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Photo: Santee Lakes at Dawn - panoramio by Richard Leneau (CC BY-SA 3.0) License

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Park · Santee, California

Hot — visit earlycamping-nearbypet-friendlyBarbecue grillGender-neutral restroom

Staycation spot for locals with 7 man-made lakes for camping, boating, fishing & picnics.

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Current water conditions

Water temp
69°F
21°C
Cool water — ease in carefully. Cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. Get in gradually, let your breathing settle, and keep an eye on weaker swimmers.

Live data from NOAA buoy SDBC1 (13.5 mi away), as of Aug 20, 10:30 PM UTC. Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly — always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories before swimming.

Weather at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

H: 99° L: 68°
Overcast
Overcast
91°
|
Feels like 94°
Precipitation
7%
Humidity
46%
Wind
8 mph
UV Index
4.2
Water Conditions:
🏊Perfect for swimming
12 AM
Clear
72°
3 AM
Clear
71°
6 AM
Clear
68°
9 AM
Sunny
80°
12 PM
Sunny
99°
3 PM
Sunny
93°
6 PM
Overcast
86°
9 PM
Overcast
76°

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is a park in Santee, California.
What is the water temperature at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?
As of August 20, 2026, the water temperature at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee, California is 69°F (21°C), measured by NOAA buoy SDBC1, 13.5 miles away.
Can you swim at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?
There is no fixed answer for Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve: whether it is safe to swim there on a given day depends on the water temperature, recent rainfall, and any advisories posted at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee, California. Check current water conditions before you go, and follow posted signs and local guidance.
How is Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve rated?
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee, California has an average visitor rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on 1586 reviews.
What amenities does Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve have?
Visitor-listed amenities at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve include camping-nearby, pet-friendly.

Visitor Reviews

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Been here? A quick note helps the next visitor plan their day. Handy things to mention:

Water temperatureCrowds & parkingBest time to goSafety & access

Best Times to Visit

☀️
Right Now
Very warm - visit early morning or evening
General Tips:
  • Weekday mornings (8–10 AM) are typically less crowded
  • Check the forecast 2–3 days ahead for best planning
  • Avoid holiday weekends for a quieter experience
Best Seasons:
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)🌸 Spring (Mar-May)

Location & Contact

9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071

Santee, California 92071

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Highlights

Picnics

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities

Camping nearby🐾 Dog-friendly🍖 Barbecue grill🚻 Gender-neutral restroom🧺 Picnic tables🚻 Public restroom🏪 Slides🏪 Swings🏪 Wi- Fi

Family & Children

👶 Good for kids👶 Good for kids birthday👶 Kid-friendly hikes👶 Playground