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Public Affairs Office
Department of Water Resources

1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236

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 State Water Project Recreation Sites

Lake DelValle

Lake del Valle

Click the thumbnails to see a larger picture.

woman windsurfing

Located in Arroyo del Valle, about 11 miles south of Livermore Valley (Alameda County), Lake del Valle provides regulatory storage for South Bay Aqueduct, flood control for Alameda Creek, fish and wildlife enhancement, and recreation.
two men riding bicycles Lake del Valle offers camping, picnicking, horseback riding, swimming, hiking, windsurfing, boating, and fishing. The East Bay Regional Park District, the concessionaire that operates the recreation activities, also invites visitors to participate in their naturalist-led programs. While touring the lake, they learn about the natural and cultural history of the reservoir. For a schedule, go to www.ebparks.org.
group of kids fishing off shore Fishing is best during the winter with the California Department of Fish and Game regularly planting trout from October through May. Planting of trophy-sized trout is supported by the East Bay Regional Park District fishing permit program. There are also large- and small-mouthed bass and a variety of pan fish. Anglers, 16 or older, must have state fishing licenses with appropriate stamps and Park District daily fishing access permits.
sailboat in the water Boating and swimming are permitted in designated areas only. Any size boat is allowed (and must be registered), but no personal watercraft are allowed. Speed limit on the lake is 10 mph. Due to its regulatory storage purpose, water level at Lake del Valle fluctuates seasonally from a high of 703 feet during summer to a low of 678 feet in winter. These fluctuations can cause boating hazards due to considerable variation in shoreline.
two boys waving and swimming Swimming is permitted south of the East Side Boat Launch Area. Lifeguards are on duty as posted. Visitors can also swim north of the ramp, where no lifeguards are available.

Children should not swim or wade without adult supervision.
campsite in the cool afternoon

About 150 family campsites and three group sites (each accommodates 150 people) are available year-round. Picnic sites with barbecues are provided in many park areas which also includes restrooms, showers, connections to park trails, and some hookups for water and sewage (no electrical). Organized group camping must be reserved at least two weeks in advance by calling (510) 636-1684.

Ardillo, Venados, Hetch Hetchy, and Cedar Camps are hike-in only; no vehicles are allowed to transport equipment. Wild Turkey and Punta Vaca are family campgrounds.

Lake del Valle is operated by East Bay Regional Park District, which is located at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court; P.O. Box 7; Blairsden, CA 96103; (510) 562-PARK.

Directions: Take Highway 580 to North Livermore Avenue exit in Livermore. Drive south though Livermore. Livermore Avenue becomes Tesla Road. Turn on Mines Road to Del Valle Road (the right fork) and follow to the park entrance.
Map to the Lake
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