See and Do!
Don Castro Regional Recreation Area
About The Park
Don Castro Regional Park is a 101-acre urban oasis on the boundary between Hayward and Castro Valley. The clear blue waters of the swim lagoon are a favorite with central Alameda County residents. The lagoon and adjacent lake were created in 1964 when the Alameda Flood Control and Water Conservation District dammed San Lorenzo Creek. Back to top
Park Features
The lake, San Lorenzo Creek Reservoir, is maintained by Alameda County Public Works and is closed to boating and swimming. Fishing is available year round and hikers along the shore will discover a surprising wilderness in miniature, where turtles and frogs splash in the water, ducks rest in the reeds and raccoons and deer come down to drink at sunset. There is access to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the Chabot to Garin trail and over five miles of trails in the Five Canyons Open Space. The adjacent lagoon is supplied with water from EBMUD, and a large shallow area is roped off especially for children. Back to top
Park Activities
Swimming
Swimming in the lagoon is the park's main attraction. There is a beach access fee. Swim hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and only when lifeguards are on duty. For operation hours and lifeguard service schedule, visit the Swim Facilities page. Organized groups planning to use the swim complex should call 1-888-EBPARKS, option 2, then 1, to notify park staff and to receive necessary facility information. There is a bathhouse, a vending machine, a sandy beach and large lawn areas. Dogs are not allowed in the swim complex. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Back to top
Picnicking
Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, although some reservable group sites are available. There is a fee for reservable sites; for information call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, then 1. Back to top
Fishing
Anglers along the lake may catch trout, bass, catfish and bluegill. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. A California state fishing license is required for anglers age 16 or older. In addition, a Park District daily fishing permit is required and may be purchased through a self-registration process located at the swim complex entrance ($4 in exact change required; fee subject to change). State fish and game regulations apply. Back to top
Note:
- DON CASTRO SWIM LAGOON will close for construction on July 5, 2007 and reopen Memorial Day weekend of 2008. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Please check with Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area for their availability.
- ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES are not permitted at Don Castro Regional Recreation Area from the week before Easter through the second Sunday in October.
- PLEASE RECYCLE your bottles and cans while you are at Don Castro. Recycling containers are provided throughout Don Castro Park.
Park Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible restrooms, drinking water, and disabled parking are available in the park. There is a wheelchair accessible fishing dock near Siesta Picnic Area.
Beach wheelchairs, intended to provide a means for wheelchair-bound individuals to travel across the beach, are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. They require an assistant to push and are not intended to enter the water. To arrange for use of a chair, call the park office at (510) 247-2522. Arrangements will be made to bring the chair out to the beach. It takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare the chair. Staff will give a brief orientation to the chair and arrange a time for the chair to be returned.
Trail Accessibility Report
Fishing Lake Trail: Download PDF format | Download Word format
Click here for public transit information. Back to top
To Reach The Park
- By Car
- From I-580 eastbound from San Leandro, take the Center Street exit in Castro Valley; right on Center to Kelly Street; left on Kelly and left on Woodroe to the park entrance.
- From I-580 westbound take the Castro Valley exit and continue west on E. Castro Valley Blvd. to Grove Way; left on Grove; left on Center; left on Kelly; and left on Woodroe to the park entrance.
- Public Transit
- From Hayward BART, take AC Transit Bus Number 95 to Kelly Street and Woodroe Avenue (10-minute walk up Woodroe to the park). Buses run hourly on weekdays (every half hour during commute hours) and hourly on weekends. Telephone AC Transit to confirm bus schedule information: 817-1717 or see www.transit.511.org.
Trail Map
Park Info
- Address
- 22400 Woodroe Avenue
Hayward, CA 94541 - Download Brochure
- Phone Number
- 510-247-2522
- Local Weather
- Maps
- View Trail Map
- Download PDF Map
- Yahoo Map
- Park Hours
- 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in winter months
- Park Events
- Click here for upcoming events
- Parking Fee
- $5 weekends and holidays. Buses: $25/per bus.
- Dog Fee
- $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free
- Beach Access Fee
- See the Swim Facilities page
- Camping Reservations
- No reservable campgrounds
- Picnic Reservations
- 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, then 1
- Emergency Number
- 911
- EBRPD Headquarters
- 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757