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ABOUT US
Created by the construction of the Salinas Dam in 1941, Santa Margarita Lake was originally designed to furnish water to Camp
San Luis Obispo.
Today, swimming in the lake
is not permitted as it is the drinking water reservoir for
the City of San Luis Obispo.
Beyond the developed area of the park, Santa Margarita
Lake Natural Area represents several thousand acres of designated
open space. This section of the park is managed for its natural
resource values, passive recreational use,
and environmental
education opportunities. The area is accessible to hikers,
bicyclists and equestrians. Motor vehicles are not permitted
in the Natural Area. Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park is a nature lover's retreat.
With thousands of acres of unspoiled open space, the park is
home to countless species of plants and wildlife making it the
perfect location for nature study, boating, and fishing.
BOATERS NOTICE - QUAGGA MUSSEL
This link will provide you with information regarding invasive species that could affect Santa Margarita Lake and Lopez Lake. If you have additional questions please contact our Supervising Ranger, Don Melin at dmelin@co.slo.ca.us. or Parks Superintendent Ernie Del Rio at edelrio@co.slo.ca.us.
San Luis Obispo County Parks
California Department of Water Resources
California Department of Fish & Game
DIRECTIONS TO SML
Driving north or south on Highway 101 take the Highway 58 exit into Santa Margarita. Follow thru town and look for Highway 58 signs. At the end of town you will turn right onto Highway 58. This is also referred to as Santa Margarita Lake Road or Pozo Road. Follow this road for approximately 6 miles to Santa Margarita Lake Road. Do NOT turn left onto Highway 58. You want to continue straight until you get to Santa Margarita Lake Road. Turn left (the Rinconada Store will be on your right). Entrance to Santa Margarita Lake is at the end of this road.
DIRECTIONS TO NATURAL AREA
Primary
access to the Natural Area is
from River Road at the east
end of the lake. Take Pozo Road
about eight miles southeast of Santa Margarita Lake road, turn left on River
Road, and proceed for about two miles. The entrance is on
the left.
CURRENT LAKE LEVEL
As of October 7, 2008 Santa Margarita Lake's water level
is at 80.4% (surface acres). Info: http://www.slocity.org/utilities/reslevels.asp
CAMPING
/ CAMPING RESERVATIONS
There are 60 primitive campsites (no hook-ups) and reservations can be made up to one year in advance. Campsites are located in
the Coyote,
Roadrunner, Grey Pine, and Osprey campgrounds The Sapwi and
Khus campgrounds are primitive boat-in sites that can be reserved
by individuals or groups (up to five sites maximum).
FISHING / BOATING
Santa Margarita Lake is noted for its excellent
fishing and peaceful boating. Cast your line into Santa Margarita Lake and you'll find
hungry redear, striped bass, trout, catfish, crappie and bluegill.
Fish from shore, use one of the launch ramps,
or try your
luck from a boat or canoe.
PICNIC AREAS / HIKING TRAILS
Individual
picnic sites with shade, ample seating, larger barbecues and
other amenities are found throughout the park. The White
Oak group day-use picnic area is perfect for family reunions,
company picnics, club barbeques or special events, and can
be reserved year-round. the park also hosts
a vast range
of hiking and riding trails which offer breath-taking views
of the lake and surrounding mountains.
OTHER
ACTIVITIES
The Santa Margarita Lake Swimming Pool is open from Memorial
Day weekend through Labor Day. Contact the Santa Margarita
Lake Office for hours of operation. .
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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PARKS
1087 SANTA ROSA STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408
805-781-5930
FAX: 805-781-1102
SLOParks@co.slo.ca.us
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