Calero Reservoir
- Type
- County park reservoir
- Boat launch
- 23105 McKean Rd., San Jose, CA 95141
- Boating
- Power and limited-power, year-round
- Launch hours
- 8 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset
- Boat launch
- Sailing
- Jet skis allowed
- Restrooms
About this lake
Calero Reservoir sits in Calero County Park in the hills of south San Jose, and it's the Santa Clara County lake open to power boating all year.
On the water
Power boats, water skiers, personal watercraft, sailboats and paddlers all share the reservoir. The launch is open from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunset, and every boat is inspected for invasive mussels first.
Fishing and trails
The county advises catch and release because mercury makes the fish unsafe to eat. Ashore, 18.9 miles of trails cross the 4,471-acre park for hikers and horse riders.
Getting there & access
Getting there
The boat launch entrance is at 23105 McKean Road in south San Jose; the main park entrance is at 23205 McKean Road.
Inspection and quarantine
Every boat is inspected before launch. Since September 14, 2026, boats without an approved county band (seal) must sit out a 30-day quarantine, so keep the band on between trips.
Fees
Daily launch is $9 for registered powerboats, $5 for other boats and $3 for paddleboards or float tubes, plus a daily inspection fee of $7, $4 or $2. Annual passes are sold through the county.
- Launch fee
- $9 powered, $5 other, $3 SUP (plus inspection)
- Fish
- Catch and release (mercury advisory)
- Park office
- (408) 535-4070
What's here
Launch
Launch ramp with 70 trailer parking spaces and two boarding floats
Jet ski
Water skiing and personal watercraft allowed
Sailing
Sailing and paddling allowed
Restrooms
Restrooms at the launch
Trails
18.9 miles of hiking and equestrian trails
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- All vessels are inspected; DMV registration and the mussel-fee sticker must be current before arrivalparks.santaclaracounty.gov ↗
- Vessels arriving without an approved Santa Clara County band (seal) must complete a 30-day quarantine, starting September 14, 2026parks.santaclaracounty.gov ↗
- No swimming in any Santa Clara County Parks watersparks.santaclaracounty.gov ↗
- Children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all timesparks.santaclaracounty.gov ↗
- Mercury in fish: catch and release advisedparks.santaclaracounty.gov ↗
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