The San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is one of the most visible and diverse places to play in the outdoors near Los Banos California. Recreation at this huge 'park' takes almost any form you can imagine. Hunting, camping, fishing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, hiking, boating of all kinds, sailboarding, bicycling, equestrian, and motorcycle / ATV activities are just some of the outdoor activity options.

The most obvious asset of this area is the San Luis Reservoir. Built in the 1960s this reservoir holds water for the massive Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project. The Romero Visitor Center is a must-stop area where you can get all kinds of printed material and learn about the reservoir and the park. There are activities at the Romero center for children and plenty of interpretive materials are available for people of all ages.

The 65 miles of shoreline of the San Luis Reservoir are natural places to go fishing It is not uncommon to see people night fishing along the shoreline from highway 152 ;ate into the evening.

With at least two boat ramps the lake is a fantastic place to enjoy water related sports. We have seen all manner of watercraft on the lake from little rubber rafts to pleasure boats to fully equipped fishing platforms there seems to be room for everyone. One sad note of caution here... every year people die in these waters. Please take appropriate precautions as this is not a backyard pond. It is a full blown lake that can seem a lot smaller than it is but that can get whitecap waves when the wind comes up.

There are at least five improved camping areas including facilities for campers, horse camping, walk ins, and traditional tent camping available.

The Basalt Campground is the site of interpretive programs on summer weekends. These are held at the campfire center off off the road that leads to the southern camping area.

Location & Directions: From I-5, exit West on Highway 152, continue west up Highway 152 and make a careful left turn at the Romerro Visitor Center entry road.

Click here for a map

California State Park San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Website
State Water Project San Luis Reservoir Joint Use Website
Interesting Technical Details on The Dams And Waterways

Photographs taken at various venues in the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

Please click on each of the above images for a larger picture.