Lake Nacimiento, Reservoir in San Luis Obispo County, California, US
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
Hearst Castle
19.8 km
Nitt Witt Ridge
23.1 km
Hearst Ranch
19.2 km
Lake San Antonio
11.9 km
Hearst San Simeon State Park
23 km
Piedras Blancas Light Station
30.5 km
William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach
23.4 km
Cayucos State Beach
33.2 km
Salmon Creek Falls
36.3 km
Silver Peak Wilderness
32.2 km
Whale Rock Reservoir
32.7 km
Harmony Headlands State Park
29.7 km
Carlton Hotel
38.6 km
Rios-Caledonia Adobe
23.7 km
Estero Bluffs State Park
33 km
Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve
26.2 km
Sebastian Store
23.6 km
Estrella Adobe Church
29.8 km
Paso Robles Carnegie Library
27.9 km
Bank of Italy
27.7 km
William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach
23.6 km
Franklin Hot Springs
33.6 km
Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden
35.4 km
Fort Hunter Liggett
33.7 km
Cayucos Beach
33.2 km
Call-Booth House
27.1 km
Cayucos State Beach
33.4 km
Camp Roberts Historical Museum
19.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes