Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park is a nature lover's retreat. With thousands of acres of unspoiled open space, the park is home to countless species of plants and wildlife making it the perfect location for nature study, boating and fishing.
Created by the construction of the Salinas Dam in 1941, the lake was originally designed to furnish water to Camp San Luis Obispo. Today it is a major source of drinking water for the City of San Luis Obispo. The park first opened for fishing and boating in 1957 and is still the best location for fishing and relaxation found on California's Central Coast.
Fishing and Boating - Cast your line into Santa Margarita Lake and you'll find hungry black bass, striped bass, trout, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Fish from shore or use one of the launch ramps or try your luck from a boat or canoe. Though noted for its excellent fishing and peaceful boating, the park also hosts a vast range of hiking and riding trails which offer breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Hiking Trails - Beyond the developed area of the park are several thousand acres of designated open space, the Santa Margarita Lake Natural Area. This part of the park is managed for its natural resource values, passive recreational use and environmental education opportunities. The area is accessible to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians; motor vehicles are not permitted in the Natural Area. Primary access to the Natural Area is from River Road at the east end of the lake. Take Pozo Road about eight miles southeast of Lake Road, then turn left on River Road and proceed for about two miles. The entrance is on the left.
 Camping - Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance by calling 1-805-788-2397. Camping areas available are the Coyote, Roadrunner, Grey Pine and Osprey campgrounds. The Sapwi and Khus campgrounds are a primitive boat-in sites. These sites may also be reserved by individuals or groups (up to five sites maximum). Groups may reserve from six to twelve sites, many with views overlooking the lake.
 Picnics - Individual picnic sites with shade, ample seating, larger barbecues and other amenities are found throughout the park. The White Oak group picnic area, perfect for family reunions, company picnics, or club events, can be reserved year-round. Click here to reserve White Oak or any one of our day use sites throughout the San Luis Obispo County Parks system.
Swimming - The Santa Margarita Lake Swimming Pool is open from May through September. Contact the Lake Office for hours and further information about lessons and private party reservations.
Swimming in Santa Margarita Lake is not permitted as it is the drinking water reservoir for the City of San Luis Obispo.
Important Phone Numbers:
Lake Office (805) 788-2397
Camping Reservations (805) 788-2397
Day-Use/Picnic Reservations (805)788-2397
Marina Store (805) 438-4682
SLO County Parks, 1087 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Phone: (805)781-5930, Fax: (805)781-1102 |
