Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park is a picturesque destination nestled in the mountains of Southern California, offering a variety of recreational activities and accommodations for visitors of all ages. Located at 15027 CA-79 in Julian, this park provides a serene environment surrounded by nature, making it an ideal spot for camping, hiking, and enjoying outdoor adventures.
The park boasts a network of trails that lead to the lake, offering opportunities for fishing (permits required) and exploring the natural landscape. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the water, Lake Cuyamaca has something for everyone.
Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park is a family-friendly destination, perfect for tent camping, trailer, RV, or cabin stays. The park's natural beauty, combined with its well-maintained facilities, makes it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a getaway in the mountains.
Customer Feedback: Visitors have praised the park for its clean restrooms, friendly staff, and quiet nights. One guest highlighted the convenience of trails leading directly to the lake for fishing, while another appreciated the shaded campsites and the cooler evening temperatures during a heatwave. Overall, Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park receives high praise for offering a safe, enjoyable, and memorable camping experience.
Onsite services
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Slides
Tent sites
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
We stayed at the Lone Pine camping location. And it is as a nice location. The sites are a decent size, bathrooms are clean, shower requires quarters....bring a couple dollars per shower. 3min/$1. Not a lot of shade, but some trees. Ground is pretty hard (so stakes are a challenge), rocky but not bad. Trails run down to the water for fishing (you will need permits).
We stayed at the chamber’s campsite on the northwestern side of the lake. It was pleasant with lots of trees for shade, tables and parking. There were excellent trails to walk and you could cross over to the island and hike around it. It was quiet at night and cooler this Sunday because there was a heatwave that was coming to an end. The park staff were friendly and did their job well in keeping an eye on everything; we felt safe at night. I recommend a stay here in a tent, trailer, RV or Cabin.
Beautiful lake with wonderful views around and across the very large lake. The Pub restaurant is a jewel, right on the lake. The food is excellent and the service is superb. Our server Ashley was fantastic, professional, friendly and a joy. The chili is superb, the coleslaw is divine, the onion rings were great. my burger was hugh and loaded. it's worth the drive to enjoy the country style lake view dining
Our Spyder group made a stop here a week ago. It's one of the 1st lakes I've seen boats on around the San Diego area. Lake Henshaw never has boats on it, that I've seen.
This lake is a fantastic recreational spot for anyone who enjoys fishing or just being out on the water. They offer boat rentals, making it easy to get out and explore the lake, whether you're fishing or just enjoying the scenery. One of the highlights is their little shop where you can buy bait, including worms, and they’re always ready to help you with advice on what fish are biting and the best ways to catch them. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing day outdoors with everything you need right there!