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. 

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:  

  • $6 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

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

Join our Learn to Fish program, plus fishing rod and tackle box GIVEAWAY,  at the picnic tables! Parks staff will guide you through the fishing basics before you throw your line in the water. It’s going to be a beautiful day at the park and we are excited to meet you! Equipment will be provided so bring your friends and family, water, sunscreen or hat, and come on out!

And yes, we did say fishing equipment giveaway. Thanks to the generous support of California State Parks Foundation and our collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fishing in the City program, we will be giving away a fishing pole and tackle box to one lucky participant! We are excited for this one and we hope to see you Saturday!

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.

May 24th: Kayak Tour, Saturday May 24th 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.