Modesto Reservoir

Modesto Reservoir is a Stanislaus County regional park on Reservoir Road near Waterford, off Highway 132 east of Modesto. With about 2,800 acres of water, it's an all-around boating lake used for skiing, wakeboarding, personal watercraft, fishing and camping.

Layout

The main launch area and park entrance are at 18143 Reservoir Road. Modesto Marina, at 18139 Reservoir Road, has fuel, a convenience store, tackle and a snack bar. Campsites are spread around the shoreline.

Why the rules are strict

The reservoir is part of a drinking-water supply, so the County bans pets and gas cans in the park. Vessel inspections are mandatory. When golden mussel restrictions closed nearby Woodward Reservoir to boats in April 2025, Modesto stayed open. The County kept mandatory inspections and required boats to be clean, drained and dry and to have stayed out of infested waters for 30 days. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife rated Modesto low risk for golden mussels, and the County deployed K9 mussel-detection teams on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Before you go

Don't clean or drain your boat at the lake or the ramp; do it at home. The County updated its fee schedule effective December 19, 2025, and reservations are made online. Rules have changed several times since 2025, so check with the park before you tow.