Lake Del Valle Campgrounds

June 2002

June '02 my friend Bob put together a fantastic weekend trip to Lake Del Valle. The following information I took from http://www.ebparks.org/parks/delval.htm

Deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters, Del Valle is like an alpine resort only 10 miles south of Livermore.

Centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with all kinds of water-oriented recreation, surrounded by 3,997 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back country trail.

SWIMMING

Del Valle offers two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. Year-round swimming is allowed in much of the lake, at the swimmer's own risk.

PICNICKING

There is an abundance of landscaped picnic grounds, some of them reservable for large groups. Choose Picnic Reservations from the Shortcuts menu above for more information.

CAMPING

The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 sites, 21 of them with water and sewage hookups (no electrical). The sites are served by centrally located toilet and shower facilities. For reservations, telephone (510) 636-1684, up to 12 weeks in advance.
There are also several youth group campgrounds, available by reservation only. Telephone (510) 636-1684 for information.

FISHING

Lake Del Valle is known for excellent fishing. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. There are also large- and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and panfish.

BOAT RENTAL AND LAUNCHING

The public may rent motorboats, patio boats, rowboats, canoes, and paddle boats at the marina area. Sailboards may be rented at the swim beach. Any size boat may be launched at the public boat ramp. For more boat rental and boat launch information, choose "Boating and Sailing" from the Shortcuts menu at the top of this page. The boat speed limit is 10 miles per hour on the entire lake.

LAKE TOURS

Park naturalists take visitors on scheduled natural and cultural history boat tours of the lake (see the Del Valle or Boating programs in the Activities section of this Web site).

VISITOR CENTER

The Rocky Ridge Visitor Center on the lake's west side contains exhibits and information about the natural history of Del Valle and surrounding wilderness. Sunol interpretive staff presents nature activities, campfire programs, and lake ecology and history boat tours.

TO REACH THE PARK:
Del Valle Regional Park is located on Del Valle Road off Mines Road south of Livermore (parking fee). Exit I-580 eastbound or westbound in Livermore at North Livermore Avenue. Head south and proceed through town (North Livermore Avenue will become South Livermore Avenue in town). About 1.5 miles outside town, turn right at Mines Road, go about 3.5 miles and continue straight on Del Valle Road (Mines Road turns left). The park entrance is about four miles ahead.

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