O'Neill Dam and Forebay are joint Federal-State facilities located on San Luis Creek 2.5 miles downstream from San Luis Dam. O'Neill Forebay Dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - San Joaquin Division - San Luis Unit. The reservoir has a surface area of 2,250 acres and 14 miles of shoreline. The Park includes
Maybe — confirm before you go.
Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 209-826-1198
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for O'Neill Forebay — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at O'Neill Forebay?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at O'Neill Forebay. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at O'Neill Forebay?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Jasper Sears Road, Los Banos Cdf Road. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at O'Neill Forebay. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Nearby sites
JPxG / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation San Luis Reservoir
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
formulanone / CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Los Banos Reservoir
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
