Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Category: RV park

Address: 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071, USA

Phone: +16195963141

Reviews

Ashley Hooker

Jul 11, 2022

Santee Lakes is an absolutely magical place to camp at. There is SO much to do here. The entire campground is very kid friendly and many precautions have been taken to ensure security. Its always quiet after hours, and theres no issue getting a peaceful nights rest. Lastly, the girls in the office are so sweet and helpful. Specifically, Rebecca and Cari are absolute angels who really try to make sure that you have the best possible stay. Come stay for a while, you're gonna love it here!

Bryan -858

Jul 8, 2022

Went camping here with our van and tent, awesome place to chill. Enjoyed the fishing although we didn't get any bites also rented paddle boats and the kids had a good time..

Maximo Fernandez

May 13, 2022

I've rented cabins from here from 3-4 times annually. my family and I still enjoy the atmosphere just like day 1. We are Blessed to catch fish every time we come here. Thank you Santee Lakes and employees!

Kamran Walsh

Apr 25, 2022

I want to like this place but the regulations can make the fishing frustrating here, especially during catfish season. Although they can be caught during the day, catfish bite best at night or at sunrise/sunset -times at which the park is closed. I understand the liability and security risks imposed with the park being open after dark, but it’s frustrating to be fishing during the late afternoon and get kicked out as soon as the bite starts to turn on. What’s the point of stocking a primarily nocturnal species and then not allowing you to fish for them at night? The same applies to morning fishing; they were biting well this morning for the first hour of opening and shut off once the sun came out. Aside from the very few night fishing events, the only other option for targeting catfish during the times in which they are the most active is camping, which has a two-night minimum, has very few tent/car camping opportunities, doesn’t allow you to fish the lakes that receive the heaviest stockings, and doesn’t even allow you to fish anywhere except for directly in front of whatever campsite you are matched with. Also, do not come here on trout opening day. It is shoulder-to-shoulder insanity, with cars stretching nearly a mile past the opening gate by 4am and people that literally camp out in front the night before to have first crack at the fish. The most ridiculously crowded fishing you will ever experience. The water in the lakes is also too warm for the trout to survive, and they all die within weeks. There are lots of great fishing spots in the San Diego area, and this place is not one of them.

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Questions & Answers

How much do they charge for tent campingper night?

Vicki De La Guerrar | Aug 19, 2020
Google User | Nov 22, 2021

Check website

Do they have rv spaces for a 34 motorhome?

L A | Aug 20, 2019
Michael Wares | Aug 20, 2019

Yes they do

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Can you use a grill??

SaMUEL Ramirez | Aug 20, 2019
Sue Honeycutt | Aug 20, 2019

Yes you can bring yours. They have grills and a charcoal disposal areas also.

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Can you swim

RICARDO RUIZ CABRAL | Aug 20, 2018
Nicole Imbimbo | Aug 20, 2018

There is no swimming in the lakes. The day use park has a spray ground for children which you can buy a wrist band at the front gate. The pool is strictly for campers.

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Is the spray park open this month

Alissa b | Aug 19, 2021
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve | Mar 22, 2022

It is open any day when the weather is over 70 degrees.

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Do you have to pay to get in,if yes how much

Sabri Jamou | Aug 19, 2021
Santee Lakes | Aug 19, 2021

First, apologies for late answer (this site is not monitored on weekends). Yes, there is a parking fee for your entire carload. $4 weekday and $6 weekend.

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It’s the pool open this weekend ?

Lupe Moreno | Aug 19, 2020
Santee Lakes | Aug 19, 2020

As of today, it will not be open. We will post on our website when it is, hopefully soon!

I'll ask again, Dose anyone know when they are stocking Rainbow Trout at Santee lakes?

Robinson's Do It Best! | Aug 19, 2020
Santee Lakes | Aug 19, 2020

Trout is not in season until it cools down. We will start stocking in November for trout.

When are they stocking Rainbow Trout?

Robinson's Do It Best! | Aug 19, 2020
bobbie hopkins | Aug 19, 2020

Give them a call to get accurate info on that

How much to store rv at santee lakes.

Debra Owen | Aug 19, 2020
Bill Norlin | Aug 19, 2020

Sorry I don't know.maby you cannot store it. Suggest you give them a call.

Can you smoke in the campgrounds

Robbie Isaacs | Aug 20, 2019
Santee Lakes | Aug 20, 2019

Yes, you may smoke in the campground. As mentioned, not in the cabins or near general public (swimming pool, playground etc)

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How far ahead can you make reservations for campground? Website will not show March dates.

Sandy Sund | Aug 20, 2019
Santee Lakes | Aug 20, 2019

You can make daily reservations 6 months in advance and longer term (30 days or more) 1 year in advance.

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What time dose it close at sunday

Sahar Sultani | Aug 20, 2018
Jane K | Aug 20, 2018

7pm every day I think.

how much are the paddle boats?

Aiesha Ocampo | Aug 20, 2018
Santee Lakes | Aug 20, 2019

$12 half hour $16 full hour :) If you rent a cabin, it comes with the rental.

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Is the a club house

Lee Slater | Aug 20, 2018
Amer Madalou | Aug 20, 2018

Yes

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Is there a swimming pool

Vicki Whittemore | Aug 20, 2018
TheTrimmedLeaf Eleven | Aug 20, 2018

Two and a spa

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If I'm not going to camp just to fish is there a closing time for fishing or can you fish whenever. Also can I even get in if I'm not camping?

Jake Hageman | Aug 20, 2018
michele swycaffer | Aug 20, 2018

If you just wanna fishing You can your $10 for 4. for parking, And I'll tell you which lakes you can fish when you get there have fun

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How big are the cabins

Lori Brown | Aug 20, 2018
SHIREL CRAWFORD | Aug 20, 2018

You can see them on their website.

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Is there a dump site for rv

Maria Contreras | Aug 20, 2018
Felicia Scott | Aug 20, 2018

I think so

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Does it cost to fish if you're camping

Mike Kennedy | Aug 20, 2018
Stephen Moulton | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, lakes 5 and 6 are for campers only. You can buy the fishing passes at the general store.

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Need a tent site for 8/20/17 -8/21/17.

A Google User | Aug 20, 2017
Dawn Holmberg | Aug 20, 2018

No

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Do they allow small kayak?

Hiep Huynh | Jul 20, 2022
Bill Norlin | Jul 20, 2022

No sorry about that.

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Is the RV dump station for campers only or can you pay a fee to use it?

Tommy Dolan | Jun 20, 2022
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve | Jun 20, 2022

It's for everyone. Non-campers pay $25 fee.

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Do they rent monthly? And if yes how much?

mike pleasant | Sep 23, 2021
Georgia petro | Sep 23, 2021

I believe they have a monthly rate but I believe they have like a 3-4month limit at a time.

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Do you need a fishing licenses?

Michael Carson | Aug 19, 2021
Robert Ward | Aug 19, 2021

No license needed, just 10.00 for adults and 6.00 for under 16

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Are the lakes open for fishing? Are there any restrictions?

Alfredo Garcia | Aug 19, 2021
Santee Lakes | Aug 19, 2021

Yes, we are open. Facial coverings are required when you cannot keep a 6ft distance between you and people that are not of your household.

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Family gatherings is fine at this time? And do you need to make a reservation for the picnic area?

belle Umali | Aug 19, 2021
Lilyne | Aug 19, 2021

Hi, I'm not aware of any restriction in terms of gatherings. When we went, we were 2 small families and it was fine. If you plan anything larger than 10, you should call them. As far as picking an area with tables, it is based on a first come first serve basis. They may also have gazebos for rent, I'm not sure.

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Can we bring our dog to the park??

Juan Carlos Aguilera | Aug 19, 2020
jess searle | Aug 19, 2021

Absolutely! Fur babies must be leashed.

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So my family and I can go camping with my tent?

Ruby TØP | Aug 19, 2020
mAMA.paNDA bear | Aug 19, 2021

Predominantly an RV Park, however they have 9 sites for tent campers (incl. 2 or 3 lakeside spots). Specify that you are a tent camper when making a reservation. 6 people and 1 tent per campsite.

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How many tents can be on each tent site?

Pamala Towler | Aug 19, 2020
mAMA.paNDA bear | Aug 19, 2021

6 people and 1 tent per campsite.

Hi! Does anyone know if there is an entrance fee for walk-ins, as well, or they only charge per car? Thanks!

Hadieh Yazdani | Aug 19, 2020
Billy Horton | Aug 19, 2020

Can walk in for free

Can guppy bring your dogs fishing with you

Nicholas Parra | Aug 19, 2020
Santee Lakes | Aug 19, 2020

Only if you are a registered camper in the campground. There are no pets allowed in the day use park. We do have a dog walk if you would like to use that.

Do you have fishing poles for rent?

Brenda Austin | Aug 19, 2020
Jeanne Pivonka | Aug 19, 2020

No

How much does it cost to rent a paddle boat on lake 5?

Spork | Aug 19, 2020
Santee Lakes | Aug 19, 2020

Pedal Boat: Half-hour $12, Hour $16 Kayak: $13, $17

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Can you fish off the paddle boats

Thomas Fox | Aug 19, 2020
Santee Lakes | Aug 19, 2020

yes!

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Can you swim in the lake?

Jeri Kingston | Aug 20, 2019
lupe sauceda | Aug 20, 2019

No swimming sorry

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Can you rent fishing poles and related equipment?

Mark C | Aug 20, 2019
Aimar Yousif Raheema | Aug 20, 2019

They do not provide fishing pole rentals. They do have some to purchase, and the staff will be able to help you set it up if necessary.

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U have spacie for rv 5th lees for 1year

Juan Mendoza | Aug 20, 2019
Bill Norlin | Aug 20, 2019

I don't know however where I was I saw RVs. Hope it works for you. Call Santee park too make sure. I saw big RVs there.

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Is there fireworks at the seven lakes in Santee

Andy Astifo | Aug 20, 2019
Jeffrey Scott | Aug 20, 2019

No no fireworks

Can you fill your fresh water tanks for your rv there??

SHER HEIN | Aug 20, 2019
Samuel Gallamore | Aug 20, 2019

Yes

do you to pay when you get to the park

jesse quiambao | Aug 20, 2019
Crimson Black | Aug 20, 2019

Yes for parking

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What is the elevation drop at the lakes from the entrance to the north end campground

jim horine | Aug 20, 2019
Santee Lakes | Aug 20, 2019

The drop is actually from north to south, north being a higher altitude and is 60 feet.

If you catch a koi can you keep it

Ryan Woodham | Aug 20, 2019
LUCAS WIDDES | Aug 20, 2019

Wow thanks for your question Ryan. I didn't even know they had koi fish in the lake. I think the suggestion to ask when you purchase your liscense is a good one. Just curious what would you do with it?... lol. For a pet or dinner :/

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Do u need a permit to fish

Esteban Camarena | Aug 20, 2019
Michael Wares | Aug 20, 2019

From the lakes yes

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Are Skoolies or converted camper Vans allowed?

Ana Santana | Aug 20, 2019
Santee Lakes | Aug 20, 2019

We do not allow for any type of conversion van. If there is an RVIA sticker adhered to the vehicle, it will be accepted. :)

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Do you need a fishing license on top of the fishing permit?

Erik Price | Aug 20, 2019
Ricardo Passos | Aug 20, 2019

No ..you just buy a day permit 10$ for one poll.....+ parking is 4$

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What do the fish bite on??

Ross Parsley | Aug 20, 2019
Sergio Rios | Aug 20, 2019

Depends what you're fishing for. I've caught trout there on mini jigs, the berkley power bait kind in natural colors, nothing bright just browns and greens. I've caught bass on everything from night crawlers to crank baits and swim jigs, the bass bite might be slower since it's so cold right now.

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How far away is La Jolla

Jennifer Allen | Aug 20, 2019
S Potter | Aug 20, 2019

The distance is 22mi but the amount of time depends on the time of day. So listen to the traffic report on the radio for updates.

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Is any admission paid?

Leo Ortiz | Aug 20, 2019
Mary Mia | Aug 20, 2019

$5 general Day use entrance fee

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What time does Santee Lakes close?

Samatha Wright | Aug 20, 2019
Nicole Imbimbo | Aug 20, 2019

The lakes close at 7:00 pm.

Are the fish you catch safe to eat? I hear that the lakes are not so clean. Lots of water foul excrement.

Uptight Nonchalant | Aug 20, 2019
داؤد رفوكا | Aug 20, 2019

They are! But all of them are pretty small.

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Can we rent fishing gear??

Bruce Smith | Aug 20, 2018
Audrey Forrest | Aug 20, 2018

If u want to really fish choose Oceanside

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Is their tent camping???

Penny Arthur | Aug 20, 2018
Dr. Ron Cunningham | Aug 20, 2018

yes! tent pads, cabins and rv camping and storage

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Are dogs aloud in the camp ground and around the lake

Penny Arthur | Aug 20, 2018
Ronnie and Jessica Bogle | Aug 20, 2018

Dogs are allowed in the campground but NOT in the cabins and the dogs are only allowed in the camping area only, NOT lakes 1-5. Only 6 and 7.

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Do I need a waiver for the pedal boats? If so where can I get one!

Ben T | Aug 20, 2018
Termaine Wilson | Aug 20, 2018

No

What's the earliest we can be allowed into the premesis to fish?

Luis Flores | Aug 20, 2018
Eng Mech | Aug 20, 2018

6am on weekend n 8am o. Weekday

How late is are the lakes open

John Lieske | Aug 20, 2018
Termaine Wilson | Aug 20, 2018

6am to 7pm Mon - Thursday. 6am to 10pm released.

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How much is the rent per month?

Angel Alvarez | Aug 20, 2018
Dr. Ron Cunningham | Aug 20, 2018

Both! full hook up, tent sites and cabins.

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What's the cost of the peddling boats?

Jessica Ruiz | Aug 20, 2018
Bobby D | Aug 20, 2018

About $12 for half hour

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There was an event for night fishing. Do you have to be a camper for the event or is it public. Can you rent fishing poles there too?

Heather Deltoro | Aug 20, 2018
Nicole Imbimbo | Aug 20, 2018

The event is open to the public. Bring your own poles. The general store is not open during night fishing events.

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Can you use the pool or the dump station with a day pass if any kind?

Loraine Hernandez | Aug 20, 2018
Denise Wilkison | Aug 20, 2018

No only for campers

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When they stock catfish

Sunny Oung | Aug 20, 2018
Reza Sharifi | Aug 20, 2018

Dates are subject to change.  All stocks are 1,000 lbs. unless otherwise noted. April 7  (2,000 lbs. 40 tagged for opener) April 13, 20 May 4, 11, 25 June 1, 8, 15, 29 July 6, 13, 27 August 3, 10, 24, 31 September 7, 21 October 6 (3,500 lbs. of Catfish) TOTAL – 24,500 Catfish stocked

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Is there tent camping ?

Paul Lange | Aug 20, 2018
Jennifer Peyrefitte | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, in certain campsites

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Can you swim in the lake

Thinking . . . | Aug 20, 2018
SHIREL CRAWFORD | Aug 20, 2018

No swimming in the laje

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Can I fly drone in santee lakes?

Rommel Baldueza | Aug 20, 2018
Jennifer Peyrefitte | Aug 20, 2018

No

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Can you camp in your car and do they accept dogs

Micah Shonk | Aug 20, 2018
Gods Jewel | Aug 20, 2018

Not technically in your car, but a tent. Also, dogs are welcomed, with a new dog park. Just be careful with small dogs, the coyote are VERY aggressive and will run off with your fido, right outside your RV' s door

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What was the highest water temperature this week ?

Ryan Woodham | Aug 20, 2018
Henry Herrin | Aug 20, 2018

???.i don't fish there anymore

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do they have beds?

Rita May | Aug 20, 2018
SHIREL CRAWFORD | Aug 20, 2018

If you rent one of the cabins

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What is required to be able to use my own kayak in the lake?

Dom M | Aug 20, 2018
Saunie H. | Aug 20, 2018

"Visitors shall not operate any boat within the Park other than District-owned rental craft, unless prior approval is obtained from the District." (From rules and regulations) So I guess you would have to appeal to the district to bring your own kayak.

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How much does it cost

Osmar Ortega | Aug 20, 2018
ingo neumann | Aug 20, 2018

$4 parking $9 fishing permit $4 for a second pole, no fishing license required

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