Cull Canyon
Swimming hole in San Leandro, California · Lake
Cull Canyon is a lake swimming hole. It is at 18627 Cull Canyon Rd (swim complex) / 18825 Cull Canyon Rd, Castro Valley, CA. Fee notes: Swim lagoon walk-up about $5 ages 18–61 / $3 ages 2–17 or 62+/disabled / free under 2; op…. Best season: Weekday afternoons in June–August for shorter gate lines.
Swim only inside the lifeguarded lagoon. Swimming in the undeveloped reservoir areas outside the fence is not permitted.
About Cull Canyon
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in Castro Valley is an East Bay Regional Park District family swim stop. a **chlorinated swim lagoon** with a sandy beach, bathhouse, and lifeguards (not a wild creek hole). Swimming is allowed **only when lifeguards are on duty** inside the fenced complex. Typical season pattern: weekends/holidays mid-May through late September, plus **daily** hours from early June through mid-August, **11 a.m., 6 p.m.** (exit water by **5:30 p.m.**). Walk-up fees hover around **$5 adult / $3 youth**; parking in the park is free. Capacity caps mean weekend pre-registration (~$6) can help. walk-ups stop when the lagoon fills. Bring cash/card for the gate, towels, and shade if you can. hot East Bay weekends get intense in the open lagoon with limited natural tree cover inside the fence.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 18627 Cull Canyon Rd (swim complex) / 18825 Cull Canyon Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94552
- Water type
- Lake
- Water body
- Cull Creek
- Fee
- Swim lagoon walk-up about $5 ages 18–61 / $3 ages 2–17 or 62+/disabled / free under 2; optional weekend pre-pay $6; parking free
- Nearest town
- San Leandro
- State
- California
- Coordinates
- 37.71600, -122.05550
- Best season
- Weekday afternoons in June–August for shorter gate lines
- Access difficulty
- Easy — paved parking and bathhouse access
- Parking
- Limited / restricted
- Restrooms
- Limited — see facilities notes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal — confirm on arrival)
- Dogs allowed
- No
- Activities
- Supervised swimming, picnicking, short park trails
- Facilities
- Bathhouse, vending, picnic areas, free parking, lifeguards in season
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitWeekday afternoons in June, August for shorter gate lines
- AccessEasy. paved parking and bathhouse access
- FacilitiesBathhouse, vending, picnic areas, free parking, lifeguards in season
Highlights & features
- Family-friendly swimming lagoon
- Seasonal lifeguard presence
- Scenic hiking trails
- Wildlife and birdwatching
- Accessible facilities
- Managed swimming lagoon with consistent water clarity
- Proximity to urban centers while offering a natural escape
- Seasonal wildflower blooms and vibrant fall foliage
How to get there
Swim complex address: 18627 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552 (park offices also list 18825 Cull Canyon Rd).
1. From I-580, exit toward Cull Canyon Road in Castro Valley and drive a short distance north into the recreation area.
2. Park free in the Cull Canyon lots (gate hours roughly 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Mar–Nov).
3. Pay swim entry at the complex gate (or show pre-registration on weekends/holidays).
4. Swim only inside the lifeguarded lagoon — no swimming in undeveloped reservoir areas outside the fence.
Dogs are not allowed inside the fenced swim area. No alcohol in the swim complex.
Plan your visit
Cull Canyon works well as a day trip from San Leandro or Hayward. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include Aquatic Park (about 21 mi away) and Sequoia National Park Region Swimming Spots (about 22 mi away). For the full list in California, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. A fee is required for entry; consult the official park website for current rates and pass options. The lake is a sanctioned, official recreation area.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cull Canyon swimming cost?
Walk-up about $5 for ages 18–61 and $3 for ages 2–17 or seniors 62+/disabled; under 2 free. Optional weekend/holiday pre-pay is about $6.
What are Cull Canyon swim hours?
When open: typically 11 a.m.–6 p.m., with everyone out of the water by 5:30 p.m. Season is weekends mid-May–late Sept plus daily in peak summer — confirm on ebparks.org.
Is Cull Canyon a natural lake?
The public swim feature is a chlorinated, lifeguarded lagoon with a sandy beach — a managed swim complex, not an unsupervised quarry or creek.
Is parking free at Cull Canyon?
Yes — East Bay Regional Park District lists no parking fee at Cull Canyon.
Can you bring dogs to Cull Canyon swim lagoon?
No dogs inside the fenced swim area. Dogs may be allowed elsewhere in the park where posted.
Do you need a reservation for Cull Canyon?
Weekdays in peak season are typically walk-up. Weekends/holidays offer optional pre-registration; walk-ups are first-come until capacity.
Is there a lifeguard at Cull Canyon?
Yes — swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty during published swim-complex hours.
How far is Cull Canyon from Oakland or Hayward?
About 15–25 minutes from Hayward/San Leandro via I-580 to Cull Canyon Road in Castro Valley.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Cull Canyon reflects Alameda County’s efforts to balance urban development with natural conservation, providing a green space for recreation amidst the region's suburban growth.
Conservation
Cull Canyon is part of the East Bay Regional Park District, which emphasizes sustainability and habitat preservation. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect local wildlife and plant life.
Sources & updates
Reference sources
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