san luis reservoir state recreation area

LeaveNothing

在去优胜美地南门的路上经过的一座水坝，湖面很大很平静，旁边的山在4-5月的春季反而是黄色，越接近湖面的山越绿，风景不错

AL080808

We stopped by this place during our new year driving trip from Las Vegas to San Fransisco. The view is very nice and the surrounding is clean and well managed. We took a few nice shoots here and displayed it on our BB Display Picture and they were questions asking about the place. I am truly amazed and highly appreciate with the way the US government managed its public facility and at the same time it transform into a tourist destination.

link0503

We drove by on our way to San Jose from Los Angeles and saw this beautiful lake, decided to take a short break at the visitor center and time we took to this stop was well worth it. Not only we were able to see the beautiful scenary, we also learned about how much work it took for water to be processed.

elisabethmoe

Like the title suggests there was great bird watching, even just the drive delivered some great stuff like horas of egrets, a great blue heron and at least 5 different birds of prey. If you stop and look around the opportunities are endless!

aprildoornbos

Unlike my recent visit to Lake Shasta this reservoir still looks ok since the 3 year old drought has ravaged California in so many ways but it is far below it's normal capacity , the reservoir is 82% below normal but looked still contained enough water to launch a boat at least, I have never been in this area before so I have no way of comparing to prior visits like Lake Cachuma or Lake Shasta, this would have gotten a 5 star review if not for the lack of water in the reservoir but hopefully it will rain this winter and replenish these beautiful reservoirs in the now brown state of California it has become. There are a variety of fees depending on what you want to do such as camping, picnicking or boating and fishing. Remember it is extremely hot out there in the middle of summer I personally would prefer my visits or camping in the spring when it is cooler and after it rains. Also check the wind conditions , it can be very gusty as I experienced as I departed on the 152 highway that goes right through bother sides of this area.

Hattie_Sr

Great campground in a grove of Eucalyptus and Pine in the midst of rolling grassland and hills (parched in summer/fall). Herd of elk wandered past the campground and lots of ground squirrels. Clean restrooms, plenty of water spigots and garbage containers, flat sites good for both RVs and tents. Very quiet and dark, granted - it is fall and 1/2 of the campsites are closed but even so, only a half-dozen sites occupied. No major bugs or distasteful creatures seen (no snakes, not an area for roaches, etc.). Took short side trip to the San Joaquin National Cemetery (beautiful!) and ate at Andersen's Pea Soup (always enjoyed - open breakfast/lunch/dinner). Didn't go to dam/reservoir, but many were there fishing. [We booked 2 nights through ReserveAmerica, had a 25' trailer, and used the dump station].

yadyrra

We went there and were fortunate enough to see a herd of deers, birds, squirrels and other animals.There are tables and a lot of space to sit and just enjoy the green area. There is also an area where visitors are allowed to get in the water.Like in many other parks, there was a fee to get in (I think it was $10 back then).

eagle132

we were looking for a nice place to stop on the way south and the area is notoriously boring we were pleasantly surprised by this spot. very clean and kept in great condition, there is water access, beach, picnic areas, lots of space to walk around and our kids had a lot of fun in the water.i only have 2 complaints, the major one would be that the place is sorely missing a playground, it would have made the place a slam dunk. i saw some people complaining about the $10 fee to enter, that is fine by me you get your money worth and we did showers, toilets, well kept area, clean nice beach..again, just missing a playground.....my other complaint is that its quite a walk from the parking to the picnic area.all in all, nice place to stop on the way

040114

Stayed in San Luis Creek Cmpgrd. Sites nicely spaced with lots of pine trees, but spaces VERY short & all straight back ins, which is not a problem unless you have a long rig then manuerability is extremely tight especially if someone is parked right across from your site. We have a 30foot trailer which barely fit in the space. Space for vehicle right next to trailer, but it too was short. Concrete bumpers on backside of each site, so that limits how far back you can go. No showers at this campground & pit toilets. Showers at the group camp about 1/2 mile away. Didnt quite understand the rational behind that! Also thought it was expensive @$40 a night, which rate is not mentioned on the website. But it's California!

Chiefly1

Great place to let the dogs and kids run. What a nice relaxing area. The campsites are spread out and have fire pits so you can enjoy those s'mores! So grab your camping gear and drive 3 miles out of Santa Nella for a tranquil and quite stop.

shelleyj803

We discovered this tranquil, open spaced property, about 8 yrs. ago, after staying in Santa Nella / Los Banos for the night. We have stayed up to 10 days in this area, between trips to Frisco & Carmel....We have a dog so we're on the alert as to where we can exercise him when we're on the road.This place is great, located just off I-5 ( take the Santa Nella exit & head south, down the main drag, & you'll see the signage, it's on the right/west side of the road ) we have stopped here annually & have enjoyed it every time. Great place to let the kids run around too, especially if you're doing a long drive. There's a new In & Out at this same exit to grab a bite as well, or of course the famous Anderson's Pea Soup on the north side of I-5. We have not camped here but I've spoken to a number of the campers in the park & they all love it here. The staff have always been very kind to us. It is clean & patrolled. The views of the lake, the rolling hills & all the wildlife make this a beautiful site.

AndyG410

This was our 1st camping trip in 5 years and we had 5 kids between 3-5 yr old, I would say, going there was the best thing we did to take our hesitance of going out with kids OUT.We had a great time, the sites are large, with fire pit, picnic table and ample of space to put tents and play.I would not hesitate to go again next year.

998JamesH998

We stopped on our way through to Yosemite at the Visitors Center up on the hill with ample parking for our RV towing an auto. The staff was very helpful and informative regarding the history of the Reservoir and the variation in a water levels. It is a great place for folks to camp and enjoy the water. It is amazing to see where the highest water level was compared to today. It was quite a surprise to come up from the steep mountains to find this beautiful man make lake.

PhoenixAirstreamer

Liked: Clean, well-spaced, RV campgrounds near (upper and lower) lakes. Some sites near flush toilets, showers and dump stations.Disliked: Rates are too high for a State Park. Could stay at a private RV campground (e.g., KOA) for the same price.

ThomasL944

A really good history lesson on the lake and the state water project. As fara as fishing.... I have never fished the reservoir, but, the water level is so up and down, there is no shore plant development... can't be all that goo fishing. The forebay is different . Relatively stable water level attractsa lot of fishermen