Lake O’Neill Recreational Checkout is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Oceanside, California, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. This charming park provides a welcoming environment for families and nature enthusiasts, featuring a variety of activities and facilities to suit all interests.
Lake O’Neill is particularly popular among those visiting Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle of military life. The 4-mile hike around the lake is a favorite among visitors, leaving adventurers energized and rejuvenated.
Visitors have praised Lake O’Neill for its cleanliness and well-stocked facilities, with many highlighting the charm of the lake and its wildlife. While some have noted ongoing construction in certain play areas, overall impressions remain positive. Families appreciate the variety of activities available, though they recommend checking facilities in advance due to maintenance schedules.
Whether you're looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat, Lake O’Neill Recreational Checkout offers something for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience the natural beauty and fun that this beloved park has to offer!
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Swings
Tent sites
Good for kids
Good for kids birthday
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
It's a gorgeous lake, the bathrooms are very clean and well stocked, and the park is overall tidy and useful for everything you might need. My biggest issue is the enclosed play park that has had the swing area under construction for ages. It would be nice if they just removed those parts if they weren't going to fix it. Then again, this isn't the only play structure suffering from a lack of funding to fix it. On the other side of the lake in the camping portion, there's another play area that has been closed for well over a year now that should be available to families, but sadly is not.
Lake O’Neill is a lovely little lake to see some wild life. While I was there, I saw Squirrels, Hares, Ducks, Lizards and many different types of Birds. The park has Picnic areas, Mini Golf, BBQ grills, Camping Grounds, Baseball Field and Water rentals. The restrooms were reasonable, due to the location. You can hike around the lake and even enjoy views from a mountain top. The hike is about 4 miles, it’s pretty easy. You will leave feeling hot, a little dirty and energized for life. 😉It’s a must do, if your ever on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base.
Marine corps RV park and rec center. Quiet and very pleasant.
Called and asked if the boat ramp was open. The nice lady said it was and to check in upon arrival. I hitched up the boat, gathered the family and hit the road. Started the check in at 1 pm with the two ladies at the front when two workers came out of the back and said that since it was slow they were going to close in an hour. Not ideal but it’s the holidays so i had no choice but to say okay. They then said the water level was too shallow and when I asked how shallow they said 5 feet. That didn’t bother me either since I have a hobie power skiff with a new 4 stroke. He asked to look at it and when we got outside they asked if the ramp was even open today and then said yeah the water level is just too low. So I walk back inside and gather up my family because it’s painfully obvious at this point that they don’t want us to launch. The girls apologized and said someone had launched earlier in the day. Pretty sad exp. But After 20+ years I’m used to inefficiency and lazy employees. My kids however are not but workers like this they will figure it out soon enough
Nice little beginner hiking trail I found on the AllTrails app. Boathouse, picnic area and playground on the east side of the lake. Lots of little kid-friendly hiking trails. Great for running also if you're here without kids. Must have Base Access for Camp Pendleton