Welcome to Lafayette Reservoir
The Lafayette Recreation Area is an all-year day-use area ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking, located off Highway 24 only one mile from the Lafayette BART station.
Notice: Harmful algae present in Lafayette Reservoir
Blue-green algae in lakes can result in a buildup of toxins. While activities near the water, such as picnicking, biking, and hiking, are safe. take the following precautions for your safety.
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Body contact with water is never permitted. Keep children away from the water and the shoreline. Use tap water to rinse any skin that has contacted lake water.
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Keep pets, especially dogs, out of the water. They should neither enter nor drink the water.
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Fish caught here may be consumed after you throw away the intestinal tract and liver, and rinse filets with tap water.
Lafayette Reservoir is a recreational reservoir; it is not used for drinking but serves as an emergency supply.
For more information contact EBMUD at 1-866-403-2683.
Things to do
Picnicking
Several tables and BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis. Four picnic sites are available to reserve online at:
Lafayette Reservoir Picnic Reservations
Fishing
EBMUD plants trout during fall, winter, and spring. The reservoir is also home to catfish, bass and sunfish. In addition to a California State Fishing License, an EBMUD Fishing Access Permit is required and may be purchased at the Visitor Center.
Boating
Row Boats and Pedal Boats are available to rent on a first-come first-served basis from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A $40.00 deposit is required. Must be 18+ years old to rent. All boats must be docked by 4:00 p.m.
Boat Rental Rates
| up to 1 hour | $15.00 |
| 1 to 1 1/2 hours | $22.50 |
| 1 1/2 to 5 hours | $25.00 |
| 5+ hours | $35.00 |
50% discount only on non-holiday weekdays for seniors and disabled
Personal, car-top boats may be launched from 6:30 am-3:00 pm September-March and from 6:00 am-5:00 pm April-August; $4 for one-day launch, $6 for Zebra/Quagga mussel inspection fee (good for 30 days). All boats must check-in at the Visitor Center and be off the water when the Visitor Center closes. Stand-up paddle boards are not permitted.
Hiking
There are two main trails at Lafayette Reservoir. The Lakeside Nature Trail (paved, 2.7 miles) and the Rim Trail (unpaved, 4.7 miles). Additionally, there are 928 acres of open space for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and enjoying beautiful vistas.
Biking/Skating
Visitors using bicycles, roller skates, roller blades and scooters are allowed on the paved Lakeside Trail on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and on Sunday mornings until noon.
Playground
The children's playground is located near the East Lawn and includes a "tot-lot" designed for children aged 2-5.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed and must be kept on-leash and under control at all times; leashes may NOT be longer than 6 feet in length.
Invasive mussel prevention
Learn about requirements for boaters that help prevent the introduction of invasive mussels into EBMUD waters.
Updated trail maps
EBMUD is pleased to offer an update to the trails maps, including an interactive 3-D version with detailed trail locations, access points, elevations, amenities and a search function that allows users to find their ideal trails, including those within the Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area. Visit East Bay trails for more information.
Annual parking pass program
In 2019, Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area introduced annual pass hang-tags to replace gate cards. Hang-tags are a reliable, long-term solution for the recreation area's parking needs.
Contact
Email Lafayette Reservoir
Or call 925-284-9669
Literature
| Document | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Lafayette Recreation Use Fees | <1 MB | |
| Lafayette Reservoir Fishing Advisory | 1.2 MB | |
| Advertencia Sobre La Pesca en Lafayette Reservoir | <1 MB |
