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

CAMPINGMOON 13PCS Camping Cookware Set Stainless Steel Outdoor Nesting Cooking Mess Kit Pots Pans Bowls with Storage Carrying Tote Bag MC210

【SET INCLUDE】6pcs x Bowl;4pcs x Dish;1pc x Small stock pot (include lid);1pc x Middle stock pot (include lid);1pc x Frying pan. 【HIGH QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL】Sturdy and tough to be used on fire, suitable for outdoor using. The surface treatment gives it a beautiful luster and gives it a luxurious feel.. 【FOLDABLE HANDLE】The frying pan has a wall thickness of 0.6 mm (+0.1 mm from the old one) and is made of stainless steel with a durable folding handle.

Buy Now on Amazon
ALPHA CAMP 2PC Oversized Camping Folding Chair, Heavy Duty Support 450 LBS Steel Frame Collapsible Padded Arm Chair with Cup Holder Quad Lumbar Back, Portable for Outdoor,Black

❤ 【Large Size】 Oversized Camping Folding Chair Size is 25.20" L x 36.61" W x 39.37"H, Weight is 13.2lbs, Large seat area with 600x 300D padded oxford fabric and padded armrest ensure comfort of this chair. ❤【Maximum Loading Capacity】With hammer tone powder coating prevent corrosion and fading. four heavy duty steel frame were added to the bottom of the chair .sturdy steel frame construction make it can support up to 450 lbs and you're guaranteed a long lasting chair to enjoy outdoors all year. ❤【Extra Storage Spaces】 Durable mesh cup holder and armrest at the perfect height allows you to relax in comfort.side storage pocket holds cell phone, notebook and maps,side cooler bag will keep you cool on a hot summer day!

Buy Now on Amazon
EVER ADVANCED Extra Wide Camping Cot for Adults Oversized XXL Sleeping Cots Folding Cot Bed with Carry Bag, 84.3" L x 41.9" W, Support to 550 lbs

EXTRA WIDE: The open dimensions of the ultra wide cot are 84.3"L x41.9''W x19.7"H, folded dimensions are 48.6"L x4.9"W x9.1"H, you will find it to be wide enough and long enough to not feel cramped. HIGH WEIGHT CAPACITY: It supports up to 550 lbs making it perfect for personal comfort and for family cuddling; Reinforced steel X-leg assembly strengthens the xxl camping cot and provides stability. EASY SETUP: The oversize cot is assembled and folded into the carry bag and the only parts you need to put together are the 2 end tension rods; makes transportation and storage easy with the high-quality carrying bag

Buy Now on Amazon
Camping Cookware Mess Kit Outdoor: GEEKHOM 14PCS Stainless Steel Camping Pots and Frying Pans, All-in-One Portable Camp Cookset Grilling Tools for Backpacking & Campfire (1-2 Person)

Complete 14PCS Camping Cooking Kit: Our all-in-one outdoor cooking set includes 2 nesting stainless steel pots, 1 nonstick frying pans, 1 plate, 2 cups, 6 foldable utensils(spoon/fork/spatula) and 2 carry bags - everything needed for campfire grilling, backpack cooking or cabin meals.. Professional-Grade Outdoor Cookware Set: Constructed with 304 stainless steel, this camping grilling cooking kit withstands 500°F high heat for perfect BBQ grilling. The thickened aluminum base ensures even heat distribution, outperforming standard camping kitchen pots with 50% faster cooking speed and 100% food-safe materials.. Space-Saving Backpacking Tool: Unlike traditional pot and pan cook set for camping, our portable compact camping cooking kit features nesting technology: 14 pieces collapse into 5" diameter stackable unit (70% space saving), making it ideal for backpacking camping cookware needs.

Buy Now on Amazon
WITHSTAR Camping Tents, 6-8 Person Stand Up Tent, Straight-Wall Design,with Full-Coverage Silver PU-Coated All-Around Tents for Camping, Hiking, Picnic, Bivy, 10.7ft(L) x10ft(W) x4.7ft(H)-(Grey)

Spacious & Comfortable: With interior dimensions of 10.7 ft (L) x 10 ft (W) x 4.7 ft (H), this tent comfortably fits 6~8 people. The straight-wall design maximizes headroom and livable space.. Great Ventilation: Designed with 2 rooms, a large mesh rear window, mesh ceiling vents, and 3 doors and 3 windows with mesh screens to keep air flowing while keeping bugs out. Each room also features 6 corner hooks and 2 center hooks for hanging gear.. Durable & Weather-Resistant: The tent features a full silver PU-coated layar outer tent, mesh panels, and a PE-coated polyester floor for durability and waterproof protection.

Buy Now on Amazon
WildFinder Rooftop Tent Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Hardshell Suitable for Jeep SUV Truck Van,Camping Car Roof for 2-3 Person

100% ALUMINUM ALLOY MATERIAL: Made of high quality aircraft grade aluminum, not easy to aging and thermal expansion and contraction, super durable, can be used for many years. If it is made of plastic, it is easy to leak after winter and summer seasons.. STAINLESS STEEL AIR PRESSURE LEVER + POLYESTER FABRIC: Polyester fabric is more comfortable, breathable and waterproof. Strong blackout and privacy. Stainless steel material air pressure rod, durable, will not rust, long service life.. RECESSED MARINE PAD + CONDENSATION PAD + COMFORT MATTRESS: the recessed marine pad reduces humidity. The condensation pad prevents water vapor from forming water droplets due to air pressure and temperature difference. 5cm non-deforming mattress provides you with a quality and comfortable resting environment.

Buy Now on Amazon

Contact Information

Address

9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071, United States

Location Map

Drag to pan. Use the +/- controls or double-click to zoom.

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