Had an amazing time at the San Pablo Reservoir on Easter! Our reserved site was beautiful, clean, and staff the staff was helpful and kind! We had such a great time! read more

Growing up in the early 1990s, fishing in this area was a cherished family tradition, and I hold many positive memories associated with it. At the time, consistent and abundant catches were common, making it a reliable and enjoyable experience. Over the past two decades, however, the fishing experience has significantly declined. Despite repeated visits, particularly with my parents, we have consistently encountered disappointing results. Recently, the property changed ownership, and since then, fish populations appear to have diminished. As a result, I no longer take my children fishing there, as the current conditions no longer support successful or enjoyable fishing. My parents, who continue to visit, also report recurring disappointment. read more

I have been going to San Pablo Reservoir off and on for the past 15 years. Most of the time I go alone. Today I brought my son and our kayak. I was told at the gate it was $35. I thought nothing of it because this is the first time coming with someone and also with my kayak. When I got home, I realized they ripped me off for $10. If you look at their fees, I should have only been charged $25. Where did the extra $10 come from? I see that they do reply to some of the reviews so please explain why I was overcharged? I would like a refund of $10. If the people running San Pablo Reservoir want to make things right, they need to give me a refund of $10. Most likely they won't even respond. I noticed even though it was Labor Day, the Reservoir was practically empty. From overcharging customers, rude employees (Marcie) and no fish because they only stock half the time, this place is turning into garbage. I will be waiting to see if they reply but I'm not holding my breath. So sad because this use to be a great family place. Maybe their overcharging to make up for all the people not going there anymore. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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We've been missing our Seattle hikes like crazy this year so the last few weeks we've been trying out the reservoir trails near Orinda. Enter in San Pablo Reservoir. It's a beautiful trail. It's shaded and generally well traveled. We didn't realize until we got to the Orinda Connector Staging Area location that it was permit only, however it was simple to find the permit online and easily purchase a $3 day pass while standing in front of the sign, which is located at 520 San Pablo Dam Road, and the sign-in sheet is down and around the corner from the gate. If you start at the same staging area, the first 5 minutes of the hike is a rocky trip down, but in my opinion is a much easier hike back up, which I didn't expect, and is generally otherwise low impact (although dusty). Our visit really convinced us to try out other trails in the area and we were surprised at how much we enjoyed the area and the view. read more

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This review reflects our experience with only one very rude employee, who literally LOCKED us inside the park just because we failed to leave right at 4pm. This employee is a male who drives white Mitsubishi, was literally yelling at families with little kids and pregnant women. More than 10 cars started to pile up right in front of the exit gate and he came driving very recklessly towards the exit gate and also inside park and parking lot. This guy needs to control his emotions and need an anger management class. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - Very reckless driving employees who LOCKED US including many kids. - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

This area has too many ticks and bird poo. My dogs had tick bites... I do not recommend this place for pets

Worst fishing lake ever. Such a waste of money. Seems like no fish are planted in here or if this lake even has any fish. Don't waste your time and money read more

No longer a prime trout fishing lake like it once was. Only been planting about half what they used to in previous years. Rarely post so the public knows when and how much they've planted. $14 for fishing and parking is just too much when they've only been stocking approximately half as much as they have in years past. Oh well guess it was a good run. I'll start spending my fishing money at all the lakes that actually reinvest some of the money into restocking. read more

This place is great. The people in the store are super friendly and the guys down at the boat dock are really great. My son didn't have a jacket today, it started drizzling right as we rented the boat and the guy that helped us let my son borrow a rain jacket. He also directed us where to go to look for fish. I've had nothing but great experiences here. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - San Pablo reservoir - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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** The following review reflects my experience prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** I was hoping this picturesque lake would offer walking trails that match up with the boating, fishing, and picnicking that represent the true trifecta of attractions here. Unlike Lake Chabot, there isn't a continuous trail that conveniently circles the water. I actually had to re-park my car at the northern end of Old San Pablo Dam Road to find a short, fly-infested trail that led me on a stroll to the dam itself. Nobody yelled me over a loudspeaker, so I assumed it was OK to walk on it I didn't do much more than that since I didn't have my pole and tackle box with me. As if. Did I mention it cost me $7 to use the parking lot and I also got a stern warning that they lock the front gate at 5PM. No exceptions. If you want a better trail with a nice panoramic view of the reservoir, might I suggest the Upper Seafoam Trail in the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreational Area at the next exit off San Pablo Dan Road (review: https://bit.ly/2RGL8Z7)? Much better and a good workout. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and later reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more

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Would be a nice convenient place to enjoy the water with my mom had we not encountered such a rude man working at the toll booth. Paying to enjoy the place isn't the issue. We sat there by the window for a few minutes & he was dozing off. So we felt bad waking him & we've never been here or to many where they collect tolls at. So we assumed it was just boat inspection like it said on all signs leading to it. We started to drive off and he woke up or started paying attention finally & screamed at us then proceeded to tell us we could've yelled honked or done anything and got very aggressive. I told him paying the $7 wasn't a problem. He thought we wanted 5-10 minutes free to walk. We will pay to keep this place open to visit in the future. But I'm also not going to beg you to do your job. Like I said we don't go to many of these I prefer hiking trails for scenic routes instead of by the water since it's usually cold. With that being said I've never even Encountered a worker at a toll booth at any i've ever been to at least around here .. so it's not that people don't want to pay we're just not used to seeing people here I usually find the box to put my money in which I was going to do until you screamed at me. Then he decided the park was closed at 6pm and very adamant that it closes at 6 on the dot but i look on here and the website & it says 7pm. Overall a bad trip. $7 isn't a lot of money nor is it a problem to have to pay to enjoy a nice view but when you're not paying attention then scream at first time visitors it's just rude I won't be back anytime soon. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - Front sign - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

A hidden gem! Definitely make sure your parking pass is on the dash. They always have a good amount of fish. Heads up, it's a reservoir so you cannot swim in the water. Enjoy the water Fun fact: if you rent a boat, keep the pink or yellow slip for a free boat rental ‍ read more

I always bring my kids to pedal boat.. We love it, but always forget to bring cash to tip the employees at the dock. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

My family and I had a ball!! What a hidden gem. The boat rides were the icing on the cake!! The bbq pits made it convenient and easy to throw down! Music, good vibes all around. And the satff was so helpful. Another good spot for family or adult fun. read more

I have been a local regular of this place for years and for the first time was told we could not use RC cars anywhere on the property. My 7 year old son was using his toy RC car in a large grassy area where no one was really walking to, only to be told by the park rangers that he could not use it because it was an electric car. I have never heard of a park not allowing an "electric toy car" not being used at this park but I guess it is their way of trying to keep it "safe". I won't be back anytime soon unfortunately. read more

Needing a change of scenery, fresh air, fishing? Are you needing to row, take your boat out, or bond with your pup? This is just a nice place to relax and social distance safely. You start appreciating things more after being cooped indoors with minimal choices. Last week I brought my pup pup, and parents out to get fresh air. It's been years since I've been here and watching my dog get excited warms my heart. Nice to know that there are strategically placed compost potty areas and garbage bins every so often. (Handy when your pup leaves you a present to pick up) Going back to basics, this is great for the whole family. Picnic areas are closed off though due to covid. read more

This review reflects my experience with only one employee, a female named "Marcie". Well, maybe the person who manages Marcie should be on the hook as well. Marcie was in charge of boat inspections today. She wouldn't allow me and my friend to launch our kayak because our kayak was a rental from REI and she "didn't know where it had been". The details are ridiculous. Bottom line is, this woman is using her position to exert power and control as well as inconvenience people who want to enjoy the reservoir. Marcie should be trained in customer service or not be permitted to work with the public! read more

I have been coming here for YEARS to the San Pablo Reservoir! It's a beautiful place to get some peace and get away from all the negative vibes out there but this past weekend, I think the negative vibes I was trying to get away from are actually now working there...forever lol Mrs. Karen (older Caucasian female) is so freaking rude dude like no lie! The lady is rude as hell and talks to people as if they are freaking 4 years old. You can't ask a question without her making you feel like you're stupid as hell. This place is literally ripping people off with the boat rentals. Only 4 people allowed in one boat (understandable) but when we were going to ask her if it was possible for 4 adults and one teeny tiny child to be on the boat, she literally roared "ONLY FOUR PEOPLEEEEEEEEE" like dammm! Maybe the questions was stupid or whatever but that lady was a total negative vibe and made it uncomfortable for my party of 4 and one child. If you're looking for a good time, avoid going to the store or rent a boat. It's $130 for the day (until 6) basically. We did ended getting two separate boats because that was the plan, to fish on a damm boat. Save your money and your peace. Mrs. Karen is too outrageous and not polite with customer service. California has now reopened so I hope they work around the CDC guidelines! San Pablo Reservoir, I will keep you in my memories! Hasta la vista, Karen! read more

I love this reservoir, the water is clear, there is no swimming but the park the bathroom the staff at the shop are top notch. Very kind people. If you see like it's close it is not is just the shades to protect from the sun. They are open seven days a week. The shop has everything from a picnic to a day fishing with a couple of beers. Prices are very reasonable. Words can speak so much but pictures will tell my story. Bathrooms are very clean and plenty of parking. Boat rentals are easy and clean. read more

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It was more personal this time. It was just our family.....We had the lake to ourselves. Perfect weather and not a whole lot of wind. In the past we rented boats with motor, but today we rented (2) canoes for 4 people and we were out for 2 hours. It came out to be $34.00 for each. Not bad at all. Family Bonding to the max. It was an amazing experience. It was not as hard as I thought it would be. It's pretty fun actually. It's also about working together (paddling) We can't wait to go back. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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Fun place to bring the family on a picnic/barbecue or boat ride. The views are great too.

The reservoir is beautiful and the fishing here is great! I have only fished from a boat and my experience has been awesome the 5 or so times we went. Boat rental is a pretty good deal because you can order the regular aluminum 3 person boat for two hours and it's $33. The people inside the office are always super nice for the boat paperwork and your daily fishing permit (needed in addition to your license for $5). They are quick to offer tips and they sell beer that is allowed/encouraged on the boat :D my girlfriend likes to bird watch here and you can see deer families around sunset. Perfect date with some trader joes lunch. The dock guys that get your boat are also really chill and have great tips for where to fish. The lake is beautiful and I have caught trout with the big night crawlers they sell in the store. You can also show up and buy a rod, reel, and hooks+bait for under $25. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Super disappointed that the boat launch does not follow their posted times of operation. We arrived before last call to launch a boat. The inspection desk called " their boss" and was told to not allow us to launch. read more

Gorgeous spot. I've seen lots of cool birds here - quails, turkeys, blue herons, Canada geese, egrets, cormorants, white pelicans and an osprey. Some day we will rent a boat here. Very peaceful. read more

I've been going to San Pablo Reservoir since the 70's. I've fished from the shore and I had boats for 20 years and spent a lot of time out there. I love the lake. Some times I would catch fish, some times I wouldn't. I never really cared. I used to say that if you were there to catch fish, you were there for the wrong reason. There were years where I bought the yearly pass for parking and boat launch, some years I didn't go out as much. Most of the employees I've run into seemed like nice people. Today I read that you could go out and get a pass for one hour with no charge, just get "validation". It's been a while, but the last time I went there planning on eating at their "cafe", I was told that they no longer served food. I remember when our kids were young we used to tie our boat at the docks and go to the cafe for lunch. San Pablo Res was a busy place back then, today their were 2 cars in the parking lot. So, today I brought my lunch, went to the store there to get my one hour pass and I was informed by a very rude woman that I had to buy lunch at the now-functioning cafe to get the pass. When I tried to tell her that the last time I planned on buying lunch there, there was no "cafe". She seemed to take great joy in telling me that she " would be happy to sell me the $7 parking pass". It was the mean spirit behind the words that bothered me. She seemed to enjoy her little position of authority. It seems like so often people with jobs that require dealing with the public are the least equipped to do so. I'm 74 now. We moved from a house to a condo, so I sold my boat and I haven't fished much the last couple years, but I've been thinking about it more lately and I just wanted to go out and sit by the water and consider getting back out there some. When I saw the term validation I thought it meant that they needed to know when my hour would start and finish, which is reasonable and appropriate, not that you would be strong-armed into a purchase you didn't expect or want. read more

Just arrived here and visited for the first time, I already have a bad experience at the store we dropped in and my toddler wanted a lollipop, as soon as we paid he asked to change to another candy and they wouldn't refund us although we hadn't open it. This place is a rip off, 1 lollipop cost $2 and no price on there whatsoever, until we asked them. That explains why it's not that busy here on a Saturday afternoon. The back bathroom is gross and stinky, seems like they don't service it regularly, by far I wouldn't recommend to anyone about this place. read more

I have been coming here for years, today was the day were I realized San Pablo was not my second home , I came here in high spirits looking to catch me a Trophy fish! I had brought the boat back to use the restroom not knowing I can't be going back and forth.. the way they handled the situation was a no go. Made me pack everything and leave: very disappointed and I suggest you guys avoid it if you're looking for good customer service read more

San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area is fairly nice, granted there is no big body of water (other than the Bay) in the vicinity and the urge for a BBQ was too strong on a Saturday. I guess I have to pay for spontaneity. At first, I thought, too bad, no swimming is allowed. However, fishing and boating is. How does that work? I can understand that fishing is environmentally friendly, but I definitely would not produce more exhaust than a motor boat... Ok, too much information. There are two Picnic areas: Pines Picnic Area and a smaller Oaks Picnic Area. Pines area is always crowded beyond control. Oaks area is small and cozy, overlooking the reservoir with picnic tables and grills. Apparently not many people know about it, cause we were the only ones there, while the rest of the suckers were breathing down each other's sweaty necks... We went down to the water using concrete stairs leading from the top of the hill directly into the lake. After examining the shore, I was glad swimming wasn't allowed. There were glass bottles floating in the water and the muddy dirt was not very appealing to step into. I heard there were very nice trails leading all around the reservoir, one walking over the dam itself. Entrance fee to the recreation area is $6.50, so bring cash. Bottom line: I will not come back any time soon. Sorry. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area. View from Oaks Picnic Area. - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Was not a good fish spot no bites I will try some where else disappointed in my time there

1St time here and was a very peaceful and nice place to go fishing or somewhere to take your family to go relax and enjoy the nature . Beautiful weather great time here didn't catch any fish , we rented one of the nice boats and went fishing but did t catch anything :(, maybe next time !! read more

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great fishing area, great bathrooms, great bbq area, man this place is beautiful . Ha its hard to believe a place like this exists in this area. I played some frisbee and soccer here with some friends and had soo much room here to do it in. I'll be back!! read more

Great place to go boating, but beware of the employees. The man who "helped" us at the boat ramp kiosk was totally unhinged. He screamed at another visitor who was lost and spoke limited English and then screamed at me and called me a bitch when I asked him about boat launch prices. He became so agitated that he screamed "I quit" and then stomped off to his truck. I was honestly afraid he was going to get a weapon and hurt me, so I left without kayaking (and reported him to the sheriff because I was afraid he'd hurt the next customer). read more

Another childhood favorite of mine- we used to come here a lot when we were kids, mostly with my mom's side. At the time, one of my uncles worked at Max's, so he ordered a few orders of BBQ ribs (good eats!) to go, for our picnic. One time we even ran into my dad's family here! That was funny, but it also shows that it's a small world. I would love to come back again, with a younger generation, nephews and nieces (can't say "with my kids", because I don't have any). How I treasure these childhood memories, spent with extended family members (my parents divorced when I was five years old, so my mom's siblings and later my cousins lived with us at one point). This is a recreational area- fishing, picnics, boating, hiking. I remember volleyball courts too, near a parking lot. I also remember seeing chipmunks or squirrels. This is in a fairly warm area, so it's nice to be in the shade of the trees. This place comes second to the Rod & Gun Club (3 or 4 swimming pools- closed for years, now) in terms of recreational/family/childhood memories. read more

We rented out "The Oaks" picnic area for 4th of July and it was great! There isn't much info online about this area and the lady I spoke with on the phone also couldn't tell me much. For how much we paid and claims that weddings were hosted here, I was expecting a tad bit more. But, overall a great space for a huge family, 9 huge picnic tables, 6 regular size ones and 3 grills. It also comes with a volleyball court and a horseshoe pit. Bathrooms are on site and so is parking. There's two trails that go down to the water and the rental area is about a mile away. read more

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These guys are awesome! Super informative and helpful over the phone. They were very patient with us trying to decide what kind of boat rental we wanted. Ended up getting three kayaks which are ten dollars an hour And we were probably out for and hour and twenty and when we returned they rounded the time down so we only paid for three single hours. Not to mention we saw the family of deer and the shoreline which was magical. Definitely will be back!!! read more

Was an awesome day out! The gal at the counter was the most helpful, pleasant person ever. read more

San Pablo Reservoir - Fishin Friday! - Hiking Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Very lovely and beautiful place. The things I love about this place is, number one definitely the boating experience. Secondly the park, when you are in the water, it's just so beautiful ...i feel like i am so far away some where, even thou i am only 20 min away. Thirdly, the nature. I was able to capture lots of birds and saw lots of deer. It was very nice. Spending time in greenery and water gives u so much relaxation. Fourth is the setting of the park. It's very easy for picnic gatherings. If coming for a big events u can even book some spots. Number five goes to the friendly staff. I think they are very knowldgable on what they are doing. So kudos to them. read more

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$7 for parking. Nice area for some bbqing and family fun. You can rent a boat or kayaks. They also allow fishing there -- 5 fishes max. One downfall of this place is that there is doo-doo everywhere! However, how can the staff clean the massive land covered in doo-doo?! They also have a small play structure for the kiddos! Great place to spend the day when it is sunny. Obviously, they have bbq pits and easy accessible trash/recycle containers. Several bathrooms at both sides of the field. Bathrooms are decent, but can add some paper towels instead of just air dryers. Bring bugspray if you plan on staying during sundown. There are countless gnats and mosquitos. read more

Very Kool place to Hang and Just Chill and maybe have a Family function with Different types of water crafts to rent ... I don't get out here often But when the time or Function allows ... I'm All In !!! read more

Beautiful place to go and relax with the family. Parking and fishing will cost you, even though you've already paid for a fishing license. read more

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