Overview
Parking Lot:
March - October: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
November - February: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Swim Facility:
Closed for the season until May 25, 2025
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
May 25 - June 9: Open only on weekends and holidays
June 10 - Aug. 16: Open daily
Aug. 17 - Sept 15: Open only weekends and holidays
Park Curfew:
Park is closed from 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. unless otherwise posted or permitted.
October - May: No fee collected
June - September: Fees collected on weekends and holidays only
Parking:
$5 per vehicle
$4 per trailer
$25 per bus
Swim facility fees
Notice: No animals except ADA-trained service dogs are allowed in the swim area.
22400 Woodroe Avenue, Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 544-3073
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4527
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Don Castro Regional Park is a 101-acre urban oasis on the boundary between Hayward and Castro Valley. The clear blue waters of the swim lagoon are a favorite with central Alameda County residents. The lagoon and adjacent lake were created in 1964 when the Alameda Flood Control and Water Conservation District dammed San Lorenzo Creek.
To Reach The Park
Maps
Park Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible restrooms, drinking water, and disabled parking are available in the park.
Beach wheelchairs, intended to provide a means for wheelchair users to travel across the beach, are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. They require an assistant to push and are not intended to enter the water. To arrange for use of a chair, call the park office at (510) 544-3073. Arrangements will be made to bring the chair out to the beach. It takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare the chair. Staff will give a brief orientation to the chair and arrange a time for the chair to be returned.
Attractions
The lake, San Lorenzo Creek Reservoir, is maintained by Alameda County Public Works and is closed to boating, swimming, or any type of body contact (including dogs). There is access to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the Chabot to Garin trail and over five miles of trails in the Five Canyons Open Space. The adjacent swim lagoon is supplied with water from EBMUD and is chlorinated and filtered. There is a large shallow area is roped off especially for children.
Swimming
Swimming in the lagoon is the park's main attraction. For operation hours, fees and service schedule, visit the Don Castro Swim Lagoon
Picnicking
Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park also has reservable group picnic areas, view our Don Castro Picnic Areas webpage for information. For additional information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2.
Fishing
A California state fishing license is required for anglers age 16 or older. Fishing at Don Castro is now free. No District permit is required but everyone of age must have a CA fishing license. State Fish and Game regulations apply.