My family has been coming to this spot for Easter since I can remember. They have the same spot and we bbq, we play games, the bathrooms are near by, the parking is easy, the view of the water is great. The park is very clean and well kept, as well as the picnic areas. This has been our go-to for years and there have been no issues yet! read more

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Gustine, California

Really nice views and scenery! Stopped by after hiking at Pacheco state park. The water was serene and the mountains and skies looked beautiful. read more

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - Beautiful views - Recreation Centers Near Me - Gustine, California

This review is only for the RV campground. There are some inconsistent information online regarding the bathroom/showers. Just to be clear there is no flush toilets and no showers in the RV camp site. However, there is both flushable toilet and showers (paid with quarters) in the GROUP CAMPSITE. Shower is a bit wired. One of them is more expensive than the other even though it's smaller. ADA access one was not only more spacious but also cheaper. $1 for 5mins (more $$ can be added as needed). The tighter/smaller shower was $1 for 4 mins. read more

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Gorgeous views!!! Guest center is rich with history and the critical role that the reservoir plays in the water system.

The view from the visitors center is great and the restrooms are clean. It appears water access is limited here.

San Luis Reservoir campground is close to our house so it makes it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway. They have Electric hookup and water and paved pads so we can take our old RV out and have all the amenities of home. All spots can have tents as well so you do not need an RV to camp here. They have non flush toilets and no showers at the campground. Each campsite has a fire pit and a picnic table and there is a decent amount of space in each campsite. The first Loop is Waterfront so you would have to reserve for the best spots. There is a second Loop that is back from the water. We love to bring our dogs out here as they are pet friendly. We also like to camp off season when it's not as busy. Always had a pleasant experience and noise levels have always stayed low. There is a paved walking trail near the water and you can fish out of the reservoir. ***depending on your provider, cell phone reception is spotty. I did not have service at my campsite but I came in to service when I walked near the water. read more

I looked over probably 50+ campsites for our trip this weekend and they were all completely booked. I found this site as available and had not heard of it before and the reviews were not too great. We live in Monterey and typically go to Big Sur but thought I'd go ahead and book here since it was really all that was available. I was NOT disappointed! We not only had our campground basically to ourselves (only 2 other people in the area) on Thursday 7/22/21, but we had unlimited access to the reservoir, forebay, and dinosaur point for fishing and more all in the area within 20 minutes, with our reservations. Thursday evening, the camp rangers were more than happy to tell us where he saw some people landing fish! Something he really didn't have to do. They're so friendly! Friday morning, we witnessed a small bird (the bird books state it was some type of dove ) run into our neighbors car window. He seemed stunned or injured and my husband flagged down another park ranger so the site's children didn't have to see the injured critter. He actually got out of his patrol truck and looked for the bird but he thankfully had flown off unharmed. It definitely showed they genuinely care about the property AND the critters in it Friday night, it did get pretty packed in there but everyone was really nice and quiet times were observed by everyone! Something I fully respect with a crazy 3 year old! I was bummed we didn't have electric hook up but that's something I can live without in the camping world! The bathrooms all have power outlets if you need anything! We couldn't use our fans with the intense heat but we survived driving back and forth to the water with the AC ) And we got by with car adapters for our air mattress, which is all we really needed. Our gps tried to take us on the highway to a gas station 10 minutes away, but if you turn onto Gonzaga road right outside the park entrance, it will run you smack into a gas station 5 minutes down the road with ice, bait, and even electronic DVD players and more! For almost not booking this site due to reviews, I'm so glad I did it anyways! We had the best time! We only left 1 day early because my 3 year old was having a rough time in the heat. But we definitely are coming back later this year with some cooler weather My husband said this is his new favorite campground and we are already looking for our next booking dates in September! read more

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Gustine, California

We went to San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area. In the Basalt area we saw a large elk herd as well as a baby eagle. We also went to the visitor center. There was a good movie on building of the San Luis Reservoir dam as well as on water projects within California. We visited on a very nice February day. The area is nice for hiking, picnics, animal viewing, history, boating, and fishing. read more

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Always my favorite and hot spot to fish for Stripers ever since I first heard of San Luis Reservoir at age 8 years old. Has been over 2 decades now and still good amount of Stripers are still there for us to catch and take home to eat if so desired as long as within California requirements of at least 18" or more and limit of 2 per day per fisherman! I LOVE FISHING here ! read more

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This was such a relaxing spot! I guess it's a good fishing spot or boating. We just stopped because we had been driving from LA to OR and needed to stretch our legs. read more

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Amazing view of the reservoir! The Lady at the Information Desk was very friendly and informative about the history of the reservoir. She may recommended you to the nearest hotel or restaurant. We were there last May 2016, it was windy at that time. It is free to look around. The best view will be at the back of the center. They have telescopes for you to use. I'm not sure if you need to drop or pay quarters so you could use it. I'm not sure what birds they were, but they sure fly close to the windows or even land on top of the telescope. For guests who came from a long journey, the center can accommodate those who need to use the restroom. It's clean and modern. Parking is free. I don't see any vending machine for snacks or drinks. Here you can park your car, take pictures and even take a nap. Just be careful not to fall down the reservoir because there are no rails or grills to prevent you falling. read more

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Kinda found this place , not really looking for it. We also stopped here cause we need to use the restrooms, but the visitor center was really clean. It also had a lot of educational posters and what not all over the walls.. The view from here, overlooking the dam and reservoir, is really nice... read more

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - view from parking lot at the visitors center to Dam side of reservoir. - Recreation Centers Near Me - Gustine, California

if i could i would give them 0 stars. the most nit picking boat inspection's. didnt let us launch our boat because a cooler had water in it. LIKE SERIOUSLY. dont come here read more

Amazing place to go camp out to! Just be careful with snakes getting into your tent and skunks. Over all it has a beautiful view of the lake and the sunset it so beautiful to gaze at. read more

We went camping here Labor Day weekend 2013 (I know the review is super delayed!) This was a year after I moved to CA and if I didn't understand the drought before, after this camping trip, I sure did! Beyond the reservoir being EXTREMELY low, the camping trip was awesome! It was terribly hot (100 degrees most of the time) but we had a great time. Campsites were cheap and there was a little park area where you can grill and swim a little ways up on the road. Couldn't of been more than a 10 minute drive. I would definitely go back again, the drive wasn't that far from the bay. You could even make a day trip out of it! read more

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This review is for Basalt Campground. I was told to make reservations on line for an additional $7.99 because it would get full fast, but when I got there on Saturday at noon, it was less than half full. So I could have just show up and got a spot for the night fee sans $7.99 The campground is clean, quiet, pretty and peaceful, restrooms are newer and clean. If you don't get there by first of April, won't be so nice because it will be brown and dry by then. The bugs: at dusk they become a nuisance. I suggest cooking and eating before the sun goes down unless you like a little bug with your meal. They are thick and annoying. We would have liked to stay up a little later and enjoy our fire, but we couldn't hang with the bugs any longer. If I ever go back again, it'll be in winter. Fyi, this campground will be closed soon for up to 10 years due to the dam reconstruction getting underway soon. read more

Great place to take the family. Lakeside barbecue pits and picnic tables with overhead cover. The best spots in my opinion are the ones by the dock area where people launch their vessels. There is restrooms and everything you need for water and beach fin in a localized area if you go there. read more

Love the birds and other wildlife. Nice hot showers. Friendly staff. Beautiful views. Other campers are friendly. read more

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Dirty, noisy, overgrown in the reservoir night many bugs, similar cockroaches read more

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Haven't camped here, it doesn't look 'campable'! There are only porter potties, and their water looks pretty dirty. But I HAVE fish here for 4 hours and didn't catch a thing! My BF on the other hand, have caught plenty of fish here, maybe it's luck? I will definitely give this place another try, just for fishing though. On a not-so-good note: Porter potties Yucky water Road to get to the spot we fished at is pretty confusing More importantly, fishy no bite, bite :( read more

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Whoa. What a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere lol! So you're heading down to LA or your going to the boonie cities in between, look no more as there is actually something to do in Gustine, CA (never heard of this city til now.)!!! For quite some time my S/O and I were looking for a place that rented jet ski's. This lake allows visitors to rent out jet ski's, canoes, and paddle boards the same day! But don't let that fool you, it's best to reserve online. See here: http://oneillforebayrentals.com The website is sorta sketch but trust me it's the real deal. When you show up at the trailer to check in, you can laugh at the other people in line trying to reserve a watercraft. Mwahahaha The San Luis Reservoir is spacious. It's large enough for jet ski's and boats. They even block off a part of the lake for your kiddos to swim around without drifting away. If you like the unknown, flat land, and don't mind the dead grass, then heck, it has to be on your list to stop by. read more

Came to look at the day use beach area today wanted to get some information since this will be the first time my family is coming out this weekend and Thelma who was working at the pay station was awesome! Super friendly and so helpful I was able to get all the information and will definitely be coming back this weekend! Thank you so much Thelma! read more

Nice, clean, very dog friendly (dog park), shade trees (you'll need HOT), hot water in showers (meh pressure), pool, decent WiFi, right off freeway, very nice neighborhood, and people. $46 with full hookups. read more

Ok as everyone knows great fishing here, Super nice day use areas but it's so far away no one is out here. The camping area even though I've not camp here seem super cool like you could have any spot you wanted and it's not too far from the fishing at all. Bathrooms are hella close nothing special. This is a review for the Czech 12 area which is where all the fishing seems to be good at least you kind to have to go in and bust a left to get to check 12 though. It gets hotter than hell here in the summer FYI don't forget some sunscreen. The prices not too bad to get in Record about 15 or 20 shakers recently on a trip out there. We used blood worms the little ones that bite but we got some fish so it's all good. read more

It's a cool last minute find! The campground is fairly flat except for some hills behind the Basalt camp (which I enjoyed climbing up). There are lots of mosquitoes and bugs. Many little flies. It is fairly quiet and easy to find which is a plus. If you like the peaceful environment of the forest, this doesn't quite cut it, but at least you'll be outdoors! read more

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I went camping here over Labor Day weekend. In the suffocating heat of the day, I waxed poetic: "In the Hot Shade" On a desolate plain we sit beneath wind-swept golden hills Amongst a few stunted pines, We huddle in the shade... In the Hot Shade. Hot wind blows scorching air over our baking bodies; Rolling hills, silently rolling, Motionlessly rolling Around and behind us; The hot wind whispering, sometimes softly, Or howling as it gusts through our makeshift camp. Wind meets Earth The two elements collide In a furious dance... A hot and furious dance. So tiny we seem, and fragile, on this desolate plain, Blasted by hot wind, Motionlessly rolling, Hot Shade. (end poem) Maybe it's not so good but I was in the middle of a heat stroke when I wrote it. Swimming was fun, for a minute. Some shithead stole our sunblock as soon as we got there though, so we were completely at the mercy of the bright sun. It was so hot I felt like I was pressing my eyeball against the surface of the sun. The stars at night, though, were amazing. The Milky Way was so clear----no, not the chocolate bar----the galaxy. Don't go, unless you have 12 screaming children, a jetski, or love fishing. Otherwise, it's beautiful to see as you drive on by through Pacheco Pass. FYI, the water level at this reservoir is INCREDIBLY low. This drought is really visible here; the water level is about 150 feet down from capacity. UPDATE: The sunblock sat in the pocket of the car door the whole weekend. Fuck, are WE stupid!!! read more

It's best to go fishing, camping, swimming & boating SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! 1) I got my truck stuck in the "quick sand mud" that they've got there. The people working there DO NOT warn people with trucks about going fishing. The gal at the front booth tells me that I can go drive right infront of the water (or whatever is left of the reservoir) during the daytime to go fishing. The damn gal didn't say that the sand/gravel out there is QUICK SAND!!! I called a tow truck, and it took 2 hours for a truck to get out there. 3 other vehicles got stuck after I did. After being towed out, I notice a small LITTLE sign behind a tree that says "Caution, sand might be quick sand" (it didn't say exactly those words but you get my point). 2) A group of friends and I went in the reservoir to "try" to fish. I was walking in the water and got a damn BROKEN BOTTLE thru my foot (well, more like my toe). And the water/mud is saturated with oil (or gas). 3) Camping?!?! Don't get me started- I love camping, but this place made me HATE it! People and camp sites are right next to you (you might as well sleep in the same tent). People walk into your camp site to get to the restrooms or to get to their camp site. 3 people walked through our site and actually knocked down our volleyball net (and they dropped their toliet paper). And you can hear everyones conversations! Hearing about the Civil War and Hitler for 3 hours; not fun! 4) And when your swimming; your swimming in gasoline! The boats and swimmers are in the same area- Can you believe that?! Plus your clothes turn green from the algae, and it has a weird smell. I'd rather swim in the ocean. Overall, go camping somewhere else. Go to Lake Shasta or something! Enjoy the REAL outdoors! read more

Growing up in the East Coast surrounded by many lakes and other swimming places, I truly miss swimming in a lake here California. Well, I found a place and I'm very happy. Okay, it's not the cleanest looking water but it fits the purpose. When I got to the gate to pay the admission of $10 I asked for the best place to swim. Since I have no kids he suggested that I try South Beach. Less kids there and more space to swim is what I was told. It was a Saturday late afternoon and it actually wasn't too crowded. It was hot out so I was expecting a large crowd. The water was nice and cool. What i found kind of neat was that people could drive their boats up to the beach. Now you could look at this as a safety issue and while I was swimming I made sure I was well aware of the watercraft coming in. There was a lifeguard there so that's good as well. There wasn't a lot of boats coming in so it wasn't a major concern. Like anywhere you get slobs who abuse the public beaches. As I was unpacking my blanket etc. on the beach there was a family of about four woman and their children packing up to leave. When my husband and I went into the water I saw beer bottles in the water which we removed and at the picnic tables about a foot away from the water there were dirty diapers lying everywhere. People also left some beach balls floating in the water as if it was their own private pool. I guess anywhere you go you're going to run into slobs like this, sad but true. The water wasn't too clear by any means. It looked a little scuzzy so with that I didn't put my head in the water. You could only swim out so far until you ran into a wall of weeds. But, I had a good time and it just brought me back to my East Coast days. Would I come here again,? Yes I would. read more

Our party stayed at Basalt Campground for two great tranquil nights. The check-in was a breeze. The State Parks attendant was very pleasant and courteous. We had a second vehicle, so we had to pay $10/night. The campground is very well kept and has a great amount of spaces with shade. The area is well graded and free of lots of annoying small rocks that have left me with a lousy night's rest at other campgrounds I've been to. The bathrooms and shower facilities are very nice and well kept also. The hot showers were 3 min for $1. The bathroom features hot and cold water, a mirror, trash can, fully stocked toilet paper, and a little hook to hang your stuff from, behind the door. As other reviewers have mentioned, the water from the reservior isn't the greatest to swim in, but it's decent. The day use area at the North Shore was a great picnicking recreation area. The lifeguards nd staff were all helpful and courteous. When you're here in the area, you should primarily take advantage of the hiking trails. They're beautiful! I will definitely return in the spring to see lots of green rolling hills. read more

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Worst service ever, one register for 100 people. You have to wait in line for almost one hour to get a boat and then to return it. The owner or the person in charge , is not someone that should work with people , very insulting service! You need to improve your service, this is very disappointing ! read more

We went camping this weekend ( Aug 11- 12). We were allocated the Basalt Campground. Site 15 and 16. Site 16 was pretty open so not suggested for Summers , but Campsite 15 was superb. Toilets were fresh and are cleaned every morning. Supplies are fulfilled. Campsite coordinator lady is also very helpful and comes on round at least 2 -3 times. Staff is very friendly unless you break any rules. All in all a very good family friendly camping spot. Taking out a star it could have been even better place with more trees around. read more

If you like to go camping DO NOT camp here!! Lake: the water was color was really bad. It was a forest green color all around the lake. The water even stained my dog fur. (Black and tan) The water level was not that low. Watch out for the quick sand mud on the side of the lake. Camp site: Where to start? first the campsites are very small. There bathrooms are porta potties that are full and never cleaned. We could not find any kind of running water. So bring your own water. Overall: If you like to camp around crying kids all night long stay here or the 24 hours of mariachi music go for it. This place suck!! read more

Went over here to go fishing with family! It was fun nice and quiet. Just didn't like that there was only one bathroom door unlocked I had to wait to use it. I liked how there were small grills as well as big one. Was pretty expensive 10$ a car. They didn't even off the senior citizens discount which we didn't find out till after. read more

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Gustine, California

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This is probably one of our favorite places to go to just chill. No sewer but everything else that makes it a great place. Yellow-billed Magpies are delightful! read more

Went camping this past weekend at San Luis Reservoir. We stayed at Group camp A. Showers and bathroom is shared with Group camp B. Pro: Flushable bathroom Paid hot shower (bring $.25) Ramanda (shelter from the sun) Electricity plug Running water with sink Grills Lots of benches Beach area for kids (drive-able distance) Far away from Group Camp B Lots of room for kids to play Con: Cockroaches!!!! WINDY as hell!!!! If it wasn't for the wind, it's a perfect place to camp and let the kids run around. read more

Beautiful place to come for camping and fishing. Been here several times and it's really peaceful! read more

It's not bad, we stayed at the campgrounds and it was fun for the family. We enjoyed fishing and kayaking. Only downfall was that the state park maintenance people are unorganized and rude at times. We came in at night although we had our reservations and printed. The next mourning maintenance man from state park came in and stated that we needed our paper on our window, I tried telling him that we came at night and were unable to get out tag because the office was closed. I showed my reservation slip and confirmation papers, but he wouldn't listín. He could of called the main desk and confirm but he was rude. He sent me 10 minute dive back to the office, when I got there the lady was polite and listened to what had occurred. All she said, was that he was being lazy, and that man with the curly hair is problematic. She told me he could of writing a tag for me. So be carful with those state park maintenance people, they have a complex or power trip. read more

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Gustine, California

This is a super fun place to spend the day fishing or hanging out. It's huge and there are several different areas to explore. This is a VERY windy area year round, so don't attempt to put up your ezup awning unless you want to see it fly into the water and break like ours did! :( The people who work here are super nice and helpful and keep the place tidy and clean. There are area where you can just set up a tent and camp anywhere, as well as designated camping areas. read more

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - Gorgeous views - Recreation Centers Near Me - Gustine, California

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We've live 30 minutes away from here and never knew of this place. Drove by on the way to Casa de Fruita and noticed it. Finally went here today and we were pretty happy. Bathrooms with flushable toilets were pretty clean. The water was nice other then all the algae! My goodness was there algae! If you can get past that and the millions of bugs North Shore is a pretty nice little area. Covered picnic tables with trash cans. Don't leave ANY food out because the squirrels will enjoy a free lunch on you! They don't patrol the area often enough is my only "issue" with the place. There was a car full of kids that came during the time we were here and the young kids started throwing the algae at one another. We asked them to pick a side away from us and they got mouthy. read more

The beach is not the cleanest or prettiest, but does offer great outdoor seating and spacing for barbecues.