Coyote Lake (Harvey Bear Ranch)
- Type
- County park reservoir
- Address
- 10840 Coyote Reservoir Rd., Gilroy, CA 95020
- Boating season
- Mid-April to mid-October
- Launch
- 3-lane concrete ramp, 2 docks
- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Jet skis allowed
- Camping
- Restrooms
About this lake
Coyote Lake is a reservoir about 3 miles long in Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Valley Water owns the 1936 dam, and Santa Clara County runs the park.
On the water
Power boats, water skiers, personal watercraft, sailboats and paddlers use the lake from mid-April to mid-October; it's closed to all boating the rest of the year. The launch has a 3-lane concrete ramp and two docks, about 2 miles north of the visitor center.
Camping and fishing
Lakeview Campground has 73 reservable sites, 18 with water and electric hookups. Anglers catch black bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and carp from shore around the clock, but a state advisory warns against eating fish from the lake because of mercury.
Getting there & access
Getting there
The park entrance is at 10840 Coyote Reservoir Road, east of Gilroy; the launch is about 2 miles north of the visitor center.
Season
Boating is closed from mid-October to mid-April. Shore fishing, camping and trails stay open.
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.
- Allowed
- Power boats, water skiing, PWC, sailing, paddling
- Camping
- 73 sites, 18 with hookups
- Park office
- (408) 842-7800
What's here
Launch
3-lane concrete ramp with two docks and paved trailer parking
Jet ski
Water skiing and personal watercraft allowed in season
Camping
Lakeview Campground, 73 sites, 18 with water and electric
Fishing
Black bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and carp; shore fishing 24 hours
Restrooms
Restroom at the launch
Trails
More than 30 miles of hiking, biking 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 ↗
- Lake closed to boating from mid-October to mid-Aprilparks.santaclaracounty.gov ↗
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