Fishing
Lakes 1 through 5 are the main fishing waters, stocked seasonally with rainbow trout and channel catfish. Night fishing events in summer are a local tradition. Buy the permit at the general store.
Santee Lakes
Seven lakes, floating cabins, and the most reliable family day in East County.
Last updated
Quick answer
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is a 190-acre park in East County built around seven connected lakes, run by the Padre Dam Municipal Water District rather than the city. It charges a per-vehicle entry fee — typically a few dollars on weekdays and more on weekends and holidays — and adds a fishing permit for anglers, with a separate California license required for adults. Lakes are stocked with trout in the cooler months and catfish in summer, including seasonal night fishing. The park has playgrounds, a splash-pad style water play area in summer, walking paths around the lakes, pedal boat and kayak rentals, a general store, and both RV sites and floating and lakeside cabins that book out months in advance for summer weekends. Swimming is not allowed in the lakes. It's about 25 minutes from downtown, and the whole loop is stroller and wheelchair friendly, which is why it's the default answer for a low-effort family Saturday out east.
Santee Lakes basics
| Detail | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Per-vehicle fee, higher on weekends/holidays | Cash or card at the gate |
| Fishing | Park permit required; CA license for adults | Trout in cool months, catfish in summer |
| Swimming | Not allowed | Reclaimed water lakes |
| Camping | RV sites, lakeside and floating cabins | Books months ahead for summer |
| Rentals | Pedal boats, kayaks, bikes seasonally | Weekend-focused |
| Drive time | ~25 minutes from downtown | Trolley Green Line to Santee, then rideshare |
What to do there
Camping and cabins
The campground has full-hookup RV sites plus cabins, including floating cabins on the water that are the most requested accommodation in East County. Weekend and holiday dates open on a rolling window and go fast.
Playgrounds and water play
Multiple playgrounds plus a seasonal sprayground make this a genuine all-day option for young kids. Bring towels — the water play area runs warm months only.
Walking and biking the loop
Flat paved paths circle the lakes with shade in stretches, plenty of ducks and turtles, and stroller-friendly grades throughout.
Boat rentals
Pedal boats, kayaks, and sometimes bikes rent by the hour near the store, generally on weekends and daily in peak season.
Planning your visit
When to go
Spring and fall are ideal. Summer afternoons in Santee routinely top 95°F, so plan a morning arrival and use the shaded picnic areas.
Fees
Entry is charged per vehicle and rises on weekends and holidays. Fishing permits are separate and priced by age. Annual passes exist for locals who come often.
What to bring
Shade, a cooler, fishing gear if you have it (rentals are limited), and cash for the small extras. Grills and picnic tables are available first-come.
Rules
No swimming, no alcohol in most areas, leashed dogs only, and quiet hours in the campground. Ranger staff enforce all of it.
Nearby
Combine with Mission Trails Regional Park, the Santee Trolley Square area for food, or the trails at Sycamore Canyon for a full day out east.
Good to know
- • The lakes are filled with recycled water — safe for fishing and boating, but not for swimming.
- • Fees and stocking schedules are set by Padre Dam and change; confirm on the day you go.
- • Cabins and RV sites for summer weekends often book six or more months out.
- • Goose droppings on the lawns are a real feature of the park; watch your step and your picnic blanket.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to get into Santee Lakes?
There's a per-vehicle entry fee that's lower on weekdays and higher on weekends and holidays, plus a separate fishing permit for anglers. Annual passes are available.
Can you swim at Santee Lakes?
No. The lakes are filled with recycled water and swimming is prohibited. Fishing, pedal boats, and kayaking are allowed.
Do you need a fishing license at Santee Lakes?
Adults need both a valid California fishing license and a Santee Lakes fishing permit purchased at the park. Kids' permits are cheaper and license requirements start at age 16.
Can you camp at Santee Lakes?
Yes — there are full-hookup RV sites and cabins, including floating cabins on the water. Summer weekends and holidays book months in advance.
What fish are stocked in Santee Lakes?
Rainbow trout during the cooler months and channel catfish in summer, with periodic seasonal stocking announcements from the park.
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