Lake Chabot Regional Park, San Joaquin Valley Travel Guide

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Discover outdoor adventures and serene landscapes at Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley, offering hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking.

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Lake Chabot Regional Park

Lake Chabot Regional Park, nestled in Castro Valley, offers a 315-acre lake surrounded by redwood trees and diverse wildlife. Originally built in 1874-75 as a primary water source for the East Bay, it now serves as a standby emergency water supply and a recreational haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Lake Chabot Regional Park

17600 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, California, 94546, US
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Monday 6 am-9 pm
Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
Thursday 6 am-9 pm
Friday 6 am-9 pm
Saturday 6 am-9 pm
Sunday 6 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lake Chabot Regional Park.

Arrive early on weekends to secure parking, as the park can get crowded.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as many trails offer limited shade.
Check the East Bay Regional Park District website for blue-green algae advisories before visiting.
Consider bringing your own kayak or canoe and launching it for a small fee.
Street parking is available outside the park entrance to avoid the parking fee, but it may add 5-10 minutes of walking.

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Explore Lake Chabot Regional Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lake Chabot Regional Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From I-580 in Castro Valley, take the Strobridge Avenue exit if westbound, or the Redwood Road exit if eastbound. Follow the signs to Lake Chabot Road. The park entrance and marina are approximately two miles from Castro Valley Boulevard on Lake Chabot Road. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Alternatively, from I-580 in San Leandro, take the Fairmont Drive exit east (uphill), which becomes Lake Chabot Road; the marina entrance will be on the left.
Public Transport

From the Castro Valley BART station, it is approximately a 40-minute walk (3314 yards) to Lake Chabot Regional Park. Alternatively, from Bay Fair BART station, it's about a 60-minute walk (5206 yards), including a 1.5-mile uphill climb on Fairmont Drive. AC Transit bus lines 28 and 40 also serve the area. Check the 511.org website for the most up-to-date bus schedules and connections.
Biking

Cyclists can reach Lake Chabot from the Bay Fair BART station via a 1.5-mile climb up Fairmont Drive. Alternatively, access from the Castro Valley BART station involves riding on Castro Valley Boulevard to Lake Chabot Road, avoiding the Fairmont Drive hill. Be aware that the climb up Fairmont Drive can be challenging. Bike parking is available at the marina.

Discover more about Lake Chabot Regional Park

Lake Chabot Regional Park, a scenic gem in Castro Valley, provides a diverse range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty. The park's centerpiece, the 315-acre Lake Chabot, was constructed in 1874-75 by Anthony Chabot and initially served as the primary water source for the East Bay. For 91 years, recreational use was prohibited, but legislation in the 1960s opened the lake for controlled public enjoyment.Today, Lake Chabot is a popular destination for fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking. The lake is stocked with trout and catfish, attracting anglers of all ages. Boat rentals, including kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats, are available at the marina. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of hiking trails, including the paved East Shore and West Shore trails, which offer accessible routes for wheelchairs and strollers. These trails connect to an additional 70 miles of trails in the adjoining Anthony Chabot Regional Park.The park also features picnic areas with BBQ pits, a cafe, and an outdoor fitness zone. While swimming is not allowed in the lake, the park provides ample opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. The Lake Chabot History Walk offers insights into the area's past, while the Fairmont Ridge provides scenic views. Lake Chabot's blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance makes it a worthwhile destination for travelers.