Skip to main content
Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

San Luis Reservoir

Los Banos, California · Merced County

Recreation area lakes include O'Neill Forebay, San Luis Reservoir, and Los Banos Creek Reservoir. All are part of the California Water Project and operated jointly by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the California Department of Water Resources, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Office hours; 8:00a.m. - …

Advertisement
37.03218, -121.06637
Open in OpenStreetMap

About San Luis Reservoir

Recreation area lakes include O'Neill Forebay, San Luis Reservoir, and Los Banos Creek Reservoir. All are part of the California Water Project and operated jointly by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the California Department of Water Resources, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Office hours; 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed holidays. Facilities open 7 days a week. Good access roads. Camping, boating, picnicking, and swimming. Regular strong winds make O'Neill Forebay and San Luis Reservoir an excellent location for boardsailors. Outstanding fishing for striped bass. Five world record or former world record stripers caught on the Forebay. Other species available at San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay are American shad and catfish. Excellent fishing at Los Banos Creek Reservoir for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and trout. A 5-miles-per-hour speed limit at Los Banos Creek; no high-speed boating activities. Managed by the California Department of Water Resources, the Romero Visitor Center contains State water project and Central Valley project exhibits, as well as a film on California water resources.

Plan Your Visit to San Luis Reservoir

Heading to San Luis 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 San Luis Reservoir?

No central reservation system listed for San Luis Reservoir. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/42) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to San Luis Reservoir?

Nearest main highway I-5, nearest community, Los Banos.

How do I contact San Luis Reservoir?

You can reach the park at phone: 209-826-1197 or email: jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov.