Los Banos Creek Campground

Biking

San Luis Reservoir is a great spot for those bikers seeking endurance rides. Here you can bike on the California Aqueduct roads. The roads are dirt, flat and go on for about 70 miles. Bikers are able to enjoy views of the Diablo Mountain Range and the San Joaquin Valley, all the while pushing onward through this notoriously windy area. Hint: Hydrate!

Boating

Boaters of all kinds, shapes and sizes frequent the waters of San Luis Reservoir. At the O’ Neill forebay (where it is slightly less windy), people bring sailboats and powerboats. For exact rules and regulations information, contact the San Luis Reservoir.

Fishing

There are a few different areas in the park where anglers can come to cast their reels. There is the San Luis Reservoir/O’ Neill Forebay as well as the Los Baños Creek Reservoir. At San Luis/ O’ Neill, fisherman can expect catches such as largemouth black bass, striped bass, crappie, shad, perch and more. At the creek reservoir, visitors will find bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish and trout. Check the park’s site for detailed fishing rules and regulations.

Hiking

Hiking is a great option at San Luis Reservoir. Here, there are a variety of different levels of trail difficulty, so if you looking for a leisurely hike, you may find it here. Don’t forget to stop and smell the wildflowers! Most of the trails are shared between hikers and bikers, so be aware of your surroundings as you mosey through this beautiful land.

Horseback riding

San Luis Reservoir has areas of the park specifically designated for horseback riding and camping. If you don’t have your own horse, there are nearby areas offering guided trail rides (though not specifically on the Reservoir’s land). Giddy up!

Paddling

With Reservoir in the name, one can only hope there is room at the park for a little kayaking! Indeed, at San Luis Reservoir visitors can get out on the water. The two launches that make for the best scenic rides are located near Dinosaur Point boat launch. When kayaking here, be prepared to face the wind! The seriously fierce wind conditions often take paddlers by surprise (not you though!).

Wind sports

If you’re going for that windblown look, San Luis Reservoir is definitely the place to achieve it. Seriously though, this place has got some wind! Kiteboarding is allowed in the upper reservoir and windsurfing is allowed both in the upper reservoir and on the forebay. Hold on tight for this one, you’re in for a ride!

Swimming

In the heat of summertime, swimming at San Luis Reservoir is more of an answer than it is a question. The west shore of O’ Neill Forebay, called “North Beach” is designated for swimmers. This is the best place to cool off, since other places in the reservoir allow both boaters and swimmers at the same time.

Wildlife watching

The grasslands surrounding the reservoir make way for a unique array of wildlife. Wildlife watchers should be on alert for sightings of wild pig, gray fox, black-tailed deer and a huge selection of bird species.