Del Valle Recreation
Water recreation at Lake Del Valle in Livermore, Calif.
Lake Del Valle, a State Water Project reservoir hidden in the beautiful oak-covered hills of Livermore, stretches five miles in length and offers 16 miles of shoreline. Del Valle Dam and its lake provide storage for the South Bay Aqueduct, flood control for Alameda Creek, fish and wildlife enhancement, and multiple types of recreation.
Operated by East Bay Regional Park District as part of Del Valle Regional Park, the lake is located just 10 minutes from downtown Livermore. Visitors to Lake Del Valle can enjoy swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, interpretive tours, hiking and bicycle trails, and a visitor center.
The Del Valle Visitor Center is on the west side of the lake and contains exhibits and information about Lake Del Valle and its surrounding wilderness. Campers and park visitors are encouraged to visit and learn about Lake Del Valle’s vast history that dates back to 1966 and enjoy a scenic boat tour of the lake accompanied by naturalist staff who can provide details on the wildlife. For more information about the visitor center or the boat tours call (510) 544-3146.
DWR regularly monitors SWP reservoirs for harmful algal blooms (HABs). Additionally, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) monitors Lake Del Valle recreation areas for HABs. For current Lake Del Valle conditions, visit DWR's algal bloom webpage or EBRPD's water quality conditions webpage.
There are two entrances to Del Valle Regional Park. The main entrance on Del Valle Road offers parking close to the lake, swimming areas, and campgrounds. The Arroyo Road Staging Area on the north side of the lake also offers parking, but visitors must hike to get to the lake.
There is only one boat launch ramp on the lake, and it is on the east shore. The boat ramp is only accessible to cars from the main entrance.
Swimming is permitted at the East Swim Beach and the West Swim Beach. Both beaches are only accessible from the main entrance.
For a map and more information on how to get to the lake, view the Del Valle Regional Park Brochure.
Del Valle Regional Park has several different types of campsites to accommodate all types of groups and individuals. Each of these sites includes a centrally located toilet and shower facilities. The park offers regular tent campsites and 21 sites with paved pads which include water and sewage, and electrical hook-ups for RV camping. There are also several group campsites for groups of various sizes, with a maximum of 150 people.
Del Valle Regional Park offers five cabin sites that are available for rent. Each cabin has beds, electric outlets, a stove, picnic tables, and a fire pit with grill. For more information and the cabin FAQ’s, visit Cabin Camping.
There are also two equestrian campsites at Del Valle Regional Park.
You can book any of these campsites at ReserveAmerica.
Boats of all sizes are welcome for launch at the lake, but personal watercraft such as jet skis are not permitted.
At the marina on the lake’s east side near the boat launch area, visitors can rent boats, including motorboats, pontoon boats, canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats. Kayaks are available to rent on the east beach at the Kayak Center. The boat speed limit is 10 miles per hour on the entire lake.
For more information on boating, rentals, and fees, see the Boating and Sailing page.
Lake Del Valle is well-known for its fishing and fish selection. The lake is stocked regularly with rainbow trout (fall through the spring) and catfish in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are also large- and small-mouth bass, striped bass, and panfish.
Daily fishing permits can be purchased at the park entrance kiosk or the marina.
Landscaped picnic areas, some with tables and barbeques, are available for visitors. Reservations can be made for larger group picnic areas with multiple tables. To make a group picnic reservation, call 1-888-327-2757, and press option 2.
Hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling are popular activities at Del Valle Regional Park, which is surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land and trails. For a map and more information about the trails, read the Del Valle Regional Park Brochure.
Del Valle Regional Park hosts several community events throughout the year, including Stargazing, Park n’ Play, Mud Fun and Sandy Shores, and other fun activities.For more information about Del Valle activities, visit the East Bay Activity Search.
Contact
Park Hours
The Del Valle Visitor Center is open weekends June 1st through September 30th; 9am - 6:30pm.
Visit the East Bay Regional Park District for a full list of park hours.