Our Mission

The mission of the California Department of

The story of the west side of
the Central Valley has always
been about water. In this dry
land the native people built
their village near an ancient
aguaje (water hole) on San
Luis Creek, and the Pacheco
family used that scarce resource
for their cattle. Imagine their
surprise if they could see their
valley brimming with fresh
water behind the massive dam.
P. O. Box 942896 916-653-6995, outside the U.S.
Sacramento, CA 711, TTY relay service
© 2003 California State Parks
Parks and Recreation is to provide for the
San Luis
health, inspiration and education of the
people of California by helping to preserve
the state’s extraordinary biological diversity,
Reservoir
protecting its most valued natural and
cultural resources, and creating opportunities State Recreation Area
for high-quality outdoor recreation.
GRAY DAVIS
Governor
MARY D. NICHOLS
Secretary for Resources
RUTH COLEMAN
Acting Director, California State Parks
California State Parks does not discriminate
against individuals with disabilities. Prior to
arrival, visitors with disabilities who need
assistance should contact the park at the phone
number below. To receive this publication in an
alternate format, write to the Communications
Office at the following address.
CALIFORNIA For information call:
STATE PARKS 800-777-0369
94296-0001
www.parks.ca.gov
San Luis Resevoir
State Recreation Area
31426 Gonzaga Road
Gustine, CA 95322-9737
(209) 826-1197
Printed on Recycled Paper
N estled in the western San Joaquin Valley
near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reser-
large game such as pronghorn antelope and
tule elk, seeds, roots of the cattails that grew in
California drew scores of thousands who
wanted to get rich quickly. The gold rush
voir State Recreation Area is a popular summer the marshes, and a plentiful supply of acorns was the final blow to Indian resistance in the
destination for anyone seeking the perfect from groves of valley oaks. valley. Some of the miners, tired of heavy
place to cool off. Following Prior to the late 1700s and labor for small reward, settled down and
the refreshing winter rains, early 1800s, only the native became farmers. However, while the east
acres of wildflowers people lived in this area. In 1805 side of the Central Valley was ideal for
brighten up and decorate Spanish Army Lieutenant Gabriel farming, the west side was extremely dry.
the grassy hills at the Moraga and his troops—reportedly AGRICULTURE IN THE VALLEY
reservoir. The grasses that the first non-natives to enter this In the early years after the gold rush,
blanket these oak-studded area—came in search of potential agriculture on the dry side of the valley
hills undergo a short cycle mission sites. Regardless of their was limited to sheep and cattle grazing,
of spring green, followed tribal affiliations, the Yokuts were and to what old-timers called “sky farm-
by a longer period of forcibly brought into the mission ing.” This precarious dry-land wheat
golden brown. system, resulting in drastic farming depended entirely on the winter
Summer temperatures in changes in their lives. During the rainfall. In 1871 San Joaquin and Kings
this part of the valley range early part of the 1800s, Indian River Canal Company built an irrigation
from the mid-90s to an resistance to the missions took canal from the Mendota Dam to Los Baños
occasional 100 degrees. the form of cattle raids, with Creek that eventually grew to 180 miles in
Generally, evenings are Pacheco Pass an escape route length. By the mid-1880s, wheat had
cool and pleasant. Annual Man and his best friend enjoy a into the relative safety of the reached a harvest peak of nearly 18 million
rainfall, between quiet afternoon on the reservoir. Central Valley. In 1843 the bushels. The 1890s brought steam-powered
November and April, Mexican government granted El harvesters. Farmers here shipped their
averages eight to nine inches. Winter Rancho San Luis Gonzaga—a vast expanse of wheat to Stockton and San Francisco by river
temperatures seldom reach freezing, but grasslands that included the present reservoir steamers until the railroad came to the west
heavy fogs are common. area—to Juan Perez Pacheco. His men built a side in 1888. With irrigation came alfalfa and
PARK HISTORY small adobe fortress to protect their lands from dairying, and a variety of fruit and row crops.
For thousands of years, the southern half of cattle raiders at the site of an ancient water Canal building, irrigation and flood control
California’s Central Valley was home to three hole on San Luis Creek. projects proliferated in the Central Valley in
distinct Yokuts groups—the Southern, the In 1827 fur trapper Jedediah Smith traveled the 1900s, culminating in the State
Foothill and the Northern Valley Yokuts. The through the valley, and soon others were Water Project, which
area that is now San Luis Reservoir was a trapping in the flourishing streams. Eventually included
borderland between the Northern Yokuts the newcomers depleted the native people’s construction of
people and the Mutsun branch of the Ohlone resources, took over their lands, and the San Luis
tribe, whose territory extended to the coast. introduced diseases to which they had no Reservoir.
They lived on salmon and other fish, waterfowl, immunity. With the 1848 gold discovery,
Harvest Brodiaea
THE RESERVOIR
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 Aque-
duct and the Delta-
Mendota Canal,
pumped from the The San Luis Reservoir stores the occasional bald eagle. Migratory
O’Neill Forebay into water for both state and federal waterfowl include geese and several
the main reservoir
during winter and
spring. The Los Baños Creek Reservoir
prevents storm runoff from flooding the
canals.
NATURAL HISTORY
Prior to European settlement, the valley
had a diverse and productive natural
environment. Once a maze of permanent
and seasonal wetlands, its creeks, rivers,
vernal pools, tule marshes and sloughs
supported large populations of migratory
birds, fish and other wildlife. Extensive
prairie grasslands and riparian habitat
sheltered elk, mule deer, California ground
squirrels and kangaroo rats. By the early-
to mid-1920s, the California grizzly bear
and the San Joaquin Valley pronghorn
antelope had been hunted to extinction,
and there were 72 tule elk left in
California. In the early 1930s, the state
and federal governments began to
establish reserves and wildlife
management areas for the protection of
species under threat of extinction.
Today, though agriculture and other
development have significantly
changed these habitats, jackrabbits,
cottontails, ground squirrels, rac-
coons, opossums, skunks, gray foxes,
coyotes, bobcats, feral pigs, a variety
of snakes (including rattlesnakes) and
deer are common here. Watch for
over-wintering golden eagles, as well
as hawks, owls, white-tailed kites and
water projects. species of ducks.
RECREATION
Camping and Picnicking—Reservations are
recommended for developed campsites at
Basalt and San Luis Creek Campgrounds on
spring and summer weekends and holidays.
Call (800) 444-7275. Two other campgrounds
are available first come, first served.
• Basalt Campground—Each of these 79 non-
hookup sites among eucalyptus and pine
trees has a table, a cupboard and a fire ring
with a barbecue grill. Some sites can
accommodate trailers and motor homes up
to 30 feet. Water and restrooms with pay
showers are nearby.
• San Luis Creek Area Campground—The
53 family sites have electric and water
hookups, and accommodate motor homes
and trailers up to 30 feet. A sanitation
station is nearby. To reserve the San Luis
Creek Group Camp (for up to 90 people)
call (800) 444-7275. The shaded picnic
areas have sandy beaches. Reserve
group picnic sites by calling (209) 826-
1197 Monday through Friday.
• Medeiros Campground—This undevel-
oped campground on the south shore of
O’Neill Forebay accommodates up to 500
campers. Drinking water and chemical
toilets are nearby.
• Los Baños Creek Campground—Fourteen
undeveloped sites have shade ramadas,
tables and barbecue grills, with drinking
water and chemical toilets nearby. A primi-
tive horse campground has chemical toilets.
Water for riders is available at the boat ramp
water tank. There is no water on site.
Swimming—On the west shore of O’Neill
Forebay, San Luis Creek’s North Beach area
is roped off for swimming, with lifeguard
service available from Memorial Day through
Labor Day. Swimming is not restricted to
specific areas elsewhere at the park, but
swimmers should be cautious about the
boats present on the water. Diving is not
allowed.
Hikers on the popular “Path of the Padres”
along Los Baños Creek
Fishing
• San Luis Reservoir/
O’Neill Forebay—
Fishing experts suggest
Striped bass
trolling with lures from fall
through early spring, and with anchovies or
shad and live minnows the rest of the year.
Largemouth black bass, striped bass,
crappies, bluegill, shad, perch and occa-
sional salmon and sturgeon are caught
here. Overnight fishing is permitted in
some parts of the San Luis Creek area (no
camping). In the Medeiros area only
registered campers may fish all night. Call
for details.
• Los Baños Creek Reservoir—Crappies,
bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish and
planted trout are caught in this reservoir.
Trails—Basalt Campground Trail begins to the
right off the campground road. The six-mile
round trip Lone Oak Trail begins at the parking
lot by the boat ramp and goes uphill above the
lake, past Quien Sabe Point and around the
side of Lone Oak Bay.
Boating and Jet skiing—Boats are
required to remain at least 500’ away from
the dams. All watercraft must carry one life
jacket for each passenger. Sudden strong
winds are an important factor at San Luis
Reservoir; watch for the wind warning
lights.
• San Luis Reservoir—Boats are allowed on
the water from sunrise until sunset. Wind
warning lights are located at the Romero
Visitor Center, Quien Sabe Point and the
Basalt entrance.
• O’Neill Forebay—Boats are EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
allowed on the water from • On summer weekends park staff often
sunrise until sunset. The strictly lead interpretive programs at the camp-
enforced boating pattern here is fire center at the Basalt Campground.
counter-clockwise. Boaters may beach • Call for information on scheduled
their boats at South Beach. Strong spring campfire programs, guided walks, Junior
and summer west winds make O’Neill Ranger programs and special events.
Forebay an excellent spot for board ACCESSIBLE FEATURES
sailing. Wind warning lights are located at • Campsites, picnic tables and restrooms
Medeiros and above the South Beach at the Basalt Campground
picnic area of San Luis Creek. • Restroom at the Basalt boat launch
• Los Baños Creek Reservoir—Boats are • Romero Visitor Center
allowed on the water from sunrise until • Campsites and vault toilets at the San
sunset. The maximum speed anywhere on Luis Creek Campground
this reservoir is five miles per hour. • Restrooms and picnic sites at the North
Bicycling—Part of the California Aqueduct Beach day-use area
Bikeway begins at San Luis Creek and goes • Fishing Access Trail at San Luis Creek
70 miles north to the Bethany Reservoir Campground
State Recreation Area. Rest stops are ten Accessibility is continually improving.
miles apart, and bicyclists can camp over- Call the park for the latest information.
night in the Bethany Reservoir picnic area.
There is no piped water, but chemical toilets
are available. Riders under 18 years old must
wear bicycle helmets in all state parks.
Hunting—Federal and state game
laws apply to seasonal hunting of
migratory waterfowl. Hunting from
one half hour before sunrise to sunset
is allowed daily during hunting
season only on certain parts of the
Los Baños Creek Reservoir, the San
Luis Reservoir, and the O’Neill Fore-
bay. It is not permitted within 300
feet of campgrounds, picnic areas,
boat ramp areas, or dam and water
structures. Handguns and rifles are
not permitted for waterfowl hunting. Kids’ Fishing Day on the O’Neill Forebay
 San Luis Reservoir
State Recreation Area

ek
C re
e ro
R om

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Co

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0 1 2 3 Kilometers
wood Creek

C
see
detail map No
below right

LOWER
Cottonwood
Bay COTTONWOOD CREEK San Luis
UPPER Creek
WILDLIFE AREA
COTTONWOOD CREEK (Dept. of Fish & Game)
Area
WILDLIFE AREA
(Dept. of Fish & Game) Romero
Visitor
Center
Honker
Bay Park
Entrance
SAN LUIS
R E S E RV O I R
Gianelli Pump-
WILDLIFE AREA Tunnel Island Generator Plan
152 (Dept. of Fish & Game) No Ski Zone
10 mph
Dinosaur
int

Rd
Point
Po

Dinosa
ur
to
Gilroy
San Luis Reservoir Park
Headquart
544ft B.F. Sisk
165m Dam
Cali
o

Pacheco State Park

Goosehead
Point

No
 Quien Sabe
Sa Point No Ski Zone

k
10 mph

ee
lt

Cr
Cr
ee

n
de
k

id
H
Basalt
Area
Legend Basalt
Lone Oak Trail Campground det
Trail bel
Freeway

Paved road
Unpaved road Lone Oak
Bay
Trail
San
Restricted Boating Area Lu
is C
re e
k

10 mi Zone
Accessible Feature

ph
k
Bicycle Trail

No S
Boating
P O RT U G U E S E
Boat Launch
CREEK
Campfire Center AREA
Campground
B A S A LT
Campsite Numbers
Group Campground CAMPGROUND

k
ee
Group Picnic Area

Cr
e se
Horse Campground

ug u
P ort
Horse Trail
Locked Gate
Parking to Sacramento
580 Tracy Modesto
Picnic Area 580
SF

680 132
880 1-37 32 & 37
Ba

Ranger Station Fremont 99

Sa
y

5 to
n
Jo Fresno
Restrooms aq
San José u in Atwater
280 33
RV Sanitation Station Big Basin
Redwoods Henry W Gustine 140
SP Castle Rock SP Coe SP
Showers
165 Riv
Swimming
San Luis Reservoir SRA e
r
Gilroy
Telephone 1 17 152 Los 33 51 & 75
Banos 38-79
Santa 129 Hollister
Wind Warning Light Cruz Fremont
Monterey Peak
Bay SP
Salinas 25 5
Monterey
k to
re e 68 101
o sC Los Angeles
os Ba ñ to Pinnacles 0 5 10 Mi
ork L San Luis NM
North F 1 Obispo 0 15 Km
 Malta Rd

Whitworth Rd
C alif
to
Sacramento to PLEASE REMEMBER
orni

33 Gustine
Wind—Dangerous winds come up suddenly. A Vyellow O LT A wind
a Aq

D elta
warning light flashes when the wind reaches W 15I mph.
ueduct

-Men
LDLIFE
When the winds reach 30 mph and the red warning light
do t a flashes, GET OFF THE LAKE! Weather and wind A Rcondition
EA

I ngo
Can Romero Rd
information: (800) 805-4805.

mar
al

Gra
Drawdown and other hazards—The lake level drops through-

de
Fahey Rdout the summer as water is used for irrigation, uncovering

islands and turning formerly deep areas shallow and hazardous.

uct

Check for current water levels by visiting http://cdec.water.ca.gov. In

q ued

McCabe Rd the Quick Search menu choose Real-Time Data, then enter ONF
ay
aA

ui s Cr ee k
ew

nL for the O’Neil Forebay or SNL for San Luis Reservoir.

r ni

Sa
B ik
lifo
Ca

Speed limits—5 mph restriction on boats within 200 feet of

Main Can
shoreline and on all of Los Baños Creek Reservoir. The main
o Ski Zone reservoir and the O’Neill Forebay have 10 mph zones (see map).

al
10 mph
Santa
Nella Henry Miller Ave Pets—Dogs must be kept on a leash no more than six feet
Henry Miller Ave

O
long. They must not be left unattended and must be kept in
ut
sid
eC an enclosed tent or vehicle at night.Volta
an
al Fires—Fires are permitted only in grills or fire rings. Do Ing not
om
leave fires unattended. In the summer this area becomes ar Grad
e
North 33 tinder-dry, and high winds can add to the fire hazard. Fire-
Beach
wood is sold at park entrances.
O ’ N E I L L F O R E B AY
South Vehicles—Stay on paved roads and paved parking areas.
Beach WILDLIFE AREA
(Dept. of Fish & Game) Quiet hours—Sound should not carry beyond your campsite
O’Neill Forebay at any time, especially between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Use

Volta Rd
225ft
68m Califor
nia A generators only between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
que
du c in Canal
nt
t Park features—Do not remove plants, animals, orMaany other
5
No Ski Zone
10 mph features of the park—they are protected by law.
Wildlife—Do not feed wild animals or leave garbage out.
Park
ters Medeiros Entrance
Area
ifornia Department 33 152 33 152
Gonzaga Rd Ou
of Forestry and to
Jasper Sears Rd

tsi
d
Fire Protection SAN LUIS Los Banos

e
Ca
R E S E RV O I R

nal
MOTORCYCLE
AREA
De
Pioneer Rd
l ta
-
 do
ta
Ca
n
al

Canyon Rd
Park
Entrance

NEARBY STATE PARKS

see C
• Pacheco State Park, 20 miles east of

al
detail map

i fo
rn
below left
Gilroy on Highway 152 (209) 826-6283

ia
Aq
uedu
• Henry W. Coe State Park, off Highway

ct
101, 14 miles east of Morgan Hill on
East Dunne Avenue (408) 779-2728
• Great Valley Grasslands State Park,
5 miles east of Gustine on Highway 140
(209) 874-2056 Los Baños
Creek 5
Area
Park
Entrance

No rth
Ri m Dr

to
Los Angeles
Los Baños Creek
Reservoir

Dr
328ft m
2)

100m Ri
1

Lake Speed t h
ou
eck

25-53 5 mph
S
32 & 34
Ch
il (to
Tra
ss
ce
Ac
ing
Fish

This park is supported in part through

a nonprofit organization. For more
9 & 13
information contact:
1-24 Four Rivers Natural History Association ek
re
31426 Gonzaga Road tC

l
Sa
Gustine, CA 95322-9737 • (209) 826-1197
Ca
rri
sal

SAN LU IS CREEK
i to
Cr

CAMPGROUND
e ek

© 2002 California State Parks

Map by Eureka Cartography, Berkeley, CA