Operated by the Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Location

From Highway 52 take the Mast Blvd exit. Head east to Fanita Pkwy. then turn right. Follow Fanita Pkwy. to Carlton Oaks Dr. and turn right, park entrance will be on the right.

General Info

The lakes within this park were formed in 1959 as part of an innovative water reclamation system. Santee lakes was the first to use reclaimed water for irrigation and recreational purposes. After many requests from local community the lakes and surrounding land were opened to the public 1961*. The Santee Lakes park area is made up of 7 small lakes located within the San Diego River vicinity in Santee and is operated by the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Santee lakes offers a unique and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all ages, especially the younger of the crowd. The area houses quite a few areas ideal for a scenic family outing. Recreational activities available include volleyball courts, several picnic areas with tables and BBQ's, a playground for the kids, canoe, kayak, rowboat and pedal boat rentals, and needless to say great year-round fishing.

Facilities and Camping Info

Santee lakes is the ideal spot for the San Diegan that just wants to get away, but not too far away. Less than an hour drive from anywhere

in San Diego County, it's an ideal spot to take the family for a quick getaway. Regardless of whether or not fishing is your game, there is plenty to do when you're not relaxing in your lakefront campsite. For the RV campers, there are numerous RV hookups with all the amenities, including full service electrical, water, and sewage hook-ups. Campsites may be occupied daily, weekly, or monthly. There is a small store in the park area which has bait and tackle, food, drinks etc. There are numerous picnic areas around all of the lakes, and large area's with volleyball courts, barbecues, etc.. may be reserved for group occasions. There is even a laundry room.

Hours, Fees and Boating info

The park is open daily for fishing: Mon-Thur 8 am to sunset, Fri-Sun 6 am to sunset. Santee Lakes has a unique fishing program in that unlike all other lakes in the county a California State fishing license is NOT required. A daily permit is all that is required. There are three types of RV campsites available each one with slightly different prices. There are full hook-up pull-through sites, full hook-up sites, and Lake Front full hookup sites. Each comes with electric, water, sewer hook-ups and picnic table. Row boats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are available for rent on Lake 5. Boat rentals require a prepaid deposit equal to the fee of the rental. Private boats are not permitted. Float tubes are now permitted in Lake 1, inquire at the park office.

Fishing Information

While not the best noted bass or catfish lakes in the county, the Santee lakes do produce their share of the larger fish. The lake record channel catfish weighed in at 39 lbs 4 ozs and was caught in Lake 2. Bass over 10 lbs are caught each year and often released to be caught again later. Rainbow trout are stocked in the winter months, channel catfish are stocked weekly in the summer months. Various lakes within the park are open at different times of the year, please call the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve at number listed below.

Species of Fish

• Largemouth Bass (Catch and Release Only)
• Rainbow Trout (limit of 5)
• Channel Catfish (limit of 5)
• Bluegill (limit of 5)
• Carp (limit of 5)

You can contact Santee Lakes Regional Park at (619) 596-3141.
For more information visit the Padre Dam MWD Santee Lakes website!