Lake Jennings is one of those places that San Diegans who''ve never been to East County don''t know about. That''s fine. The people who do know about it keep coming back. The campground has a 4.4-star Google rating with 549 reviews, and campers consistently call it one of the most peaceful campgrounds in the county.
The Campground
Lake Jennings Campground at 10108 Bass Rd in Lakeside has 92 sites spread across a hillside above the lake. Thirty-two of those sites have full hookups (water, electric, sewer) for RVs up to 45 feet. Seventeen have partial hookups for vehicles up to 30 feet. Six secluded tent-only sites sit tucked into the trees. And 37 more sites handle small campers and tents. There are also yurt-style and glamping options for people who want the camping experience without setting up a tent.
The facilities are solid: clean restrooms, hot showers, a laundry area, a playground, horseshoe pits, cornhole, ladder golf, and a communal fire area. The Wi-Fi is surprisingly good for a campground. And the dump station is on-site for self-contained RVs.
Sites run $35 to $140 per night depending on the type and the view. Lake-view sites cost a bit more, and they''re worth the upgrade. You can see the water from your camp chair.
Fishing
Lake Jennings draws 720 monthly Google searches for fishing alone, and for good reason. The lake is one of the best catfish producers in San Diego County. Blue catfish over 15 pounds show up regularly during the summer night fishing season, and the lake stocks thousands of pounds of channel catfish from May through October.
In winter, the district stocks over 20,000 pounds of rainbow trout. Shore fishing is available daily from the campground shoreline. Boat rentals, private boat launching, and fishing from the floating dock are available Fridays through Sundays. Nightcrawlers and powerbait work for trout. Mackerel and chicken livers do the job for catfish.
Hiking
The 5-mile loop trail around the lake is one of the best low-key hikes in Lakeside. It''s not hard enough to be a workout, but it''s scenic enough to be worth the walk. Several overlook points give you views of the lake, the surrounding hills, and on clear days, the city below. Trail maps are available at the entrance kiosk.
What You Can''t Do
No swimming. Lake Jennings is a drinking water reservoir, so body contact with the water isn''t allowed. Dogs aren''t allowed near the lake, either, though they''re welcome in the campground on leash. But if you''re looking for a spot to fish, camp, hike, and just sit still for a while, Lake Jennings delivers. It doesn''t try to be anything it''s not.
Lake Jennings is on Harritt Road in Lakeside. From I-8, take the Lake Jennings Park Road exit and follow the signs. If you''re staying for a while, Los Rancheritos Mexican Food on Lake Jennings Park Road is a solid stop on the way in. And Wow Donuts, also on Lake Jennings Park Road, handles the morning sugar run. For more outdoor options in the area, check out Lakeside''s full recreation directory.
