Creek
Accessible Trail runs along the O’Neill
Forebay shoreline. The Basalt Campground
Trail begins west of the campground road.
The six-mile-round-trip Lone Oak Trail
begins near the Basalt boat ramp.
Fishing — All anglers 16 and over must carry
a valid California fishing license. See fishing
regulation details at www.wildlife.ca.gov.
• San Luis Reservoir/O’Neill Forebay —
Largemouth black bass, striped bass,
crappie, shad, perch, and occasionally
salmon and sturgeon are caught here.
Overnight fishing is permitted in some
parts of the San Luis Creek area. At
Medeiros, only registered campers may
fish after sunset.
• Los Baños Creek Reservoir — Crappie,
bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, and
trout may be caught here.
Hunting — Federal and state game
laws apply to in-season waterfowl
hunting — including licenses. Only shotguns
are allowed. Hunting is not permitted within
500 feet of campgrounds, picnic areas,
boat ramp areas, or dam and water
structures. View hunting regulations at
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov.
Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area —
A square mile of fairly flat terrain is ideal
for beginners. Two unloading ramps, picnic
tables, and a barbecue are available.
Events and Programs
Visit www.parks.ca.gov for schedules of
campfire, interpretive and Junior Ranger
programs, guided walks, activities, and
special events at San Luis Reservoir SRA.
Accessible Features
The Romero Visitor Center, several
campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, the
San Luis Creek Accessible Trail, routes of
travel, and vault toilets are accessible. For
updates, see http://access.parks.ca.gov.
please remember
Wind — Dangerous winds come up suddenly. When yellow warning lights are flashing on, be
cautious of wind on the reservoir and forebay. When red warning lights are flashing, the lake
or forebay is closed. All vessels must immediately leave the water; no boating is permitted
when red warning lights are on. For weather and wind condition updates, call (800) 805-4805.
Drawdown and other hazards — Lake levels fluctuate, uncovering islands and turning
formerly deep areas shallow and hazardous. Check for current water levels by visiting
http://cdec.water.ca.gov. In the Most Popular Pages menu to the right, choose Real-time
Data, then enter ONF for the O’Neill Forebay, SNL for San Luis Reservoir, or LBS for Los Baños
Creek Reservoir.
Speed limits — 5 mph restriction on boats within 200 feet of shoreline and on all of Los Baños
Creek Reservoir. The main reservoir and the O’Neill Forebay have 10 mph zones (see map).
Pets — Dogs must be kept on a leash no more than six feet long. They must not be left
unattended and must be kept in an enclosed tent or vehicle at night.
Fires — Fires are permitted only in grills or fire rings. Do not leave fires unattended. In the
summer, this area becomes tinder-dry; high winds can add to the fire hazard.
Vehicles — Stay on paved roads and paved parking areas.
Quiet hours — Sound should not carry beyond your campsite at any time. Quiet hours are
from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Generator use hours are between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Park features — All natural and cultural features of the park are protected by law and may not
be disturbed or removed.
Wildlife — Do not feed wild animals or leave trash out.
mar
Ingo
Nearby State Parks
• Pacheco State Park
20 miles west of Los Banos on Highway 152
(209) 826-1197 or (209) 826-6283
• McConnell State Recreation Area
5 miles east of Delhi on McConnell Road
just off Highway 99, Ballico 95303
(209) 826-1197 or (209) 394-7755 Volta
• George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
4394 North Kelly Road, Hilmar 95324
(209) 826-1197
• Great Valley Grasslands State Park
Entrance on Hwy. 140, west of Hwy. 165
Stevinson 95374 (209) 826-1197
al
de
Gra
Fahey Rd
McCabe Rd
uis Creek
nL
Sa
2 Miles
3 Kilometers
Main Ca
No Ski Zone
10 mph
il
Tra
Santa
Nella
Cottonwood
Bay
UPPER
COTTONWOOD CREEK
COTTONWOOD CREEK
WILDLIFE AREA
(Dept. of Fish & Wildlife)
WILDLIFE AREA
( D e p t . o f F i s h & Wi l d l i f e )
152
SAN LUIS
R E S E RV O I R
( D e p t . o f F i s h & Wi l d l i f e )
O’Neill Forebay
(Dept. of Fish & Wildlife)
225ft
68m
Dam
Park
Headquarters
C al i fo r
k
This park receives support in
part through the nonprofit
Four Rivers Association
31426 Gonzaga Road
Gustine, CA 95322
(209) 826-1197
Cr
n
de
id
Tracy
SF
Ba
y
Locked Gate
to Sacramento
to
Fresno
Atwater
Big Basin
Redwoods
SP
Castle RockSP
Henry W
Coe SP
Gustine
Great Valley
Grasslands
SP
San Luis Reservoir SRA
Ranger Station
Gilroy
Santa
Cruz
Showers
Monterey
Bay
Swimming
Monterey
Wind Warning Light
ble
Tra
il
Los
Banos
Hollister
Hollister Hills
Fremont SVRA
Peak SP
Salinas
Pinnacles
NM
to
Los Angeles
0
5
10 Mi
15 Km
SAN LUIS CREEK
CAMPGROUND
Cr
0
ito
to
San Luis
Obispo
s al
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So
SAN LUIS
RESERVOIR
STATE
RECREATION
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© 2011 California State Parks (Rev. 2017)
Lake Speed
5 mph
lt
Cr
ee
k
ño s
Cre
ek
Dam
328ft
100m
Sa
Restrooms
RV Sanitation Station
Lone Oak Trail
Modesto
Fremont
5
Lo s Ba
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to
Los Angeles
Los Baños Creek
Reservoir
Lui
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Campground
Picnic Area
N ort h
ree
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Portu
gu
Campfire Center
r k Lo
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ese
Boat Launch
ta
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No S
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10 m Zone
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C
k
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Pioneer Rd
do
Los Baños
Creek
Area
B A S A LT
Basalt Trail
o un d
m pgr
Ca
Boating
Parking
see
detail map
below left
CAMPGROUND
Accessible Feature
Group Picnic Area
Park Entrance
152
to
Los Banos
ct
Accessible Trail
33
Ou
tsi
d
Park
Entrance
P O RT U G U E S E
CREEK
AREA
Restricted Boating Area
Group Campground
152
ued u
Hiking Trail
Main Canal
5
Aq
k
e
ia
ree
Unpaved Road
ad
rn
is C
Gr
ifo
Lu
ar
al
S an
Paved Road
t
al
k
Freeway
duc
n
Ca
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Lone Oak
Bay
Legend
SAN LUIS
RESERVOIR
STATE
RECREATION
AREA
om
en
Cr
Basalt
Campground
Trail
qu e
Ing
l
-M
ee
33
No Ski Zone
10 mph
Basalt
Area
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lt
H
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No
Ski Zone
10 mph
Quien Sabe
Point
Gonzaga Rd
SAN LUIS
R E S E RV O I R
O F F H I G H WAY
VEHICLE
R E C R E AT I O N
AREA
Goosehead
Point
e
Henry Miller Ave
l
a na
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PACHECO
STATE
PARK
s id
Park
Entrance
Medeiros
Area
CAL-FIRE
o
N or th F
Dam O ’ N E I L L F O R E B AY
WILDLIFE AREA
South
Beach
Park
Entrance
San Luis Reservoir
544ft
165m
Sa
33
ut
San
ur
North
Beach
No Ski Zone
10 mph
Dinosaur
Point
Rd
int
Dinosa
Restricted
Boating Area
Gianelli PumpGenerator Plant
Tunnel Island
No Ski Zone
10 mph
Henry Miller Ave
O
Jasper Sears Rd
WILDLIFE AREA
Po
to
Gilroy
San Luis
Creek
Area
Romero
Visitor
Center
Honker
Bay
152
reek
Lu
San is C
LOWER
nal
see
detail map
below right
Canyon Rd
1.5
2
Volta Rd
1
1
ut
r
0.5
0
AREA
D
0
V O LT A
WILDLIFE
Volta Rd
r
Malta Rd
to
Gustine
Romero Rd
Ca n
me
ek
33
dota
Ro
re
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- M en
Aquedu
nia
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for
State Recreation Area
D e lt a
C ali
San Luis Reservoir
5
Whitworth Rd
to
Sacramento
h
m
Ri