Can you swim in Santa Margarita Lake?

No. The county says swimming is not permitted because the lake is the drinking water reservoir for the City of San Luis Obispo.

Does Santa Margarita Lake have a boat ramp?

Yes, two: the Marina Launch Ramp and the White Oak Launch Ramp. Check the county conditions page for current status.

Do boats get inspected at Santa Margarita Lake?

Yes. Boats must arrive clean, drained and dry and pass inspection. Since January 1, 2026, boats with ballast need a 30-day quarantine, and bleach decontamination is no longer accepted.

Can I use a boat with a gas motor?

The county fee schedule includes a motorized boat fee that covers gas, battery and electric boats. We did not find an official horsepower limit, so confirm with the park office at (805) 788-2397.

Can I rent a boat at Santa Margarita Lake?

The state boating facilities directory lists boat rentals at the marina. Call the marina store at (805) 438-1522 for current availability.

Santa Margarita Lake Boating: Ramps, No Swimming, Mussel Rules

Overview

Santa Margarita Lake, also called Salinas Reservoir, sits in the hills east of Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo County. SLO County Parks runs the recreation area at 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road. The reservoir is a drinking water source for the City of San Luis Obispo, and that shapes everything about boating here.

No swimming

The county states plainly that swimming in the lake is not permitted because it is the city's drinking water reservoir. Plan on a boat, not a swim stop, and keep dogs, kids and gear out of the water.

Launches and the marina

There are two launch ramps, the Marina Launch Ramp and the White Oak Launch Ramp, which the county's conditions page has listed as open. The marina has a convenience store with fishing tackle and fuel sales, boat rentals, haul-out and repair, ice, restrooms and showers. The state facility listing gives 50 trailer parking spaces at the marina and 55 at the regional park launch.

Mussel rules

Boats must arrive clean, drained and dry and pass an inspection. Since January 1, 2026, boats with internal ballast need a 30-day quarantine and bleach decontamination is no longer accepted. Clear tags from Lopez Lake are not honored here.

Fishing and camping

Anglers target redear, trout, catfish, crappie and bluegill. The park has 60 primitive campsites and boat-in camps at Sapwi, Chipik and Khus.

Getting there & access

By road

The recreation area is at 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, east of the town of Santa Margarita. The state directory lists the marina at about 35.3276, -120.4904.

Marina Launch Ramp

The marina has a launching valet service, transient berths and fuel. The state listing gives 50 trailer parking spaces at the marina.

White Oak Launch Ramp

The second ramp is White Oak. The county conditions page has listed both ramps as open, but check current status and lake level before you tow.

Inspection

Every vessel must arrive clean, drained and dry and pass an inspection. Boats used in an infected lake within the last 30 days cannot launch. Ballast-equipped boats need a 30-day quarantine.

Amenities

Marina store — Convenience store with fishing tackle and fuel sales
Boat rentals — Offered at the marina, with haul-out and repair services
Launching valet — Valet launch and transient berth services at the marina
Ice and fish cleaning — Ice vending and a fish cleaning station (the county has listed the fish station as closed at times)
Restrooms and showers — At the marina
Primitive camping — 60 primitive campsites with no hookups
Boat-in camps — Sapwi, Chipik and Khus campgrounds
Trailer parking — 50 spaces at the marina and 55 at the park launch (state listing)

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Engine and fuel system care

Boats that sit between trips on a quiet reservoir benefit from fuel stabilizing and annual outboard service, and the marina offers repair and haul-out on site.

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