Outdoors
Lakes near San Luis Obispo
11 named lakes within 30 miles, nearest first, with a map and directions.
Lakes within 30 mi
11
Closest
1.7 mi
Laguna Lake
Within 10 miles
1
Reservoirs
3
Worth the drive
Map
Map of 11 places loads as you scroll.
All lakes, nearest first
- 1.7miLaguna Lake
- 11.5miSanta Margarita Lake
- 12.1miLopez Lakereservoir
- 13.2miAtascadero Lake
- 14.4miCelery Lake
- 14.7miWhite Lake
- 14.9miMud Lake
- 17miLittle Oso Flaco Lake
- 17.1miOso Flaco Lake
- 17.3miWhale Rock Reservoirreservoir
- 26.7miTwitchell Reservoirreservoir
Straight-line distance from the center of San Luis Obispo; driving and trail distances are longer.
Before you go
Many reservoirs are drinking-water supplies with no swimming or body contact. Look for a designated swim beach.
Green, scummy or paint-like water can be a toxic blue-green algae bloom. Keep kids and dogs out and check the county advisory.
Boat launches often need a day pass or inspection for invasive mussels, and anglers 16 and older usually need a state fishing license.
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Questions
What is the closest lake to San Luis Obispo?
Laguna Lake, about 1.7 miles from the center of San Luis Obispo.
How many lakes are near San Luis Obispo?
11 named lakes are within 30 miles, 1 of them within 10 miles.
Are the lakes near San Luis Obispo natural?
3 of the 11 are reservoirs made by dams; the rest are mapped as natural lakes. Swimming rules differ, so check each one.
Sources: Wikidata and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked 2026-11-08; photos from Wikimedia Commons under the licenses shown. Access, fees and conditions change; check before visiting.