This picturesque lake is so impressive. I went here to fish, but there's something to do for pretty much everyone. There is a $6 entry fee, and plenty of parking in multiple spots, and closes when the sun goes down. The fish limit is 5 fish per person. There is a lot of fishing space, some on muddy terrain, and some over rocks and grass. People were paragliding and hang gliding on the beautiful lush green hills next in the back. If the only thing you can do is walk, then it's a great one filled with much wildlife like cute hawks and birds; not too short not too long with plenty of shade if you stick near the lake with dispersed picnic tables, and that wonderful view. Cell phone service here sucks. They have barbecue pits and fish cleaning stations. Definitely a hidden bay area gem. read more

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We recently had a large group picnic at the Sandy Wool Group Area, which is a reservable picnic site right next to Sandy Wool Lake. The Sandy Wool Group Area includes a giant gazebo with a new-looking roof providing shade, a large BBQ grill in the center, and plenty of picnic tables surrounding the grill - plenty of space for our group of 30+ to spread out. Very peaceful area, even on a weekend. + Plenty of parking available ($6 per car) + Clean restroom, even stocked with pads and tampons + Dogs allowed Note: none of us had any cell phone service there, so make sure to coordinate beforehand and enjoy the present moment! I'll have to come back another time to walk around more and maybe try my hand at catching some fish in the lake. read more

My bf and I went running and hiking around Sandy Wool on a Monday afternoon, and the place was peaceful with just a handful of visitors in sight, some fishing on the shore, others sitting on one of the many benches bordering the lake. It's located inside Ed R. Levin County Park with a $6 fee for parking (cash or credit card accepted), and there are several parking lots available. There is a combination of dirt, gravel, and concrete pathways, some areas of the trail so narrow, you'll have the plants brushing against your legs and arms through those brief stretches. But at least we didn't encounter any poisonous plants. There's also several picnic areas, including a gazebo with about 8-10 picnic tables underneath, which can be reserved. There were waterbirds, squirrels, and tiny frogs galore, as well as several amenities in the area like horseshoe pits, a playground, and a clean and stocked restroom (near the gazebo). No cell phone service here, but that's just an opportunity to appreciate the surrounding nature and quality time with loved ones without distractions. read more

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There is fish but you gotta be patient. I've seen fish jumping out of the water. I like it because it's my relaxation. I will catch one soon. Come on by and enjoy the fun. People are nice and friendly. read more

This lake is a part of the Ed R. Levin County Park, which requires a $6 vehicle entry fee. You can park outside of the park but it's a long steep walk inside. Parking inside is also an absolute pain, and you'll likely end up having to circle around the lots for 30 or more minutes before someone finally leaves. The park rangers tell you to move if you decide to park on the side to wait for someone to leave, so you have to keep wasting gas driving in circles until you get lucky. read more

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One of the best parks in Milpitas and San Jose. I really like to hike here since you can see the entire valley and part of the Bay from the top. The hikes are moderate to hard. There is a dog park nearby and plenty of parking. People can be seen fishing as well. It can get hot and dry and there are some rattle snakes as well so be aware of surroundings. Overall a great place for picnic and hikes. Happy times for nature lovers. read more

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Huge difference in one year. Looks more like snowy Winter up in the hills this year, compared to last year's early Spring views. Still, it's the best place for casual hikes and breaks around here. Must love blue and green nature walks. Dog park looks exciting with lots of dogs running around today. Cold, but still very beautiful at all angles. Park attendant wearing face mask is back at the front entrance. $6 parking fee for entire day. Cash ok. Insert credit card into machine is fine. Park attendant wasn't present a year ago, due to pandemic. Stay as long as you want. It's still my favorite stop as I always bring foods & drinks during the escape. Lots of parking lots all around with public restrooms available. Weather is always unpredictable, but today was amazing. Not much happens out here. Perfect for photos and walking your dog(s). People don't talk much while visiting. Very clean place to chill or you can take the hiking trail walks. Muddy and slippery this time of year. Loved it. I'll be back again in future. Didn't see birds or fish today. read more

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Gavin turned 6 a few weeks ago. He opened his eyes that Saturday morning to presents and a Toy Story themed cake. Every year I try to make it even more special than the last because he is solely responsible for the person I am today. For some reason, he wanted to go fishing and has been annoying me w/ it so I gave him a fishing rod as part of his gift and planned a mini fishing trip to this place because it's local. I don't fish and don't find joy in fishing so taking him here took me out of my comfort zone but once we got his rod up and running, he was eager and all smiles. Thanks to the family that helped us w/ the rod and for offering us refreshments. + $6 to park + super clean restroom facility + quiet and serene + kids do not need a permit to fish + plenty of picnic tables and BBQ grills - no cell phone service - muddy in some areas (our shoes got dirty) - no trash can (only the dumpster) We saw tiny fishes and turtles. Gavin did not catch anything which made me feel a little bad but I was relieved because that would have meant I needed to touch it, unhook it, and put it back in the water. I don't know what type of fishes are in the lake. There is a website that lists the fishing places and what type of fish is in it. I'll buy my ahi tuna from a grocery store, thank you very much. Definitely a boring and dirty experience for me but seeing Gavin being excited is something that I would do anything for. From soccer, parkour, hockey, bowling, and now fishing... I want him to try and do it all for the experience in hopes he will find what ignites his fire and stick to it. read more

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Went for a hike yesterday at the Ed Leving County Park and wanted to try a different route. Also, I have passed by the lake but not using it as starting point of any hike. I noticed the lake (even if man made) had a life by itself and even though was smaller in size that I thought as per the map, i felt immediately very connected to all these parents teaching their kids how to fish. I found these kind of activities are more needed in our society, less phone-attachment and more nature and tree hugging needed. Yesterday the skies were amazing and after the hike toured the like and contemplated the beauty of simple things. There is plenty of parking and remember you have to pay $6 (credit cards accepted). Facilities were cleaned and well maintained. Perfect place just to go and meditate contemplating people fishing and the calmness around. read more

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This green grass and the lake is beautiful but not too big. I usually hike this trail all the way up to the mountain for the best view. I am glad this open form during this pandemic times. I recommended hike here during cloudy day as there are no shaded area so out a lot of sunblock on! It's get really hot especially on a 70 degree day. To get all the way on top of the hill will required someone healthy but not extremely hard. I am not a usual hike but I can make it therefore it is not that hard just a long hike. During the hike, you will see a lot of cows. I went here on Monday on a holiday therefore it was packed with people. Everyone keeps a distance as this is a huge park! Overall, there is a picnic area where you can bring your family and kids out for a relax day during this shelter in place. read more

Sandy Wool Lake - Lakes Near Me - Milpitas, California

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This place holds many special childhood memories for me and my family growing up. It's a place where my cousins, siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents used to come (when they were all alive) and have picnics in the summer. This was in the 80's/90's, so a long time ago. Now that we're grown, I come here with my cousins and all of our kids and continue the tradition of picnics and birthday parties and skipping rocks at the lake. The shaded gazebo area never used to be there, but now that's where we like to hang out. Can be windy on certain days, but a nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the suburban neighborhood life. We'll continue to come here for many more years to come. read more

Really good lake that is well maintained. Parking is $6 and opens from 8am til sunset usually. Trout is stocked in the winter about every 2/3 weeks or so! read more

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Brought the family fishing here because we heard they stocked the lake and we had a great time! didnt catch a whole lot but we had a good day fishing and watching hang gliders fly over us. gorgeous spot read more

Beautiful lake that is located in Ed Levin County Park. I was here a few weeks back to picnic after hiking in the park. There are several picnic tables that run along the side of lake that are perfect for picnics and small gatherings. It makes for a great spot to enjoy some good food and company while also enjoying the scenery. When I was there, there were several people fishing. It is $6 to get into the park and there is plenty of parking. Defiantly a hidden gem in Milpitas. I don't fish, but I definantly enjoyed the peacefulness and the scenery! read more

Sandy Wool Lake - Lakes Near Me - Milpitas, California

11/06/17 Read on the California page that this lake wpuld be planted with trout. Decide to visit today. GARBAGE. The lake has almost no water. I would say it's about ankle deep 30 feet by 30 feet. it's a puddle. don't fish here this fall out winter read more

great place lots of fun things there plenty of activities and birds.and hiking and fishing read more

Sandy Wool Lake - canada goose - Lakes Near Me - Milpitas, California

Fantastic location . Must visit !!!!! Had a great time hiking abs looking at the beauty around !!

So I just went fishing here. Water is very low, however this is great for fishing! There is no boating allowed, so fishing from the bank is enhanced because the fish have less places to go and hide. (May sound mean I know, but hey, there's still fish here!). So within about my first hour of fishing here, I caught a small, 1-2lb LMBass. I used a rapala rattle crank bait. Stayed for another 4 hours but caught nothing. However, although this lake looks more like a pond now, catching a bass made it worth it. I went boating at Calero and caught nothing so I ended up having a WAY better time at this almost dried up lake-pond, than Calero where jet skiis are sure to ruin your fishing afternoon. read more

Very saddened by the looks of this place. The drought has caused some great damage here. The lake water is extremely low and it's sad but hey that's life. There's the other side where the park is at...nice quiet and peaceful. This place is great for those who need some meditating or just some "family" time while your kids play. Great BBQ areas. Very private place which I like very much. wish the lake were like before, filled with tons of water and ducks lol read more

I love this lake /park .I've been comming here since childhood ..and is as beautiful as ever very nice place to take the kids to play or have a bbq ,sadly the lake is almost empty right now,,,,Damm drought ,,hand gliders are awsome read more

Very nice park. Just want to warn people that I put my purse in the trunk & when we came back my credit cards were stolen.