Lafayette Reservoir

Welcome to Lafayette Reservoir

The Lafayette Recreation Area is a year-round, day-use park ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking, located off Highway 24 only one mile from the Lafayette BART station.

Things to do

Picnicking

Tables and BBQ grills are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Several picnic areas are available for reservation and reservations are made online at:

Lafayette Reservoir Picnic Reservations
 

Fishing

EBMUD plants trout October through April. The reservoir is also home to catfish, bass, and sunfish. In addition to a California State Fishing License, an EBMUD Fishing Access Permit is required and may be purchased at the Visitor Center.

Boating

Row Boats and Pedal Boats are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis from park-opening until 4:00 p.m.  A $40.00 deposit is required.  Must be 18+ years old to rent.  All boats must be docked by 5:00 p.m.

Boat Rental Rates

50% discount only on non-holiday weekdays for seniors and disabled

Personal, car-top boats may be launched from park-opening until 3:00 pm; $4 for one-day launch, $6 for Zebra/Quagga mussel inspection fee (good for 30 days). All boats must check-in at the Visitor Center and be off the water when the Visitor Center closes. Stand-up paddle boards are not permitted.

Learn about requirements for boaters that help prevent the introduction of invasive mussels into EBMUD waters.

Hiking

There are two loop trails at Lafayette Reservoir: The Lakeside Nature Trail (paved, 2.7 miles) and the Rim Trail (unpaved, 4.7 miles). Including connector trails, Lafayette Reservoir offers over 10 miles of scenic hiking. Hikers are required to stay on designated trails. 

Biking/Skating

Visitors using bicycles, roller skates, roller blades and scooters are allowed on the paved Lakeside Nature Trail on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and on Sunday mornings until noon. 

Playground

The children's playground is located near the East Lawn and includes a "tot-lot" designed for children aged 2-5.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome and must be kept on-leash and under control at all times; leashes may not be longer than 6 feet in length.

Annual parking passes 

Annual parking passes are available for purchase at the Lafayette Reservoir Visitor Center. Passes are valid for one year from date of purchase; $120 or $80/disabled or senior (age 62 and up). 

Notice: Harmful algae present in Lafayette Reservoir

Blue-green algae in lakes can result in a buildup of toxins. While activities near the water, such as picnicking, biking, and hiking, are safe. take the following precautions for your safety.

• Body contact with water is never permitted. Keep children away from the water and the shoreline. Use tap water to rinse any skin that has contacted lake water.

• Keep pets, especially dogs, out of the water. They should neither enter nor drink the water.

• Fish caught here may be consumed after you throw away the intestinal tract and liver, and rinse filets with tap water.

 Lafayette Reservoir is a recreational reservoir; it is not used for drinking but serves as an emergency supply.

For more information contact EBMUD at 1-866-403-2683.

Updated trail maps

EBMUD is pleased to offer an update to the trails maps, including an interactive 3-D version with detailed trail locations, access points, elevations, amenities and a search function that allows users to find their ideal trails, including those within the Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area. Visit East Bay trails for more information.

Photo gallery of Lafayette Reservoir