Santee Lakes Campground are part of the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve operated by the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. The Preserve is in the community of Santee, 20 miles northeast of San Diego. Visitors to Santee Lakes like fishing in the 7 lakes for trout and catfish. At Sprayground ($3) children can cool off in water sprays and fountains while at the 7 playgrounds are slides, a Tot Lot, and a Boulder Adventure Course. Included in the play areas are special facilities for children with disabilities. The campground also has 2 seasonal swimming pools and a Jacuzzi. For boating, visitors can rent pedal boats, kayaks, rowboats, and canoes. Bike rentals are also available.
Santee Lakes Campground offers 300 campsites, most designated for RVs or trailers. However, there are 9 tent sites. All sites have full hook-ups. WiFi, cable, and phone connections are available at some sites. Campsites are limited to one camping unit or, for the tent sites, a single tent. A small, 2-person tent for dependent children may be erected at RV sites in the Lakeshore and Willow loops only. Campers have exclusive use of lakes 6 and 7. There is a 2-night minimum stay for those making reservations.
| Santee Lakes Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Santee Lakes Campground Location: | 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee |
| Elevation: | 400 feet |
| Mileage/Driving Time: | 20 miles from San Diego - 25 minutes |
| Number of Campsites: | 300 |
| Camping Season: | Open year-round |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1, plus one towed, extra vehicles $2 per night |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended, maximum 2 dogs per site, $2 per night. |
| Operated by | Padre Dam Municipal Water District |
| Santee Lakes Park Office: | (619) 596-3141 |
| Reservations for Santee Lakes Campground | |
|---|---|
| 1Peak Demand is from April 2 to September 7, 2021. It also includes Thanksgiving week and Winter Break (Dec. 17 - Jan 3). | |
| Reservations available: | Up to 6 months in advance |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | No limit on some sites |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | #1, 8, 36, 60, 78, 110, 153, 170. 221, 237, 244, 284 |
| 2024 Campground Fees: | Standard sites $62 - $99
Lakefront sites $71 - $107 Deluxe sites $74 - $111 Complete Price List for Santee Lakes - 2024 |
| Reservations: | Santee Lakes Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | 1:00 PM (no later than 10 PM) Check-out Noon |
| Santee Lakes Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, full hook-ups, WiFi, some with cable TV, phone |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, amphitheater, store, laundry |
| Showers: | Yes |
| Dump station: | Yes |
| Campground map: | Santee Lakes Campground Map | Attractions near Santee Lakes Campground: | Children enjoy 7 playgrounds, including Mega Tower and the Tot Lot. Sprayground costs $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends. Rent various paddle and pedal boats to use on the lakes. Fish for trout and catfish (fee). Rent a bike. Swim in one of the 2 seasonal pools or soak in the Jacuzzi. Use the clubhouse for parties.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
Santee Lakes Campground
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If you are using a reservation site, check to be sure that your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Santee Lakes Campground
Campers at Santee Lakes Campground are close to many fine attractions in San Diego County. Nearby are Mission Trails Region Park, Louis Stelzer Count Park, and Lake Jennings. Still more interesting destinations are only a short drive away.
Check Santee Lakes Campground for any campground updates.