Reviews

Martin Burgos

The man on duty driving the parks truck on Sunday was way too aggressive and driving like a crazy person. He needs to relax and realize families are here to enjoy the park. I hope he’s not armed, he seems unstable. This was Sunday 9/7/25, 3:30pm

Leslie M.

Our family has been coming here for about 4 decades. It's a nice place to take a walk and let the kids ride bikes safely. Lots of parks and overall pretty clean. One thing I have noticed on our last few visits was that it is becoming more evident that people live here full time. I don't care about someone's living arrangements, but it's a bit strange when it starts looking like a swap meet with random kitchen appliances laying around while the rangers tidy up and rake patterns into the lot next door. Also, I've never noticed people smoking before in the camping section, but this last trip, there were several.

Renata

We just go to Santee Lakes for picnics, and sometimes to just walk around. There is an entry fee to park inside, but you can also walk in if you park out on the street close to the entrance. On some weekends it's actually easier to park on the street for free than to look for parking in the lake parking areas, so we usually just stick to the street parking. It's nice here, the lakes look clean, grass is nice and well maintained, and the bathrooms are good. I enjoy coming here.

Benjamin

I've been to these lakes 5 times.. paid the fees to fish and never caught a single fish. I've come on the day after they "stocked" the lake.. or when they claim they stocked the lakes and not ever a nibble. There are way too much grass in the lake and not enough fish. I wonder if they even stock the lake when they say they do. I've fished lake 3, 4 and 5. I've done night fishing when they had it. I've tried all kinds of fishing styles. I might as well have drove up, thrown my money into the lake and gone home.

Alexis Sablan

Great area for family. However they don’t seem to keep up with the playgrounds. They are covered in spider webs. A quick power washing would help this. From the of it it has not been serviced in a while. I would think to prevent spider bites for kids they would. Also 3 big wasp nest in the bathroom. Looks like they haven’t been cleaned from critters as well.

Sawyer Schramm

Idk about the rooms. The staff is very nice and it’s a great park but paying 10 dollars per person to fish. That didn’t feel worth it. Especially since we weren’t able to catch anything. I can understand 10 dollars for a car but not to fish each.

William deSilva

We found this place Absolutely wonderful. The staff was extremely helpful and polite and the spaces were actually groomed. I posted 7 or8 pictures earlier, great place for bird photography . GREAT PLACE!

Randall Spenny

Great park close by. Road runs all the way around the lakes, ideal for easy riding bikes with a new rider. Lots of fish and ducks, geese, cranes and other water foul in abundance. Lots of friendly staff. General store with basics in case you forgot something.

JCSOUTLOOK

This was my 2nd camping trip here for the holidays. Just love Santee Lakes for camping. The grounds are clean, safe and quiet. Great mix for a great trip. The grounds are nicely decorated with lights throughout the grounds. I enjoyed walking the entire grounds everyday as it is about 4.5 miles round trip from where we camped. The lakes are full of wild life and there are people walking the grounds bird watching. This is definitely one of my favorite places in the San Diego area. Our only challenge was not having cell service where we were camping. This made it very challenging to keep in contact with family in the area. But still it worked out.

Randee Ferry

Although we have camped here in the past and enjoyed our stay with no issues. Lots to do here for all ages - playgrounds, fishing, paddle boats, walking area, absolutely beautiful lakes (6), geese, pelicans, swan, ducks, lots of grass, trees and more. We also walk here and ride our bikes when not camping.

Fred Patterson

Want to go fishing? This a great place to enjoy a day of catching some nice fish… great assortment of types of fish and the lakes are so fun to enjoy .. Try it you will like it 👍👍👍

Jessica Hernandez

This is a wonderful family friendly lake with helpful staff. It is kept clean and there are workers located throughout to lend a helping hand. Campsites are spacious and conveniently placed near the restaurant and bathroom facilities, and there are fun family activities accessible for all.

Cody Crocker

Misleading prices Website says $3 for splash pad on weekends. It's actually $4. That's not rhe issue... they also charge you to enter the park even if you buy a splash wrist band. So $10 for the splash pad... I understand it's private but the website needs some clarity. Especially for people who drive 20+ minutes to enjoy your park.

Mark Duttlinger

Absolutely beautiful, clean area! Luckily got a cabin last minute due to a cancellation. Peaceful at night sitting by campfire. Plenty of area for walking,etc. Would definitely recommend Santee Lakes. Hope to stay again soon!

FEAR_ Sanchez

Santee Lakes is a great place to visit, the staff is very nice, they help me out and answer all of my questions, this is a must visit place, very clean areas. I was there with my son for some fishing, it was our first time there and the experience was great, we will definitely go back to visit. Thank you to the staff for a very pleasant day.