Los Banos Creek Reservoir

Road repairs to Los Banos Creek Reservoir will be completed today. The park will be reopening 5-23-24 to full access.

Los Banos Creek Reservoir image

Los Banos Creek Reservoir is known in the area for its excellent fishing. Stocking by the Department of Fish & Wildlife keeps the reservoir well supplied with trout in the winter months. Bass fishing derbies are often held here, and crappie and bluegill are also caught.   There is a 5 MPH speed limit on the entire lake, making it pleasant for small water craft such as kayaks and canoes to have a favorable safe experience.

Location/Directions

Back of Lake in Spring

Address
20800 Canyon Rd.
Los Banos, CA 93635-9620

From I-5, exit East on Highway 152, continue east to Volta Road, right turn on Volta to Pioneer Road, left turn on Pioneer road to Canyon Road, right turn on Canyon Road to Park. Canyon Road runs straight in to park.

Climate

Summer temperatures range from 80 to 110 degrees.

 

Spring & Fall weather is usually cool in the mornings and evenings with warm afternoons.

 

Winter temperatures range from 30-75 degrees.

Los Banos Creek Campground

Facilities and Activities:

Camping:
Fourteen undeveloped camping sites are located along the shore of Los Banos Creek Reservoir. Most sites have a shade ramada; all camp sites have a concrete picnic table and stove. There is a beach area located directly in front of the campground that is available to campers until sunset and day users are able to access the beach area from a short trail that starts in the day use parking lot.  There is no drinking water available. Chemical toilets are available.  Day use parking is prohibited in the campground.

Day Use:
The day use area space is limited and is assigned on a first come, first serve basis.  There is a developed boat ramp, 4 covered picnic tables and several BBQs in the day use area.  There is also a trail from the day use parking lot to the beach area in the campground.  On weekends, the day use and campground often fill to capacity quickly.

Hiking:
While there are limited hiking trails, there are several miles of fire roads above the campground known as North Rim that is ideal for hiking and allow for a great view of local wildlife and primarily the birds that frequent the area.

Boating:
Boating hours are from 6am until sunset.  All boats must be off the lake and out of the closed day-use areas by sunset.  There is an established boat ramp and floating dock in the day use area with nearby boat trailer parking spaces.

All boating regulations and laws are fully enforced.  Vessel inspections can occur at any time for compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and/or regulations (authority CCR 4662).  If you would like a free vessel inspection to ensure you have the required safety equipment, please ask a State Park Ranger for an inspection before you launch. Please visit the Cal Boating website for more information regarding California boating laws.

Gliders:
Los Banos Creek Reservoir also has a very unique topography that makes it ideal for remote control gliders and slope soaring groups along the South Rim side of Los Banos creek.  Check in at the entrance station and day use fees are required for this and all areas.

Interpretive opportunities:
A spring time interpretive program The Path of the Padres is available with reservation, see the link for more information.

Visitor Center provided by Department of Water Recourses: 
The Romero Overlook Visitors Center is adjacent to San Luis Reservoir off Highway 152 provides full information on the reservoirs and water projects through audio-visual and printed materials. Telescopes are also available for viewing the area.

Los Banos Detention Reservoir’s recreation area in Merced County is now open to the public. High flow releases in this area as a result of January storms have ended. For more information visit the park page.