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Los Banos Reservoir

Los Banos, California · Merced County

The Los Banos Dam and Reservoir are on Los Banos Creek above the San Luis Canal, near Los Banos, California. The dam and reservoir are features on the Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit. The reservoir has 620 water surface acres and 12 miles of shoreline. The recreation area offers trails following the Path of the …

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About Los Banos Reservoir

The Los Banos Dam and Reservoir are on Los Banos Creek above the San Luis Canal, near Los Banos, California. The dam and reservoir are features on the Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit. The reservoir has 620 water surface acres and 12 miles of shoreline. The recreation area offers trails following the Path of the Padres, a boat and hiking trail. The Path leads to the baths used by the padres of early California. During the spring, guided interpretive tours are provided on the trail. The reservoir offers day use facilities for picnic and family activities. Fishing opportunities are available, and the reservoir is stocked during the fall and winter months with trout. A horse camp is available and there are equestrian trails for the horse enthusiast.

Plan Your Visit to Los Banos Reservoir

Heading to Los Banos Reservoir? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Los Banos Reservoir?

No central reservation system listed for Los Banos Reservoir. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/23) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Los Banos Reservoir?

Site is about 6 miles south of the town of Los Banos on State Highway 165.

How do I contact Los Banos Reservoir?

You can reach the park at phone: 209-826-1198.