San Pablo Reservoir

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 ‍

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.

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.

** 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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.