Last Updated: June 6, 2026
From Jacumba Hot Springs, California we headed west to Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, east of San Diego, where we set up for the holidays to visit Michael’s dad. After a couple of weeks in remote Jacumba at nearly 3,000 feet, it was a welcome change to have the full amenities of a major city within easy reach — Costco included.
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Visitor Information: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071. Hours: Open year-round; day-use and camping available. Admission: Day use approximately $5–10 per vehicle; camping fees vary by site type. Phone: (619) 596-3141. Website: santeelakes.com.
Santee Lakes is a 194-acre privately owned park with the feel of a well-maintained county facility. There are 300 full hook-up sites spread across the property, many of them positioned directly along one of the seven lakes. Each lake is privately stocked with trout, and fishing here does not require a California state license — a nice bonus. Paddleboats and canoes are available to rent, and there are over five miles of hiking trails winding around the lakes.
The setting is genuinely lovely — calm water, mature trees, and wildlife everywhere you look. Although the park has a pool and hot tub, we never quite got around to using them. The hiking trails around the lakes kept us busy enough.
Our site was large and well-equipped — 50-amp service, solid water pressure, sewer hookup, and good satellite reception. The basic WiFi was too slow for practical use, but an upgraded tier was available for a fee. It was a comfortable and well-run park in every other respect.
Birding at Santee Lakes
The main attraction at Santee Lakes, beyond the fishing and trails, is the extraordinary birdlife. Over 200 species have been documented on the preserve. American White Pelicans were among the most dramatic — enormous birds that glided overhead and rested on the lakes in complete serenity.
We were completely captivated watching a Belted Kingfisher hunt its meal. It would catch a fish, fly to a metal railing, and beat it repeatedly until it stopped moving — then attempt to swallow it whole. The fish it caught seemed almost too large, making for quite the spectacle.
Wood Ducks were among the most visually stunning birds on the lakes — their iridescent plumage is almost impossibly beautiful up close.
Great Blue Herons patrolled the lakeshores with their characteristic patience, standing motionless for minutes at a time before striking.
The Snowy Egrets were endlessly entertaining — we watched them team up to harass Double-Crested Cormorants and steal their freshly caught fish. Bold, clever birds.
Jake was particularly fascinated by the American Coots, who spent most of the day splashing noisily and chasing each other across the water.
A Black-Crowned Night Heron, typically a more secretive species, posed obligingly near the water’s edge.
Both Acorn and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers made regular appearances in the trees around our site — a treat for any birder.
Ring-necked Ducks, Mallards, and Double-Crested Cormorants rounded out a remarkable stretch of daily birdwatching right outside our motorhome door.
Sandy and Jake spent a good portion of each day identifying birds from outside the motorhome. Between the Bird of Paradise flowers in bloom on the grounds and the nightly lake sunsets, it was a beautiful and peaceful place to spend the holidays.
Cold Moon
December 2018 brought a Cold Moon — the full moon that falls on or nearest the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. It rose large and bright over the lakes, making for a memorable night sky.
Trevi Hills Winery
Visitor Information: Trevi Hills Winery, 12375 Moreno Ave, Lakeside, CA 92040. Phone: (619) 390-4700. Website: trevihillswinery.com. Open for tastings; check the website for current hours and event schedule.
What a wonderful discovery — Trevi Hills Winery in nearby Lakeside was a complete surprise. The hillside views across the vineyard are stunning. Owner and winemaker Michael Larranaga is one of those rare people who is equally passionate about his craft and his guests — deeply personable, full of great stories, and producing genuinely excellent wines. Highly recommended if you find yourself in San Diego’s East County.
Christmas and New Year
It was a joy to spend Christmas and New Year’s with Michael’s dad Jim at Las Villas Del Norte in Escondido — 93 years old, sharp, and thoroughly enjoying life. We got a lot out of those visits.
Practical Tips
Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens. Over 200 bird species have been documented at Santee Lakes. Early morning is peak activity time. Waterbirds, raptors, and woodpeckers are all present — serious birders will want to spend multiple days here.
No California fishing license required. The seven lakes are privately stocked with trout, so you can fish without a state license. Rod and equipment rental is available on-site if you did not bring your own gear.
Upgrade the WiFi if you need connectivity. The complimentary basic WiFi is too slow for streaming or remote work. A faster tier is available for purchase — worth it if you are staying for more than a few days.
Make time for Trevi Hills Winery. It is a 10–15 minute drive from Santee Lakes in Lakeside. The hillside setting is beautiful and owner Michael Larranaga provides an exceptional tasting experience. Check the website for current hours before visiting.
Santee is a full-service suburb. After remote desert camping, the access to Costco, grocery stores, restaurants, and big-box retail right on the doorstep is genuinely refreshing. Stock up before heading back out into the wilds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve? Santee Lakes is a 194-acre privately managed recreation park in Santee, California, east of San Diego. It features seven trout-stocked lakes, 300 full-hookup RV sites, over five miles of hiking trails, paddleboat and canoe rentals, a swimming pool, and some of the best urban birding in Southern California with over 200 documented species.
Do you need a fishing license at Santee Lakes? No — the lakes are privately stocked and no California Department of Fish and Wildlife license is required to fish there. Equipment rental is available on-site.
Is Santee Lakes good for birdwatching? Outstanding. The preserve’s seven lakes attract an exceptional variety of waterfowl and shorebirds, particularly in winter. American White Pelicans, Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Belted Kingfishers, and numerous duck species are regularly present. Over 200 species total have been documented on the property.
Where is Trevi Hills Winery located? Trevi Hills Winery is in Lakeside, California — about 10 miles west of Santee Lakes at 12375 Moreno Ave, Lakeside, CA 92040. It is a small, family-owned winery with panoramic hillside views and an excellent tasting room experience.
Is Santee Lakes a good RV destination near San Diego? Yes — it is one of the best full-hookup RV parks in the San Diego metro area. Sites are large, many are lakeside, the birding is exceptional, and the location gives easy access to all of San Diego’s urban amenities while still feeling like a nature retreat.
