Lafayette Reservoir

The Lafayette Reservoir is an open cut terminal water storage reservoir owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). It is located off of Highway 24 and a mile from the Lafayette BART station, in Contra Costa County, California. This all-year, day-use area is ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking. The reservoir is on the Orinda border. The reservoir is on a 925-acre (3.74 km2) site and holds 1.4 billion US gallons (5,300,000 m3)

Rowboats and pedal boats can be rented. Private rowboats, canoes, kayaks and small sailboats are allowed if carried atop your auto (no gasoline engines). There is a $4.00 launch fee and all boats must be off the water 2½ hours prior to the park closing. Launching docks and a small bait shop are added conveniences. A daily fishing access fee ($4.00) is required. (Fees here and at other EBMUD reservoirs cover costs of stocking fish taken by anglers.)

The main trail around the reservoir is a 2.7-mile paved footpath named the Lakeside Trail; the 4.5-mile Rim Trail is a more challenging dirt hiking path through the surrounding hills.

Families, groups and companies can reserve picnic areas holding 50 or 200 people. Many individual tables and barbecues accommodate smaller groups. A large play area offers lively fun for children. The park has restrooms and a disabled-access fishing dock with adjacent parking.

Entrance to the park is free; however, parking on site costs $7.00 per day. There are also a number of metered parking spaces available at a rate of $1.50/hour. The park's hours of operation range from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., depending on the season. Discounts for seniors and disabled persons are available also.