Lake San Antonio
- Type
- County-run reservoir
- Surface area
- 5,720 acres
- Dam completed
- 1965
- Shores
- North Shore and South Shore, separate entrances
- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Boat rentals
- Camping
- Wildlife & birding
About this lake
Lake San Antonio is a 5,720-acre reservoir behind San Antonio Dam in southern Monterey County, near Bradley, completed in 1965. Monterey County Parks runs the recreation area, which has a North Shore and a South Shore with separate entrances.
Launching
The state boating facilities database lists several public ramps: Harris Creek and Lynch on the South Shore, and the Pleyto and store ramps on the North Shore. Every boat must have a valid vessel screening permit for quagga and zebra mussels before launching, and must carry it on board. Water levels swing with drought years, and the lake has closed during low water, so check that your shore and ramp are open before you tow.
What's here
Boating is popular in summer, with fishing for bass, catfish and trout and camping right at the water's edge on the North Shore. In January and February, County Parks runs bald eagle tours that often sell out. The South Shore hosts the Wildflower triathlon each spring and closes to the public that weekend.
Recent changes
The county approved a new 50-slip marina with fuel at Harris Creek in 2022 to replace the old marina. In July 2024 the lake closed for two weeks after a large fish die-off and reopened on July 24.
Getting there & access
Getting there
The South Shore entrance is on San Antonio Road near Bradley, west of Highway 101. The North Shore is reached via New Pleyto Road.
Mussel screening
Every boat needs a valid vessel screening permit before launching at San Antonio or Nacimiento, and must carry it on board. Arrive clean, drained and dry.
Check before you go
Water levels vary a lot from year to year. Confirm with Monterey County Parks which shore and ramps are open, especially in dry years and around the spring triathlon weekend.
- Launch ramps
- Harris Creek, Lynch (South); Pleyto, store ramp (North)
- Before launch
- Vessel screening permit for mussels
- Mussel hotline
- 1-866-440-9530
What's here
Launch ramps
Several public ramps on the North and South Shores
Camping
Campgrounds on both shores, including waterfront sites on the North Shore
Fishing
Bass, catfish and trout
Eagle tours
Bald eagle tours in January and February; book ahead
Boat rentals
On-site rentals listed by the recreation area
Rules & official resources
- All vessels need a valid vessel screening permit before launching at San Antonio, and must carry it on boardcountyofmonterey.gov ↗
- South Shore closes to the public during the spring Wildflower triathlon weekend; the North Shore stays openkingcityrustler.com ↗
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
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