O'Neill Dam, Embankment dam in Merced County, United States.
O'Neill Dam is an embankment structure that crosses the San Luis Creek valley in California and creates a large reservoir with multiple shoreline areas. The water body provides space for various water-based activities and is fed through irrigation channels from larger waterways.
The dam was constructed between 1963 and 1967 by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of a major irrigation project for the valley. Its completion marked an important step in moving water from northern sources to agricultural areas in the south.
The forebay serves as a recreation hub for people from the surrounding region who come for fishing, boating, and weekend outings. It has become a regular gathering place for water lovers and families seeking outdoor activities.
The dam is located roughly 20 kilometers west of Los Banos along a major highway and is easily accessible by car. Visitors should note that the location sits in a dry region and water levels vary seasonally throughout the year.
The dam is managed by a special spillway with a circular funnel design that looks like a giant bathtub drain when in operation. This unusual system regulates water flow in an automatic way without requiring moving parts to function.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
