Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area

Park Hours

7 am to Sunset.

Contact Information

(925) 447-2867

Are dogs Allowed?

Yes

Reservation Availability

No upcoming camping/lodging reservations at this time.

About Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area

Located in the northernmost part of the San Joaquin Valley, this park is popular for fishing, boating, picnicking, birdwatching, and peaceful shoreline walks. It is also at the northern terminus of the California Aqueduct.

The recreation area is northeast of Livermore, seven miles off Interstate 580 at the Grant Line Road exit.

EV Information

e-bike icon E-Bike Locations
  EV Charger Locations

Other Facilities

  • Parking
  • Restrooms
Boating

  • Boating
  • Boat Ramps
Day-Use Activities & Facilities

  • Picnic Areas
  • Fishing
  • Interpretive Exhibits
  • Nature & Wildlife Viewing
  • Windsurfing/Surfing
Trail Use

  • Bike Trails
  • Hiking Trails

CAUTION - Harmful algae may be present in the reservoir. 

Pay Parking Fee Online Through LAZ

Basic Park Information

Located in the northernmost part of the San Joaquin Valley. Popular for fishing, boating, picnicking, birdwatching, and peaceful shoreline walks. It is also at the northern terminus of the California Aqueduct. Access for the California Aqueduct bikeway can be made from the main parking lot.    

Address: 13638 Christensen Rd, Byron, CA 94514

Fees:  

  • $10.00 parking 
  • $7.00 boat launch
  • $1.00 discount for vehicle day use for persons 62 years of age or older

Boating: 

  • Boat launch near main parking lot
  • Speed limit is 5 mph
  • Small boats, canoe, kayak, catamarans, sailboarders are allowed

Fishing

  • Persons age 16 and over must carry a valid fishing license. 

Bicycling

  • The California Aqueduct Bikeway is a popular cycling trail. 

Dogs 

  • Dogs must be on a 6 foot maximum leash and under human control at all times. 

 

Education Programs

If you are interested in bringing your class to Bethany Reservoir SRA please call (925) 243-2003.  

Upcoming Spring Events

March 7th: Guided Wildflower Walk, Saturday March 7th 10am-11am

Come join us at Bethany Reservoir SRA for a wildflower walk around the park, where we will spend 1 hour learning about the wildflower this beautiful park holds.

March 28th: Ready, Set, Fish. Saturday March 28th 10am-12pm

Join us at the picnic tables! We’ll spend some time going over the basics of using your fishing pole, including how to cast and retrieve. We’ll also talk about the different types of fish in Bethany Reservoir and the best tackle to use for each on, how to tie a fast and easy knot. Loaner fishing gear is available. Anyone who is age 16 or over must possess a valid CDFW sport fishing license to fish.

April 18th: Kayak Tour, Saturday April 18th 10am-12pm

We’ll spend 90 minutes learning about the reservoir, safe kayaking practices, and the plants and animals in the gem of a park. Participants must bring their own kayak, canoe, paddleboard, etc. and a life vest. Please arrive early to launch boats. Rain or High Winds Cancel.

May 9th: Ready, Set, Fish. Saturday May 9th 10am-12pm

Join us at the picnic tables! We’ll spend some time going over the basics of using your fishing pole, including how to cast and retrieve. We’ll also talk about the different types of fish in Bethany Reservoir and the best tackle to use for each on, how to tie a fast and easy knot. Loaner fishing gear is available. Anyone who is age 16 or over must possess a valid CDFW sport fishing license to fish.

May 23rd: Jr. Rangers Reptiles: Saturday May 23rd 10am-11am

Drop by the Jr. Ranger table for fun kid friendly activities. Learn about snakes and lizards that live in the park and create a rattlesnake craft. Jr. Rangers is a statewide program for 7 – 12 years old. Rain Cancels.

 

 

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