Don Castro Regional Recreation Area — Attraction in Castro Valley

I'm honestly surprised that not many people know about this, at least everyone we tell!

The beach is clean. The water is clean too. The bathrooms are also very clean. They have showers. They have lots of tables and spots away from the beach to BBQ. We come when they open and spend the full day there. They do this thing where they have water breaks for the kids and so everyone under a certain age has to get out of the water. Its for like 10-15mins but the adults get the water to themselves and it's great that parents who don't join their littles in the water can then recount and make sure everyone is good, reapply sunscreen, take a snack break etc. There is no place to buy food or drinks so you gotta come with your own stuff but they let you bring in little grills too.

Hiccups: We always make a reservation and last summer they would check in the reservation line way before it opened. We still had to wait outside but we all already had our bracelets so when they opened the doors we could just go right in. There's the non-reservation line. This summer, the last 3 visits, they started checking in at the time the park opens. Which means it moves as slow as the non-reservation line, sometimes even slower! Idky they do this. Theres no reason people in the non-reservation line are getting in before people who have already prepaid. But thats how it is this summer. Also, youre allowed to eat on the beach which is great BUT times there are kids bringing their food into the water like big piece of watermelon or their soda drinks and then instead of throwing the rinds and cans out they let it go...in the water. So families do need to pay more attention to their young ones...

This Hidden Gem is an Local Favorite for swimming, fishing, barbeques, parties and hiking. The lake is very clean and always has adequate Life Gaurds on staff as well as Park Rangers and Cleaning Staff. The bathrooms and showers are large and there are plenty of very large changing stalls that can accommodate a parent and several small children. The snack bar isn't always open but most people pack coolers, picnics and barbecues. There are covered areas that can be reserved but many people bring their own pop ups and tents. There is a wonderful family atmosphere. Not only is the entrance handicapped accessible, there is a ramp that can take a wheelchair all the way down to the lake.

The lake was stocked with 500 pounds of fish in June 2018. There is a pier but most people bring their lawn chairs and post up under the trees. A fishing permit is required and can be purchased at the entrance to the swimming area. You do have to pay to park during swim season and a large part of the parking area is unpaved. This affected my rating.

If you haven't been, or haven't been in a long time, you are in for a pleasant surprise. I highly...

My son caught the biggest catfish I've ever seen there BUT recently while he and his lady were walking their dog on the trail, they realized a mountain lion was tracking them! They were on the side of the lake where a fence separates homes from the lake. From the trail to the fences is up hill and using their flashlights to see (after sunset), they spotted the crouching lion! They believe the lion was scared away by their dog's (pit bull) loud barking when she saw the lion. While NOT RUNNING, they briskly made their way to the car! So much for evening walks in the park!! Wild animals try to keep away from humans but WE HUMANS are continuously invading their habitats, distroying their food supplies and forcing them to survive by entering OUR SPACES. WE give them NO choice! Please!!Before we destroy more of the gifts and blessings we've been given, help find a solution. Thanks for reading my message. God...