I was pleasantly surprised on my way from Bodega Bay to Mariposa (near Yosemite) when I came across the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area. I had purposely taken the Highway 152, thinking it might be a good road to use to relocate the RV from the western to the eastern side of California.

Upon passing the reservoir (I hate that word, but it is what it is!), I made a couple stops to check it out, then made a mental note to come back and spend more time. Activities include fishing, boating, picnicking, camping, hiking and ATV-ing. Though there are fewer roads, the actual shoreline makes up some 65 miles.

The reservoir is located on Highway 152 at the Pacheco Pass, just west of Los Banos. An interesting vistor's center is located on the south side, and so is Basalt Road, where most of my time was spent.

The reservoir was created to hold water for the massive Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project.