Lake Del Valle

7000 Del Valle Road Livermore, CA 94550

About The Park

Del Valle is like a lakeside resort just 10 miles south of Livermore, deep in a valley surrounded by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters. The park’s centerpiece is a five-mile-long lake with a range of water-oriented activities, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for biking, horseback riding and studying nature. Only Del Valle is the eastern entrance to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of picturesque backcountry trail.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center in Del Valle is open from June to September weekends; 9 am to 4:30pm. The visitor center is on the west side of the lake and includes exhibits and information about Del Valle’s natural history and the wilderness surrounding it. Campers and visitors to the park are encouraged to visit and discuss the park and the lake with naturalists and student helpers and participate in the exciting programs that take place throughout the summer. Campfire programs at the amphitheater campground start Memorial Day weekend; campers and park visitors are welcome to join naturalists for a campfire fun evening, including songs, stories, games, and marshmallow roasting. Park visitors with naturalist staff can also enjoy a scenic boat tour of the lake. Buy tickets at the boat launch area at the marina store on the east side of the lake.

Park Activities

Swimming: Del Valle offers two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. Year-round swimming is allowed, but only north of the boat ramp and at the swimmer’s own risk.

Swim Facilities Capacity Notice: Once the capacity of the swimming pool is reached, no new entries will be approved for the remainder of the day (or at the Park Supervisor’s discretion) for public safety.

Picnicking: There is an abundance of landscaped picnic grounds, some with groups of picnic tables that are reservable for large groups.

Family Campground: The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 areas, 21 with water and sewage, and electrical hook-ups (120 volts, 50 and 30 amps). The sites are served by toilets and shower facilities located in the centre.

Group camps: There are several group campsites for groups of 11 people or more, available by phone reservation only at least 5 business days in advance.

Equestrian camps: There are 4 small paddocks in the Little Chaparral camp area. Each paddock reservation includes space for 1-2 horses, maximum 4 persons, and each truck and one rig parking space. The Caballo Loco equestrian group camp should be reserved by equine groups as Little Chaparral is not intended for group use.

Fishing: Lake Del Valle is known for excellent fishing. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. There are also large- and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and panfish.