Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area

Alert FIRE - Extreme Fire Danger - Level 2 Restrictions with Red Flag Warning in Effect DISTRICT WIDE

No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted in all areas.
No off-road driving. Drive only on designated roadways. Do not drive or park on dry grass; heat from vehicle's undercarriage can start a fire.
No use of gasoline powered equipment outside of irrigated areas, designated campgrounds or developed recreational areas.
Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

Overview

Hours

Swim Facility Hours:
11am to 6pm (water closes at 5:30pm)

Apr 27 to May 26 – Weekends and Holidays Only
May 27 to Aug 16 – Open Daily (Mon-Sun)
Aug 17 to Sep 2 – Weekends and Holidays Only

Parking Lot Hours:
Mar to Nov: 8am-10pm
Dec to Feb: 8am-8pm

Park Curfew:
Park is closed from 10pm-5am unless otherwise posted or permitted.

Fees

No Parking Fee
No Dog Fee (No dogs allowed in the swim facility)

Swim Facility Fees
$4.00 age 16-61
$2.00 age 1-15
$2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled
Free under 1 year

Address

18825 Cull Canyon Rd. Castro Valley, CA 94552

Phone

Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 3076

Internet & Cellular Access

Check AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon Coverage.
Select 'Map Layers' and switch on 'No Data Coverage Areas'

Download Park Map

Park Activities

Swim Facility Dates at Cull Canyon

Open Weekends & Holidays Only April 27 - May 26
Open daily May 27 - August 16
Open Weekends & Holidays Only August 17 - September 2

Swim Facility closed for the season after September 2, 2024

Plan in Advance! Pre-register below for Weekends & Holidays
Due to the popularity of swimming at Cull Canyon, the swim facility reaches capacity very early on weekends and Holidays. Once the swim facility capacity is reached, there will be no new entries allowed for the remainder of the day.

Pre-Register

This popular Castro Valley swim complex is only a short drive north from Interstate 580 on Cull Canyon Road in Castro Valley.

The lagoon won the 1966 Governor's Design Award for Exceptional Distinction for Recreational Development in the category of landscape.

When the swim area was constructed, a secondary dam was built to provide an inner swimming area complete with a sandy beach. Never previously tried, this innovation made the swim area water level independent of the reservoir's, unaffected by summer draw-downs. The reservoir no longer exists south of the swim area.

Swim Facilities Capacity Notice
Due to the popularity of swimming at Cull Canyon, the swim facility reaches capacity very early on weekends and Holidays. Once the swim facility capacity is reached, there will be no new entries allowed for the remainder of the day, for the safety of the public. Please take this into consideration when planning your visit.

To Reach The Park

From I-580 eastbound in Castro Valley, take the Grove Way exit. Turn to the north (left) on Grove Way. Turn left onto Cull Canyon Road and continue to the park entrance on the left-hand side.

From I-580 westbound, take the Castro Valley exit and continue west (left) on Castro Valley Blvd. to Crow Canyon Road. Turn right on Crow Canyon, then left on Cull Canyon Road and continue to the park entrance on the left.

Maps

View Map

Attractions

NOTE: No alcohol, glass containers, or portable bbq’s allowed in the swim lagoon area.

Picnicking

There are several reservable picnic areas outside the swim complex. For information, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2.
It is strongly recommended that visitors make a picnic reservation for Weekends and Holidays. Any group of 30 or more people must make a reservation, any day of the week.

Hiking

Cull Canyon is also on the Chabot-to-Garin Regional Trail, which is being developed between the two parks. The trail runs along Cull Canyon Rd, starting at Heyer Avenue, and drops down toward Cull Creek, paralleling Alameda County Flood Control property. It continues through Cull Canyon Regional Recreation area then heads north for six miles into East Bay Municipal Utility District property to EBMUD's Chabot Staging Area on Redwood Road (an EBMUD hiking permit is required for this section). From there the Willow View Trail leads into Anthony Chabot Regional Park.