Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area
Rate this placeNearby: Veterans Park Sycamore Grove Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area is a popular outdoor destination located in the state of California.
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Summary
The park features a large reservoir that attracts visitors for swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is surrounded by scenic hills and trails that offer hiking and biking opportunities. The park also has campsites and picnic areas for those who want to stay overnight or spend the day with family and friends.
One of the main reasons to visit Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area is to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The area is home to a variety of wildlife including eagles, ospreys, and coyotes. Visitors can also see wildflowers in the spring and fall foliage during the autumn season. The park is also a great place for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, catfish, and bass, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Some of the specific points of interest at Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area include the East Shore Trail, which offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills, and the Heron Bay Trail, which is a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can also explore the lake on a kayak or paddleboard, or take a guided boat tour.
Interesting facts about the area include that the lake was created in 1968 by the construction of a dam on Arroyo Valle. The lake has a maximum depth of 180 feet and covers over 1,000 acres. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including oak trees and chaparral.
The best time of year to visit Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall seasons, when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are at their most beautiful. However, the park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing and hiking throughout the year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Del Valle Regional Park
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Boyd Camp
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Wild Turkey Group Camp
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Caballo Loco Horse Camp
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Ardilla Group Camp
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Eagles View Group Camp
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Veterans Park
Sycamore Grove Park
Camp Ohlone Regional Park
Ravenswood Park
Independence Park