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    Lake Cuyamaca

    3.7 (152 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Lake Cuyamaca Photos

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    Myrna M.

    Decided to check out this campground and was happily surprised. The campsite (while close together) have fencing to separate campers. They have rentals for kayaks and boats reasonably priced.

    Analette E.

    We camped at the Lone Pine Campground at Lake Cuyamaca. We have the best view from our trailer. The campground provides water & elecricity.The bathrooms were immaculate equipped with handicapped accessible coin operated showers. Friendly staff who's always checking on the campers. Shout out to Cole & Scott for their kindness. We'll definitely come back hopefully the same spot we're in. Thank you Lake Cuyamaca staff for making our stay enjoyable and memorable.

    5/27/23 Lake Cuyamaca, trout fishing, saw a father teaching his kids to fish
    Jennifer W.

    5/27/23 Lake Cuyamaca, trout fishing.....I would've loved to fish here but my fishing prowess has never been so outstanding...lol I do love to watch people fish & catch a live one! A few years back, we used to camp here with my siblings & cousins, along with their pit bull, Zeus (in Puppy Heaven now, RIP the loyal pittey). Reserve in advance for the parking & camping spots, it was a fabulous & wonderful time. Today was just a little peak into this peaceful & magnificent scenery as we drive towards Julian-for pies of course! Otherwise it would've a nice leisurely visit to embrace nature.

    Nikki M.

    The lake is beautiful and clean. Just be prepared to pay a bunch of fees as it's $10 for parking ... $15 dollars to fish ....we were there for a good solid 5 hours only caught algae and no fish ! A lot of the good spots to fish are off limits and the boats run really close to where the fishing spots are so it disrupts the sport a little bit . The snack shop was a total rip off ! Four ice creams , one starburst and a beer cost about $43 dollars !!! That was insane .... There were no prices listed and couldn't say no to the kids until it was too late . If you want to waste the day and have patience to sit and fish then all good , not recommended for the kiddos and considering it's a private lake can we please put trash cans ... why was there so much trash by the shore !

    Soo H.

    Back in the day Phel Steinmetz taught me lake fishing at Lake Cuyamaca.  We took a boat out and cast lures.  On lucky days we would land some rainbow trout.  On unlucky days we would enjoy the sun, the sky, and the beauty around us.  It was quiet except for the occasional bird song and the wind speaking through the trees.  I stop to look at the sun glinting across the surface of the water.   It's as lovely as in the old days.  I remember the drive home in the fading sun, the orange glow in the sky and the trees darkening.  One time we stopped in Descanso for dinner.  Those moments now only live in my memory but the lake glistens in the sun and the moonlight. "I believe that when we leave a place, part of it goes with us and part of us remains. Go anywhere in the station, when it is quiet, and just listen. After a while, you will hear the echoes of all our conversations, every thought and word we've exchanged. Long after we are gone .. our voices will linger in these walls for as long as this place remains. But I will admit .. that the part of me that is going .. will very much miss the part of you that is staying." G'Kar to Sheridan, Objects in Motion - Babylon 5

    Jared S.

    Visited this lake during the winter (February) as it was on the way to our hotel in Julian. Not much is happening here in the winter and it's not really worth visiting in my opinion but I'm sure that depends on the time of year. When we entered the parking lot, we didn't see that a $10 entrance fee was required so we parked, hung out in the car while we ate our lunch, and then decided to check out the lake. Again, not much to see and the area around the lake was muddy and had an abundance of trash, which was sad to see and probably not good for the wildlife that inhabits the lake. After walking around the lake for about 5 minutes we went to check out the little store they have and also the restaurant as there were some nice views. Upon walking back to our car, one of the park rangers pulled up in his truck, blocking our path to our car. He was super rude and asked for our passes, which we didn't have because we didn't know. He then proceeded to lecture us, saying we needed to know where we were and asked if we could read the sign. We told him we were leaving and he became visibly upset so we told him we wouldn't be back, which is the truth. After that experience I wouldn't pay 10 cents let alone $10. A private lake, eh? Then why is it open to the public and why don't you have an entrance booth set up to collect payment upon entering? Instead you have to go into the store to buy a pass and if you don't see the sign, you're lectured by some old grumpy rent-a-cop. And what's the $10 for? There's nothing going on at the lake and clearly they don't keep it up during the winter months. Seems like a racket to me. When we got back to our car there was a note on the windshield letting us know there was a fee. The note was friendly so I don't know why they couldn't just leave the note instead of having Mr. Condescending lecture us. Sure, he was right to ask for the pass and yes, he was also right in pointing out the sign but there's a nice way to do things. Had he been nicer I would have went and bought the pass even though we were leaving but since he was a jerk, nope! Honestly, it's not worth it to stop and pay the $10 because if you just drive around the lake and pull over, there are some better photo opportunities...especially since they hire the rudest of the rude here. I attached some photos, most of which were taken driving around the lake and not where the fee was required. Not worth $10 at all. To the Board of Directors, please teach your people to be nice. You get more bees with honey. Good luck to you and your exclusive lake.

    Brittany T.

    Beautiful views and a nice place to enjoy nature. Very secluded and private. $10 to park. They have camping and you're able to rent some boats. Fishing with a permit is allowed. Can get VERY windy, almost knocked me down a few times.

    Riley M.

    I love fishing here, the people at the tackle shop are great! Always a good adventure!

    Reilly J.

    I went to Lake Cuyamaca for 2 days to fish with my fiance, it was our very first time fishing. The first half of the first day we tried to just figure things out on our own but an extremely nice and helpful staff member named Shona came over to us to see how we were doing, and pointed us toward Chambers park, where most of the action of the lake seemed to be. It was beautiful these past two days and the entire lake was so serene and peaceful, all of the autumn leaves brought so much beauty. Shona came back and helped me pick out some gear for fishing, and even helped make our lines and showed us the kind of bait she uses! The second she left to go do some other things, I caught my first fish! It was a rainbow trout that was 1.5lbs! The next day we only came for a half day but used everything we had learned and caught three more fish! It was such an amazing time and Shona had really made it special and went entirely out of her way to make sure we had a good time! We will definitely be coming back as we don't live too far away, and fishing is going to become a big part of our lives thanks to Shona!

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Lake Cuyamaca

    Do you need a fishing license?

    A state fishing license as well as a lake permit are required, both can be purchased at the tackle shop.

    Do you have to rent a boat to go fishing? Trying to take our son for his first fishing experience. Wasn't sure if we can do that from the shore.

    There is a lot of fishing from the shoreline. No boat necessary.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Lake Cuyamaca

    We started off at the Tackle Shop where we figured out our day passes and fishing logistics.

    Mentioned in 21 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    William Heise County Park

    William Heise County Park

    4.1
    (178 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    This place fills up fast but we booked several months out and were able to choose our campsites…read morebased on proximity to the dumpsters, bathrooms, and even based on whether the sites had shade. We reserved campsites 89 and 90. Campsites were about $37 per night, after the reservation fee, and could fit a maximum of eight people in two tents. Several of us had car set-ups and when we called the reservation office, they confirmed that sleeping in the car wouldn't count towards the two tent limit. Each site also has two dedicated parking spots. If you have additional cars, it'll be $6 per car/night and there's overflow parking scattered around the campground. Quiet hours start at 10PM and all campfires must be out (no embers) by 11PM. The bathrooms were fine, considering this was a campground. Showers are coin-operated and you can get 4 minutes for 50 cents. Make sure to exchange your cash at the ranger station before the sun sets! From my friend group, I heard mixed reviews on the showers. It seemed like the girl's side had poor water pressure and usually was cold. But both times I showered, I had decent pressure and the water eventually turned warm. There's also potable water throughout the campground, with a specific spout with filtered water (for taste). Our campsites were pretty great especially site 90. It's flat and right under a huge tree so it was the perfect spot to hang out and escape the sun. For tents, the ground was kind of rocky so make sure to bring a pad or air mattress if you can. Each site comes with a table and a fire pit. For firewood, you have to purchase from the campground because they don't want you to accidentally introduce any invasive species. Overall, great campsite with decent bathrooms! We didn't get a chance to explore the campground and the trails around it so I would love to come back one day. Oh and dogs are allowed as long as they're on a leash!

    First time at this campground! It's been a while since I've been camping, but this campground seems…read moreto be much nicer compared to what I remember from campgrounds I've been to in the past. The bathrooms were clean and fully stocked with toilet paper and free tampons on the women's side. There were 2 men's and 2 women's showers at the bathroom closest to our site. One of the women's showers didn't have the best water pressure and sprayed more of a mist...but the other was fine. Neither appeared to have warm water, but it wasn't freezing either, so it was bearable. We heard the men's showers did have warm water though. Showers were 50 cents for 4 minutes, and then you could add additional quarters to add on 2 minutes each. There were spigots and bottle refill stations too near the campsites. I'd probably avoid the sites right next to the restrooms unless you want to hear toilets flushing, the loud hand dryer, and foot traffic throughout the night.  There were plenty of trees so most of the campsites around us at least had at least some shade during the daytime. The only issue I really noticed was that some campgrounds were pretty close together so you will probably hear noise from neighboring sites. There was plenty of parking too, but these were also close to the sites, so one night we heard the sound of cars constantly locking throughout the night. Not the biggest issue though and you should probably bring earplugs while camping if you're a light sleeper. Overall, these campgrounds are nicer than a lot of other ones I've been there where you have to drive into town to shower. The tradeoff though is that with the nicer facilities and proximity to neighboring sites, it doesn't feel as remote and sort of feels like you're one step away from civilization. So maybe not the best place to camp if you're looking for a more true camping experience.

    Photos
    Valentine's gift from one teardrop gal to another.
    Valentine's gift from one teardrop gal to another.
    Loved the snow!
    Loved the snow!
    Snow fun, thanks to my friend Anne's gadget find!

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    Snow fun, thanks to my friend Anne's gadget find!
    Cedar Creek Falls

    Cedar Creek Falls

    4.4
    (358 reviews)
    6.9 mi

    If you are a San Diego hiker and haven't done this hike- WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???…read more And for those of you who see these photos and think damn I need to go do that, please be aware of the temperature because it is dangerously hot down there at lower temperatures than in other areas. The hike goes down into a canyon and the heat settles down there. Even if it's not as hot as you think coming up can be extremely dangerous. Every year I hear about somebody dying from heat stroke on that hike so don't take it lightly. I always check the weather on the actual trail using the AllTrails app. I saw that the weather out there was max 65° that day and I was like hell yeah. The hike really isn't that difficult, 3 miles down and then 3 miles back up. Lots of nice switchbacks, and there are a few sun shelters for shade. The views are gorgeous all along the trail. I've done this hike, probably 20 times over the years. It's the best in the spring and in the fall. In the winter it's way too cold. The reward for this hike is the gorgeous rock bowl and waterfall that the locals call Devils Punchbowl. This past Thursday when we did this hike, there were a lot of young folks at the Punchbowl when we got there. Some of the guys were climbing up and jumping into the water. I would not recommend it, even if the waterfall is still flowing that water is not safe to swim in. In the fall, the waterfall doesn't flow anymore after being dried out over the brutal summer, but the trees at the bottom of the canyon turn a beautiful gold color. One of the few places in San Diego you can actually experience fall.

    Great trail! Well-marked path down to and back up from the falls. Gorgeous water feature!read more

    Photos
    Cloud porn in the beginning of our hike!
    Cloud porn in the beginning of our hike!
    Awesome day with one of my best girlfriends
    Awesome day with one of my best girlfriends
    Morning frost

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    Morning frost
    Lake Murray

    Lake Murray

    4.4
    (334 reviews)
    30.0 mi

    Lake Murray is so beautiful and I enjoy coming here! I've been here a few times to walk the trail…read moreand also sit by the lake and read on a nice sunny morning. The birds can be a bit annoying, but guess that comes with the great outdoors. Definitely a nice spot to chill, take a walk and get those steps in. This area feels safe and well maintained. When I went, there weren't too many people, so it was pretty peaceful. The trail can get busy and there are bathrooms along the way (I didn't use them though) There's plenty of parking here, but just be sure you leave on time for closing. I've heard they lock up and it can be an issue with getting out. (not sure how true this is but I won't chance it) There is more parking elsewhere with trail access too, I just personally haven't found it.

    Lake Murray Service road walking trail is one of my go-to workouts--about 5.5 miles to the locked…read moregate and back. After entering the main entrance, follow the road and turn right where you will see a yellow locked gate. This is the beginning of the paved walking trail. There's plenty of parking at the main entrance, and the paved trail is perfect for walkers, runners, bikers, and even kids tagging along. It's basically a choose-your-own-adventure: bird watching, fishing (permit required), or just a casual picnic. Bonus perks: lots of porta potties and benches when you need a breather. If you're holding out for a real restroom, there's one just past the second baseball field--plan accordingly. Photo is attached to show where to locate this. Heads up: the main gate is closed every 2nd Tuesday of the month, but don't panic--you can still access the trail through the neighborhood entrance off Baltimore Drive. Hope you enjoy this walking trail as much as I do.

    Photos
    Bench for a picnic. Be careful it maybe too hot out!
    Bench for a picnic. Be careful it maybe too hot out!
    Read signs and be careful when wondering off the paved road.
    Read signs and be careful when wondering off the paved road.
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    Pinecrest

    Pinecrest

    4.1
    (10 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    We rented their Spartan Mansion vintage trailer for 2 nights in July. The trailer was really cute…read moreand decorated in a Hawaiian theme. Very clean. Full size fridge with freezer though lacking ice cube trays. They provided charcoal and fire wood which I did not expect and was a nice surprise. Very quite and peaceful while we were there (Wednesday-Thursday). The community room was retro decorated and the bathrooms were very clean. My only complaint about the pool was the temp of the water. It did not seem heated even though they advertised as a heated pool.

    This review is in regards to the vintage trailers. Pinecrest is a beautiful location, and the…read morevintage trailers have a lot of potential. We stayed in September and it definitely was very hot. I wish that all of the trailers had AC. I was disappointed to learn that the trailers don't lock from the outside. They tell you to keep your valuables in your car. A. This is inconvenient, B. I am not sure if the spartan locked from the inside either. I feel like the locks are something that they should definitely invest in fixing. The spartan also has a very small water heater. I think that they told us 2 gallons when we called. I couldn't even get through a shower without it running out. We called because we thought maybe it could be fixed but they let us know the water heater is small but they have public showers available. Since it was hot I toughed it out. My brother stayed in the mansion and it had a bad smell in it. It bothered his girlfriend a lot. They did have AC and their hot water was fine. Their trailer also did not lock from the outside. The trailers are cute, and we liked the vintage decor but they need some work done. I feel like their trailers have a lot of potential if they would just invest in them a bit. My husband and I stayed at another location that had vintage trailers. They were definitely nicer. AC, hot water, new linoleum, locks and keys, and did not have a bad smell. I hope that pinecrest can improve their vintage trailers. I think that if they improved them they would have a lot more return business.

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    Pinecrest
    Pinecrest
    This is a shot of some of the Vintage Rental trailers.

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    This is a shot of some of the Vintage Rental trailers.
    Alter Experiences

    Alter Experiences

    4.9
    (70 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    We had an amazing glamping experience and would definitely stay here again! Shantel was incredibly…read morefriendly and helpful. She met us on our first day, made sure we were settled in, and checked that we had everything we needed throughout our stay. The setup was in great condition, and the campsite itself was so much fun. We especially loved the hammock, all the shade, and how well-stocked everything was. They truly provided just about everything you could need except food and clothing, which made packing and camping so much easier. There was plenty to do around the campground, and we had a fantastic time exploring and relaxing. The only downsides were that a couple of the campground showers were closed and the bathrooms were a bit of a walk from the site. We were also a little disappointed that the zipper on the tree tent was broken, so we couldn't sleep in it. However, that didn't stop us from enjoying it during the day, and it certainly didn't take away from the overall experience. Overall, this was a wonderful glamping getaway, and we can't wait to come back!

    This was the best experience ever! I love camping but my husband does not so having a true camping…read moreexperience without all of the set up and breakdown was incredible. The setup was perfect. Alter experience had everything we needed. We were comfortable in the tents. I can't wait to go back already. Shantel the host was so responsive and thorough not to mention very sweet. It was the best experience ever.

    Photos
    The trail is close to the campsite.
    The trail is close to the campsite.
    Suspension net for relaxing. Loved this spot for Stargazing.
    Suspension net for relaxing. Loved this spot for Stargazing.
    2x Full sized in one tent and a queen sized tent in the other.

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    2x Full sized in one tent and a queen sized tent in the other.
    Mount Laguna Campground

    Mount Laguna Campground

    4.1
    (91 reviews)
    12.6 mi

    Our visit to Mt. Laguna was AMAZING! The campsite was spectacular, it had amazing views the stars…read moreat night were breathtaking, wild animals (we saw a 5' long gopher snake and tons of birds/hawks). We camped in the Sunny Loop area. This provided a massive campsite with friendly neighbors that were far enough away that we had our privacy, yet easy access to go the bathroom/shower when we needed to. This campsite offers both unplumbed (a full toilet and closed in restroom, but with no running water, so you are essentially doing your business into a hole in the ground), and fully plumbed restroom (this was amazing because the shower temperature and pressure was perfect. The only comment on the restroom situation is that you cannot change the temperature of the shower, at least I wasn't able to figure it out when I was there while wrestling 2 young kids in the shower so it might be possible. There is an amazing hike that is easy to do with littles, it was something like 1.5-2 miles and ends at a beautiful lake. My littles had a blast wandering though nature and picking up pine cones and sticks, while also enjoying the stellar views while riding on dad's shoulders for a good chunk of the hike. This was our first official camping trip as a family and 10 out of 10 it was the best experience and best campground one could ask for. Just be aware, I was expecting that they would have a small store at the campsite to purchase water or other misc. items that got forgotten, but the only thing that you can buy is fire wood from the camp host. So plan accordingly. My kids loved the campsite almost as much as I did, we will definitely be going back to enjoy the beauty that is Mt. Laguna. One more thing to be aware of, you won't have much if any phone service (I have AT&T plus Verizon and neither was getting any service) so if you're not looking to unplug you may want to find another campground to visit, but if you are looking to put your phone and computer down, this is the BEST place to do it!

    Only flat spaces for sleeping in vehicles was restricted and empty. Makes no sense because they are…read morediscouraging a large population of campers through a malfeasance of common sense.

    Photos
    Woodpecker
    Woodpecker
    Place
    Place
    Big Laguna Trail

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    Big Laguna Trail

    Lake Cuyamaca - lakes - Updated July 2026

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