Lake Nacimiento

Lake Nacimiento is a reservoir covering roughly 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) with 265 kilometers (165 miles) of shoreline in the Santa Lucia Mountains of San Luis Obispo County, California. The winding arms and inlets branch between wooded hills and form a sprawling network of narrow waterways.

The Nacimiento Dam was built between 1954 and 1957 to irrigate farmland and control flooding from the Nacimiento River. The completed structure filled the valley and created the current waterscape with its many branches.

Anglers and boat operators know the branching inlets well and follow them according to season and water level. Local names for certain arms and bends reflect the close connection residents have with the artificial body of water.

The docking area offers slip rentals, equipment hire, and a supply shop, while several campgrounds are spread along the shore. Access to individual inlets is often from the water, as many shoreline areas are surrounded by hills.

Some of the water arms stretch for several kilometers between narrow hillsides and recall Norwegian fjords. These slim corridors create sheltered zones that paddlers favor for their calm conditions.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 35.74345,-120.96085

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26