See and Do!
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area
About The Park
This popular Castro Valley swimming spot is only a short drive north from Interstate 580 on Cull Canyon Road in Castro Valley.
When the swim area was constructed, a secondary dam was built to provide an inner swimming area complete with sandy beach. Never previously tried, this innovation made the swim area water level independent of the reservoir's, unaffected by summer draw-downs.
The lagoon won the 1966 Governor's Design Award for Exceptional Distinction for Recreational Development in the category of landscape. Back to top
Park Activities
The swim complex is open during swim season with lifeguard service. For current hours of operation and lifeguard service schedule, visit the Swim Facilities page.
The swim complex includes a bathhouse, vending machines, and the 1.5-acre swim lagoon. It is ideal for families with small children who will enjoy splashing in the shallows and playing on the white sandy beach. Inside the swim complex there are three additional reservable picnic areas. (Beach access fee to enter swim area.)
There are several reservable picnic areas at the park. For information, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, then 1.
The large area inside the swim complex is also available to rent for parties, receptions, weddings, etc. For information, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, then 2.
The reservoir itself contains bass, catfish, and sunfish. The 360-acre park is a fine place to cool off on a hot summer day, fish, or just relax in the outdoors any time of year.
Cull Canyon also is on the Chabot-to-Garin Regional Trail, which is being developed between the two parks. The trail runs along the east side of Cull Canyon Reservoir, then heads north for six miles through East Bay Municipal Utility District property to EBMUD's Chabot Staging Area on Redwood Road (an EBMUD hiking permit is required for this section, phone 287-0459). From here the Willow View Trail leads into Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Back to top
To Reach The Park
- From I-580 eastbound in Castro Valley, take the Center Street exit, go north (left) on Center to Heyer, right on Heyer to Cull Canyon Road, and left on Cull Canyon Road to the park entrance on the left.
- From I-580 westbound, take the Castro Valley exit and continue west (left) on Castro Valley Blvd. to Crow Canyon Road. Turn right on Crow Canyon, then left on Cull Canyon Road and continue to the park entrance on the left.
Click here for public transit information. Back to top
Trail Map
Park Info
- Address
- 18627 Cull Canyon Road
Castro Valley, CA 94546 - Download Brochure
- Phone Numbers
- 510-537-2240
- Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4523
- Local Weather
- Maps
- View Trail Map
- Download PDF Map
- Yahoo Map
- Park Hours
- Open between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted or permitted
- Park Events
- Click here for upcoming events
- Parking Fee
- No fee
- Dog Fee
- No fee. No dogs allowed inside fenced swim area.
- 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