Overview
Open between 5am and 10pm unless otherwise posted or permitted
Gate Hours:
Jan-Feb: 6am-6pm
Mar: 6am-7pm
Apr: 6am-8pm
May-Labor Day: 6am-9pm
Sep: 6am-8pm
Oct: 6am-7pm
Nov-Dec.: 6am-6pm
Parking: $5 per vehicle, $4 per trailered vehicle. Buses: $25/per bus | Dogs: $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free | Daily fishing access: $5 per day | Boating: Boating, kayaking & sailing fees | Lake tours: $10 per hour per adult, $6 per hour per 12 yr & under | Guided kayak tour: $45 per 2.5 hours per adult, $25 per 2.5 hours per 12 yr & under | Charter boat: $120 per hour.
17600 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley, CA 94546
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4536
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Lake Chabot Reservoir was built in 1874-75 as a primary source of water for the East Bay. The 315-acre lake was closed to recreation for 91 years. Legislation passed in the 1960s opened the lake for controlled recreational uses. On June 18, 1966, EBRPD opened Lake Chabot Regional Park to the public after securing an agreement with the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD), which owns and operates the reservoir.
Currently, the lake serves as a standby emergency water supply. For this reason, visitors are asked to observe certain necessary regulations to keep the waters pure.
To Reach The Park
Maps
Park Accessibility
Lake Chabot has several fishing piers that include one with access for the disabled, and there is a wheelchair ramp from the parking lot to the marina. Within the marina area, there are wheelchair accessible restrooms, drinking fountains and picnic tables. The disabled parking spaces are located in the main lot.
Accessibility Resources
Access Northern California, in partnership with BORP, provides information related to accessibility at Lake Chabot Regional Park. Access Northern California Lake Chabot Regional Park Accessibility Page
(Disclaimer: The Park District has not reviewed and does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by Access Northern California Accessibility.)
Attractions
The 315-acre Lake Chabot is stocked with trout and catfish. There are also bass, crappie, and other fish. A popular event is the annual spring fishing derby. There are several fishing piers in the park. Enjoy scenic walks on the 280-acre Fairmont Ridge or take the Lake Chabot History Walk (PDF). An outdoor Fitness Zone has six interactive exercise machines set in a rain garden landscaped with native plants.
Services include rental of kayaks and boats (see "Fishing and Boating" below), the Lake Chabot Marina & Café (a cafe and bait and tackle shop).
Among the many amenities you can find picnicking areas, a grassy play area, horseshoe pits, hiking, bicycling, jogging, and running trails, and seasonal lake tours aboard the tour boat "Chabot Queen." The tour boat may be chartered for lake tours (see "Fishing and Boating" below).
Fishing and Boating
The 315-acre, well-stocked lake is open for fishing and boating throughout the year. It is a popular Bay Area fishing destination, ideal for kids out for their first fishing experience.
The Lake Chabot Marina Cafe offers a well-stocked bait and tackle shop and is open year round (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). It features a restaurant that serves snacks, breakfast, and lunch.
Fishing at Lake Chabot requires a current California Fishing License with stamps and a daily District Fishing Permit for all anglers aged 16 and older. California Fish and Game regulations apply. Fishing licenses and EBRPD permits may be purchased at the Marina Cafe. No live fish may be used as bait. All other legal bait and lures are permitted. Fish may be cleaned only at the cleaning station along the walk near the parking lot.
Catch-and-release angling is encouraged for bass, bluegill, and crappie. However, the release of badly hooked game fish and all non-game fish is not allowed. Please bring any unwanted and tagged fish and your completed creel census card (on the back of the fishing permit) to the Chabot Marina.
With your cooperation, we can maintain an effective fish management program to ensure that you will always have good fishing. For more info and fees, visit the Fishing page.
Rental boats and tour boat rides are available at the marina. The tour boat may be chartered for lake tours by calling (510) 247-2526. Naturalist-led tours may be scheduled by calling (510) 544-3187 or visiting our Educator Resources page for more information. Rental boats include rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, Duffy boats, and boats with electric trolling motors. For more information on rental boats see Lake Chabot Marina & Cafe online or call (510) 247-2526.
Canoes, kayaks, and scull craft 20 feet and under may be carried in and launched ($3). Inflatables with 3 or more chambers are allowed. Float tubes may be used at Lake Chabot. Persons using float tubes must wear waders or other wet-suit material to prevent body contact with the water in the reservoir. For more information and a schedule of fees, see our Boating and Sailing page.
Lake Chabot Recreation Activities in Chinese video.
Golfing
The District's 18-hole Redwood Canyon Public Golf Course (formerly Willow Park), part of Lake Chabot Regional Park and adjacent to Anthony Chabot Regional Park, is located at 17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley.
Hiking, Riding, and Bicycle Trails
Lake Chabot offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, which connect to the additional 70 miles of trails in adjoining Anthony Chabot Regional Park. The paved, 3.52-mile West Shore and East Shore trails provide access to the south and east shores of the lake (no equestrians on the East or West Shore Trail).
The Lake Chabot bicycle loop covers 12.42 miles via the Live Oak Trail and 14.41 miles via the Honker Bay Trail. Various trails in Lake Chabot Regional Park provide access to the Skyline National Trail north of the lake in Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
All fire roads in the park are open to mountain bikes unless otherwise posted. Please note that narrow single-track trails are closed to bicycles. Riders should be aware of hazardous trail conditions in winter months.
Picnicking
Picnic facilities (tables with barbecue pits) are located adjacent to the parking and marina area. These sites include first-come, first-served sites and 6 reservable picnic areas that accommodate 50-200 people each, depending on the site. View our Lake Chabot 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.
Swimming
Swimming is not permitted in Lake Chabot. The reservoir was built in 1874-75 as a primary water source for the East Bay and remained closed for 91 years. Legislation passed in the 1960s opened the lake for controlled recreational uses such as fishing and non-water-contact boating. Currently, the lake serves as a standby emergency water supply. Visitors are asked to observe regulations that keep the waters pure.
