Del Valle Regional Park
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Del Valle Regional Park Photos
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Description
Del Valle is truly a hidden gem only ten miles south of Livermore. Centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with all kinds of water-oriented recreation from sailboats and motorboats to sailboards to swimming. The lake is set in a valley with oak-covered hills and is surrounded by approximately 5,000 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail with 28 miles of scenic back country trail.
Highlights of the park include camping, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 sites, 21 of them with water and sewage hookups. The sites are served by centrally located toilet and shower facilities. Ranger-led campfires and nature presentations are held regularly during the summer months.
Del Valle offers two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. I recommend that you wear sandals to the water's edge because the beaches consist of pea-sized gravel. Year-round swimming is allowed in much of the lake, but at the swimmer's own risk.
Lake Del Valle is also known for its excellent fishing. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. There are also large- and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and panfish. Fishing at Del Valle requires a current California Fishing License with stamps and an EBRPD Daily Fishing Access Permit for all fishermen aged 16 and older.
Motorboats, patio boats, peddle boats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent at the marina area. Any size boat may be launched at the public boat ramp. The boat speed limit is 10 miles per hour on the entire lake. There is a additional charge for bringing in any type of watercraft into the park.