Dam Safety Project to close Basalt Campground and Day Use Area at San Luis Reservoir

May last 10 years

Gustine, Calif.— California State Parks announced last December the extended temporary closure of the Basalt Campground and Day Use Area at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area due to a Safety of Dams Project. As of May 31, 2022 the Basalt Campground and Day Use Area will be closed for the entirety of the Dam Safety Project. Reservation holders will be contacted directly by State Parks’ reservation system — ReserveCalifornia.com. (See related article)

Alternative campgrounds and day use locations will remain open in the park complex during the temporary closure and may last 10 years. Reservation holders will be contacted directly by State Parks’ reservation system — ReserveCalifornia.com. Alternative campgrounds and day use locations will remain open in the park complex during the temporary closure.

Nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is a popular summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Basalt Campground offers 79 developed campsites, as well as a boat launch and day use area. This part of the state recreation area will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. Reservation information for San Luis Creek, Medeiros, Los Banos Creek, and Group Campgrounds is available online at ReserveCalifornia.com. Visitors are advised to “Know Before You Go” by checking the status of the park online at www.parks.ca.gov/SanLuisReservoir or Facebook before departing for their outdoor adventure.

The cooperating agencies on the Safety of Dams Projects – California Department of Water Resources, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California State Parks — are working to offset the loss of recreation opportunities in other ways, as well. This includes facility improvements and new campsite development in the San Luis Creek Recreation Area.

For more information about the project, please contact the California Department of Water Resources at (916) 565–7868. For more information about dams, contact the Bureau of Reclamation at (916) 978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339). 

About San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is noted for boating, board sailing, camping, and picnicking. But it’s anglers who find the unit’s three lakes most inviting. For more information about the park and upcoming events, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/SanLuisReservoir or call (209) 826-1197.