4.5 (1544 reviews)

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071, United States

About This Campsite

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is a scenic oasis, featuring a series of seven artificial lakes that offer a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. This lush preserve provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts looking to engage in various activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll amidst abundant wildlife.

Highlights and Tips

  • Pet-Friendly: Visitors can bring their dogs along for a walk around the lakes, though it's essential to keep them on a leash to ensure their safety and to respect local wildlife.
  • Family-Oriented Amenities: The preserve offers children’s play areas, including a splash zone, making it an ideal destination for families.
  • Camping and Cabins: For those interested in extended stays, the area provides camping sites and cabins equipped with necessary amenities. Prices can vary, so it's advised to check in advance for the best rates.
  • Well-Maintained Facilities: The park is noted for its cleanliness and well-kept facilities, largely due to diligent staff efforts. However, bear in mind that it's a popular spot, especially on weekends, which can lead to a bustling atmosphere.
  • Entry Fee: An admission fee is required, which many visitors find justified due to the park's facilities and overall experience offered.

Considerations

  • Noise Levels: The preserve can be quite lively, especially during weekends, with noise from maintenance activities and frequent visitors. If you’re seeking tranquility, weekdays might be a better choice.
  • Visitor Conduct: There have been instances of rule-breaking by some visitors, so enforcing personal responsibility and awareness of park regulations is important for a safe experience.

Overall Thoughts

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is a highly recommended destination for those looking to enjoy a mix of nature and recreational activities. Whether you're planning a day out with family or a longer stay in a cabin, the preserve offers an attractive mix of scenic beauty and outdoor fun. While the lively atmosphere is invigorating, potential visitors seeking peace should plan their visit accordingly to avoid crowds. Despite minor inconveniences, the preserve offers a delightful escape with numerous activities and outstanding natural vistas.

Good to have it when you arrive

POMOLY Camping Hot Tent Cabin Tent, Chalet 70 Pro Portable Wall Tent with Stove Jack and Two Poles for 2-3 Person Hiking, Backpacking

【Fabric Material】CHALET 70 Pro hot tent is made of 70D plaid ripstop polyester fabric with 2500mm waterproof rating.. 【Internal Space】CHALET 70 Pro is a portable and easy-to-use camping tent with internal space that can accommodate 2 adults. The expanded size of the tent is 8.2×6.56×4.9ft / 2.5×2×1.5m (L×W×H).. 【Good Stability】CHALET 70 Pro cabin tent is equipped with 2 7001 aluminum alloy main tent poles, and is also equipped with 2 sets of main ropes/8 pulling points, so it can withstand harsh weather and snowy days, effectively improving wind resistance.

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Foristrail Oversized Camping Chair Heavy Duty- Portable Folding Chair, Cup Holder & Waterproof Phone Case for Adults, Beach, Hiking, Backyard (Blue & Gray, 1 PCS)

INDUSTRIAL-STRENGTH & SAFETY CERTIFIED: Reinforced 1.2mm anti-rust steel frame & 600D tear-proof Oxford fabric support 500LB capacity, featuring fully wrapped joints + triple-stitched seams. Passed ASTM safety certification** for ultimate stability on rugged terrain. 3-IN-1 SMART STORAGE:Equipped with touch-sensitive waterproof phone pouch (works through phone cases), side pocket for quick access, and oversized back compartment. EXTRA-WIDE SEAT & ERGONOMIC COMFORT: 37.4" oversized camping chair for big and tall adults with 19.5" ergonomic height. High-density foam padding + adjustable armrests + removable headrest deliver first-class relaxation

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TOMOUNT Canvas Tent with Stove Jack Bell Tent Yurt 16.4ft*High10.33ft Glamping with TPU Transparent Roof 6-8 Person for Family Camping (Canvas Tent with rainfly)

【Durable and high-quality material】The canvas tent is made of moisture permeable TC material (65% polyester and 35% cotton blend), which has excellent moisture permeability and flame retardancy, and reduces condensation in the canvas tent. Equipped with a zippered removable groundsheet, the bell tent groundsheet is made of thick PVC with a waterproof index of over 20,000 mm.The skylight is made of TPU, which is resistant to water, abrasion and tearing. 【Spacious Capacity】The diameter of this canvas tent is 16.4feet and the top height is about 10.33feet.The side walls (supported by 12 poles) are 63inch high, which is much higher than the walls of the ordinary bell tent (22.8inch). And the bottom of this tent is nearly circular, so there will be more space available. Suitable for people who want to place a lot of equipment, such as tent stove, chairs, tables and beds. Ideal for backyard parties, family camping, weekend breaks and festivals. 【Transparent Roof】The top is made of TPU, which is better than PVC in all aspects. You can enjoy the blue sky and starry sky with it. Of course, if you don't want to sunbathe, you can always pull the inside shade closed (see picture). It is fireproof and can be used with a wood stove inside the tent to keep you warm and cozy during the fall and winter months. The tent has large round mesh windows on all four sides, which promote air circulation

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KingCamp Camping Cookware Set, 304 Stainless Steel Campfire Cooking Pots Pan and Kettle with Travel Tote Bag for Camping Outdoor Kitchen Cooking Picnic for 4-6

MULTIPLE SIZES FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS: 0.9L camping kettle for 3-4 cups. large pot size 7.8*4.9IN, middle pot size 6.2*3.8IN, Colander size 7*3.7IN, Fry pan size 7.8*1.9IN. You can select the size of the cookware based on the tribe size of your travel, ensuring convenient meals; This set for 4 to 6 people, ideal for those who love hiking, camping, mountaineering, picnics, or other outdoor events. 304 STAINLESS STEEL: The cookware is made of 304 double-bottomed stainless steel; The material is robustness and resistance against wear and tear or corrosion, and conducts heat speedly. Enjoy your outdoor meals, heated via open flame, charcoal, wood, gas or induction cooker with our cookware set. PORTABILITY: All pots can stack together into the travel tote bag. Pot handles are perforated for hanging and suspending pots over open fires

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VEVOR Oversized Camping Folding Chair, Portable Heavy Duty Outdoor Quad Lumbar Back Padded with Side Pockets, Cup Holder and Cooler Bag for Beach, Lawn, Picnic, Fishing, Backpacking, Black

600D Heat-resistant Oxford Cloth: Our camping chair made with 600D Oxford fabric that withstands temperatures up to 200°C, is unfazed by high temperatures and intense outdoor sun exposure. The outdoor folding chair is tear-resistant and abrasion-resistant, providing comprehensive durability to effortlessly handle complex outdoor environments.. 450lb Superior Load Capacity: The camp chair is capable of withstanding weights of up to 450 pounds, with thickened and reinforced steel pipes combined with an X-shaped bracket for a stable structural design, rust-resistant and durable, providing sturdy support for your leisure time.. Soft & Comfortable Sitting Experience: Lined with soft pearl cotton, the beach chair offers a thick and comfortable seating experience, perfectly fitting the body's curves, high backrest supporting the neck, and stable armrests and wide handles making it easy for you to stand up.

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MalloMe Sleeping Bags for Adults Cold Weather & Warm - Backpacking Camping Sleeping Bag for Kids 10-12, Girls, Boys - Lightweight Compact Camping Essentials Gear Accessories Hiking Sleep Must Haves

BEST YEAR ROUND SLEEPING BAG - Temperature rated for 50°F to 77°F. Easily fits a 6ft adult and weighs only around 3lbs. It's perfect for spring, summer, fall, and cool weather. The ultra-strong, waterproof outer protective shell is made from our unique waterproof hex-tech design, double-layered with S-shape stitching, and 3D inner synthetic fiber fill for optimal warmth and insulation to protect you from the elements.. CAMP IN COMFORT FOR ALL AGES - Bring the comfort of your own bed to the great outdoors. Our camping sleeping bags are engineered to guarantee a good night's sleep after a hard day of activities. No matter how tough the terrain or long the day, sleep well with MalloMe. And with vibrant colours loved by both boys and girls, they're great for kids too!. ULTRALIGHT FOR BACKPACKING - A must have for hiking, backpacking, and camping, the perfect balance of performance and lightweight materials for every adventure. Each sleeping bag comes with a compression sack with straps, which makes it super convenient to store and easy to carry.

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Contact Information

Address

9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071, United States

Location Map

Photos

Photos provided by Google

Reviews

Reviews provided by Google

Christi Fouts

September 04, 2024

Sunil Kurian

May 28, 2024

Tiberius Tiddleskins

July 20, 2024

Hiep and Ly Nguyen

May 07, 2024

Dean Montray

May 28, 2024