Who runs Lake Nacimiento?

Monterey County Parks operates the lake through a third-party contractor, even though the lake sits in San Luis Obispo County.

Do I need a permit to launch at Lake Nacimiento?

Yes. Every vessel needs a valid Vessel Screening Permit, unless it is enrolled in the Resident Vessel Program. The permit is valid for up to 21 consecutive days and only for Nacimiento.

Can I launch if my boat was on another lake?

Not if it was on mussel-infested water in the past 30 days, unless it passes inspection. Decontamination certificates are not accepted.

What is the fine for launching without a permit?

Failure to present a valid permit can bring fines up to $2,000.

How do I make camping reservations?

Call (805) 237-4924 or email reservations@golakenaci.com.

Lake Nacimiento Boating Guide: Marina, Launch, Mussel Screening Permit

Overview

Lake Nacimiento is a large reservoir near Bradley, in the far north of San Luis Obispo County. Monterey County Parks operates the lake through a third-party contractor, and the boat launching facility is at 10625 Nacimiento Lake Drive. At full pool the lake covers about 5,727 acres, which makes it one of the Central Coast's biggest boating lakes.

Marina and launch

The Lake Nacimiento Marina has 136 covered slips and 60 dry storage spaces, and the state directory lists 300 trailer parking spaces and 16 boarding floats. Amenities include fuel, boat rentals, a restaurant, lodging, a store, a launching valet and an oil disposal station. A floating restroom is also listed on the lake.

Vessel screening is mandatory

Nacimiento runs one of the strictest mussel programs in the state. Every vessel needs a valid Vessel Screening Permit signed by a certified screener before launch, unless it is enrolled in the Resident Vessel Program. A permit is valid for up to 21 consecutive days and only for Nacimiento. Vessels used on mussel-infested water in the past 30 days must pass inspection, and failing to show a valid permit can bring fines up to $2,000. Decontamination certificates are not accepted.

Camping

Six campgrounds surround the lake, including Quails Roost, Oak Knoll, Rocky Canyon, Sandy Point, Eagles Ridge and Pine Knoll. Entrance and camping fees are per vehicle with summer (April 1 to September 30) and winter rates.

Getting there & access

By road

The launch and marina are at 10625 Nacimiento Lake Drive in Bradley. The state directory places the launch at about 35.7655, -120.8975.

Launching

The county lists a launch ramp near the Pine Knoll campground area. The marina offers a launching valet, transient berths and shore boat service.

Screening before launch

Complete the vessel affidavit with registration and last-use location, present current boat registration and let the certified screener inspect. A mussel-detection dog may be used, and a dog alert means a 30-day quarantine across the county lakes.

Coming back and re-entering

Bands are available at the exit for easier reentry and must stay intact. The permit is valid only for Nacimiento.

Amenities

Covered slips — 136 covered slips at the marina
Dry storage — 60 dry storage units
Fuel — Fuel sales listed at the marina
Boat rentals — Rentals listed at the marina
Restaurant and snack bar — Both listed at the marina
Lodging — Lodging listed at the marina
Launching valet — Valet launch and shore boat service
Campgrounds — Six campgrounds from tent-only Quails Roost to full-hookup Oak Knoll