Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Enjoy Camping, Cabin Rentals, Fishing, Boating, Playgrounds, Walking Trails and Picnics at this East County Oasis!
Cast a line, rent a pedal boat, enjoy a picnic, and camp out at this peaceful preserve in the heart of East County. Just a short drive for most locals, this beautiful 190-acre park and RV campground surrounds a chain of seven private, recycled water lakes that are stocked with sport fish year-round. No state license is required; just a permit from the property’s General Store. More than 35,000 pounds of catfish and rainbow trout are stocked in the Lakes (on a seasonal basis). Bluegill and bass are also prevalent, with a catch-and-release policy on large-mouth bass.
The oasis further offers five miles of trails for walking, running and biking, and has seven playgrounds, including a Sprayground for hot summer days, and Boulder Island for adventurous types. The park is also home to more than 230 species of birds. Enthusiasts are invited to photograph the various waterfowl, grebes, raptors and other birds and may download a list of those spotted at Santee Lakes here.
Visitors planning an overnight stay may rent cabins on the lakefront or take advantage of the 300-site full hook-up campground. Cabin options include Lakefront, Floating or ADA — all providing nature’s best views! Enjoy WiFi, kitchenettes, living rooms with a sofa, TV and outdoor amenities such as propane barbecues with utensils, in all of the cabins. Lakefront cabins each have a cozy front porch, fire ring and shared pedal boats, while the floating cabins share a community fire ring and have their own private pedal boat, and porch.
Don’t feel like cooking? Stop in at the campground’s palate-pleaser: Angry Petes Pizza. The eatery serves up Detroit-style pizza (deep dish with a crispy crust), burgers, and other comfort food paired with a sunny, expansive dining deck overlooking the water.
Spend a quiet day or weekend exploring and taking in the fresh air, or stop in at the Clubhouse, a center for family-oriented fun. Activities throughout the year include the Kids’ Fishing Derby, Firefighters Fishing Derby, Summer Jams On Deck, Stockzilla, Ladies at the Lake Fall Market, Spooktacular, Trick-or-Treating (Campground Only), and the dazzling Lights at the Lakes Holiday Show.
More on Santee Lakes Events:
• Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby — Hosted by Spring Valley Lions Club in spring. Children 15 and under fish for FREE. The event is held at Lake 4, Kiwanis Playground & Lions Fishing Pier.
• Firefighters Fishing Derby — Bring your friends and family to catch some fish and support your local firefighters.
• Summer Jams On Deck – Cool off and enjoy live music weekends on the deck at Angry Pete’s Pizza.
• Stockzilla Catfish Mega Stock — Held in October, 3500 pounds of catfish are stocked in Lakes 2 through 7. This event has trophy-sized catfish and 40 tagged catfish good for gift cards. There is a grand prize for the largest catfish caught during this weekend event.
• Ladies at the Lake Fall Market — The event features hand-picked local vendors and enjoy a unique shopping experience at a beautiful venue! Buy locally made jewelry, candles, and soaps.
• Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat — Families enjoy games, crafts, Mary’s donut walk, photo ops and special guests. Local businesses host their trunks and pass out candy to guests. This new event is sure to become another popular tradition at Santee Lakes where families and friends can come together and make special memories.
• Trout Opener — A November event with 2,500 pounds of rainbows stocked in the lakes.• Lights at the Lakes Holiday Show — Bring your cocoa, family, and happy pets, and drive through and admire 100,000 twinkling lights during this December event.
The venue is also ideal for weddings, corporate events and other occasions. A breathtaking gazebo, for example, offers lovely lake views. Learn more about facility rentals, cabin rentals and events at santeelakes.com.
Coupon
$5 Off Any Pedal Boat
Location
9310, Fanita Parkway, Santee, San Diego County, California, 92071
Located in East County
9310 FANITA PARKWAY
SANTEE , CA 92071
(619) 596-3141
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Learn More About Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
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