If you want to go
Cost: $10 per vehicle at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area.
Map/brochure: Available at entrance kiosk and visitor center, PDF at website.
Boating, fishing: Boat ramps are available at both San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay; $7 to launch, free mussel inspection required. Make sure boat is clean, drained and dry. All boats must be off the water by sunset.
Best wind forecast: www.windy.com. Because of surprise wind, some advise wearing a personal flotation device at all times.
Camping: Three campgrounds are available. At O’Neill Forebay, San Luis Creek has 53 sites, including some near the shore with lake views, with electricity and water for RVs or tents ($40), reserve at www.ReserveCalifornia.com; Medeiros has primitive campsites located at the southern shore, first-come, first-served ($20). At San Luis Reservoir, Basalt has 79 sites for tents or selfcontained RVs up to 30 feet, showers available ($30), reserve at www.ReserveCalifornia.com.
Contacts: San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, 209-826-1197, www.parks.ca.gov.
HOW TO GET THERE
To San Luis Reservoir: Drive south to San Jose and continue south on U.S. 101 to Gilroy and the junction with Highway 152. Take the exit for Highway 152 East and drive 33 miles to turnoff on right to Romero Visitor Center and overlook of San Luis Reservoir. Note: From East Bay, fast routes available via I-580 and I-5.
To Basalt Day-Use area: From Romero Visitor Center, return a short distance from parking to Highway 152. Turn right on Highway 152 and drive 2 miles to Basalt Road. Turn right on Basalt Road and drive 2 miles to Basalt Day-Use Area and turnoff for campground, and then continue to 2 miles to parking, boat ramp and headquarters.
To San Luis Recreation Area: From Romero Visitor Center, return a short distance from parking to Highway 152. Turn right on Highway 152 and drive 1.8 miles (get in left lane) to signed turn and lane for Recreation Area. Turn left and drive short distance to kiosk, and then continue ahead to a fork. Bear left for campground, bear right for boat ramp, restroom, picnic area.
Distances: 9 miles from Santa Nella, 41 miles from Gilroy, 72 miles from San Jose, 87 miles from Dublin, 120 miles from San Francisco, 130 miles from San Rafael.