It's a challenge to find serenity in San Diego county. And even harder within driving distance of downtown. But then there's Lake Cuyamaca, a hidden gem. I went on a 6 mile hike with my wife around the lake and also through a couple of spurs off the main trail. There's one spot where you can look down into a valley and see where all the water collects. In those moments I try to use my mind's eye to see all sorts of animals running around thousands of years ago. read more

I didn't realize how much you could do at Lake Cuyamaca. Look no further if you want a great campsite with fishing spots and trails scattered around the area! If you're just visiting for the day like us, you'll need to pay for day use which is $10 per car. This fee is waived for campers or if you purchase a fishing permit (which is separate from the California fishing license). We started off at the Tackle Shop where we figured out our day passes and fishing logistics. The worker gave some great recommendations for fishing spots and this is where our group split, with several people fishing and the rest hiking. The Lake Cuyamaca Loop Trail is fairly easy and straightforward. It's about 3 miles total with little to no elevation gain. The trail mostly wraps around the edge of the lake but there was a section through an open field...the lake probably at one point stretched all the way out there but has dried up now. There's only a small section that had shade so for the most part, you'll be exposed to the sun (I got extremely sunburnt). You can use AllTrails if you're worried about getting lost but I thought the trail was pretty clear. We finished the hike in about an hour and just hung out with the rest of our friends fishing. We got lucky and it was such a beautiful day, with clear blue skies. Will definitely be back because I heard you could rent boats to fish off of! Oh and dogs are allowed as long as they're on a leash! read more

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Lake Cuyamaca is a nice but small lake with a very welcoming general manager and friendly staff overall. We had reserved a campsite for a fishing trip at the end of summer. When we arrived, we found out the lake was being stocked for an upcoming event that weekend, which meant no fishing was allowed. It would have been helpful to know this at registration (we would have chosen another week), but we do understand the need to let the fish settle and are even considering coming back for the event itself. Our 7-year-old was a little disappointed, but she understood why the lake was closed. We tried to let her practice casting with a toy practice lure on her pole, just to keep her excited about learning. Unfortunately, one employee came over rather abruptly and told us even that wasn't allowed. That was surprising, since the weekend event is supposed to encourage kids to get into fishing. All in all, we give 2 stars because the lake and staff were nice (other than the very rude older man in the white truck) but the lack of clear communication about the fishing closure and the "no dummy fishing pole" rule left our visit less enjoyable than it could have been. read more

Lake Cuyamaca - Lake area near campsite 57 - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

Great hike. Only two issues. If you park off 76 before getting to the lake coming from Descanso, the trail goes through some marshy areas and a couple of streams. If you hike completely around the lake you have to go pass the dam and take a trail by the road. It is a shame that Helix Water District can't figure out away for hikers to walk over the dam. We stopped at the Pub at Cuyamaca Lake, one of our favorite places, and had lunch on its porch. Beautiful view and food. read more

Very laid back and kind management. Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper. The lake was beautiful as was the dock. Lots of fishing available. They stocked a new fish and now have lighting and thunder. Family friendly camp grounds and neighborly setup. It was late when we arrived so I'm not sure how it was socially or when people went to bed but it was quiet and people were respectful. There was also a play ground available and I was just blown away by the view. We had a great time. Highly recommend booking ahead of time as there is a waitlist. read more

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. read more

Lake Cuyamaca - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

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. read more

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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. read more

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We just spent a couple days and stayed in the Anglers retreat. We were nervous because of the volume of negative reviews about the staff. We found all but one of the staff to be ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS! They were kind, accommodating and very helpful. We'll definitely go back! The only bad experience was with a obviously attention-starved waitress at the restaurant. She's a middle-age gal with disturbing piercings all over her face and hanging out her nose and she a really bad attitude. Maybe she should seek attention by losing about 30 pounds, scrap the face mutilation and just learn to be kind? The Anglers Retreat is small and dated...but very cosy and comfortable. We really enjoyed it. The lake was fabulous! The water is a bit murky but that's no big deal. We saw a Bald Eagle numerous times every day, a gorgeous Diamondback Rattler, Herons, Cormorants, Owl's, gigantic Bullfrogs, wild Turkeys, Deer, Hawks, Vultures, Hummers, Bats, Squirrels, Geese, Ducks, many species of Butterflies...just lots of fun critters! Nights are just beautiful with tons of stars and sounds of nature. Food at the restaurant is absolutely fantastic! read more

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 ! read more

Lake Cuyamaca - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

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Nice lake. Boating, fishing, relaxing. Nearby camping and cabins. The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca is a cool spot with good food and good views. We camped at a nearby campground with lake views. It was just off the highway, but it was nice. read more

Will go there again. Will try in the fall instead of summer. Staff was really nice. FYI there's no dump and you need to travel 5 miles to another campground. read more

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 read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Lake Cuyamaca - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

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

Lake Cuyamaca - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

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! read more

Lake Cuyamaca - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

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Camped at Chambers Park over Thanksgiving and had a great time. We were running close to closing time the day we checked in and got a call about checking into the cabin we got for my in-laws. She asked if we were close and we said we were 10 minutes out and she said take you're time, I'll wait. She waited for us and was friendly and helpful when we arrived. During our stay, staff member Shawna was friendly, and pleasant(answered my father in laws weird camping questions) and extremely helpful. We've stayed here twice and will are already in the process of booking another stay. read more

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The campground is quiet and clean. Loved the fact the lake is right there for fishing. Staff at the main tackle shop are friendly. We will be back! read more

It's an ok spot for a family gathering The lake is rather dirty but it's still good for being outdoors read more

First and last time going this venue. The grounds were filthy, duck feces everywhere you step near and on the parking lots. The water was very muddy which did not make for good fishing. I didn't see any of the 20 anglers near me get a fish the whole time I was there. The staff in the shop were nice and informative however Shauna should be immediately removed from staff for how she treats guests. I've never been treated so badly by an employee at such a venue. She is rude, condescending, and unprofessional. She clearly hates her job and should just move on. So unfortunate I had this experience but I won't return mainly because of her conduct. Unacceptable. read more

Absolutely beautiful. So peaceful. The lake is not crowded during the wintertime and there are beautiful spots all around it to take the perfect photos, any time of the year. read more

Good thing we were planning to fish and we love fishing or there will not be much to do at this lake. On top of the fishing license, you have to pay $10 a pop to fish here, which is not really worth it considering how small and inactive this lake is. We did get lucky and caught a small trout, catfish and perch. We rented a cabin nearby so we ended up just hanging out in the cabin, cooked and stared at the lake. But to be fair, this is probably a good vacation, away from the city, stare into the sky, stare into the landscape and life is less stressful. read more

Did my first tent camping. When we got here our camp grounds was dirty. So if the people ahead of you do not clean up after themselves then you will have to clean it up because the campsite doesn't. I also didn't like being by the day parking. Higher risk of theft. Everytime I turn around the charge for everything extra. The website was not clear on this. Showers are cold and you need to bring quarters. They do keep the bathroom and showers clean. The people at the bait shop are super rude. For that reason alone I don't think I would come back to camp here. Reason for 3 stars. Lots to do in this area. Overall the campsite are nice, beautiful views and the camp host was amazing. read more

Camped at Lone Pine Campground. Fished from shore. Tent spots are right next to one another and not big. Though nice that they are right on the lake. Flush toilets, clean bathrooms, well lighted. Fishing: Didn't have any luck on the campground shore, but went over to the right of the tackle store and caught a trout by the dock (the dock was broken, but would've been nice to fish from). The fees give you lake access, stocked with trout (people were catching plenty) and a cleaning station. If you think it's too much, don't go. Tackle shop is small, but prices are reasonable for crawlers and ice. Boat rental prices are reasonable too. read more

Lake Cuyamaca - Site 42 of Lone Pine Camground - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

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I enjoyed my time here. I did catch two fish. Lol. Nothing to brag about. But I had a really nice time. I will revisit this lake again. The few staff we encountered were really nice folks so all in all this is a wonderful place to just sit, think and maybe even clear your head while hooking a couple of fish read more

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We were interested in seeing what it would take to rent a boat for Lake Cuyamaca. We had had n early dinner so walked over to the Lake Cuyamaca Tackle Shop to see about the options. We left our truck in the restaurant parking for the time to go in to the shop. There are a few parking spots in front for customers but if you just want to go down to the lake, it is $10 to park. They have everything you need for fishing at the lake. Fishing licenses are required. There is also a fee for fishing on the lake. All types of bait and ice for when (thinking optimistically) you catch fish. There is a book with photos and info of big fish caught in the lake. There were quite a few very large fish. They rent fishing equipment and there are even a few poles for sale. Prices for boat rentals are quite good-especially for this close to San Diego. They have many types of watercraft- peddle boats, kayaks, rowboats, motor boats, and pontoon boats. The price sheet is in photos. They also have camping, RV sites, condos and cabins available to rent. It would be a great place to spend a few days. There is so much to do in the area with the lake, fishing and hiking. I do recommend the tackle shop since it is the key to the lake. read more

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Went camping (tent) spots are small but they are close to the lake. They have a restaurant by the parking lot and a little store. I enjoyed it. read more

Lake Cuyamaca is a nice area to come and enjoy nature, hike and fish, very family friendly, right now some trees have the fall bright yellow foliage, such a stunning color it makes a great background for pictures. We hiked around the lake, just the perimeter of the lake, is 2.1 miles, all flat, very easy hike, kids can do it, other longer trails take you to the mine if you decide to hike longer. There are several camping sites right next to the lake, we have camped here before and it was so pretty at night with clear skies to see the stars. As of November 2019 entrance to the lake to park your vehicles is $10 on the west shore by the restaurant with 2 large parking lots, available bathrooms are clean and have soap to wash your hands. Enjoy! read more

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Zero. Don't go. The lake is apparently private, but nobody really knows who owns it. It is not very clear what areas you have to pay to access, but one thing is sure: the old dudes driving beaten trucks who are in charge of collecting the money can be really rude and unfriendly, Avoid at any cost. Instead, go to the State Parks nearby when the Rangers are friendly and welcoming. read more

Hiking around Lake Cuyamaca is the best way to take in the surrounding beauty. And boy do I have a loop trail for you. You'll see everything from deer, wild turkey, an abandoned gold mine, and of course Lake Cuyamaca.. So grab your hiking shoes and get ready to go! Start your hike at the Trout Pond Trailhead. This is a dirt parking area off Hwy 79. Just put "Los Vaqueros Trailhead, Julian CA" into Google Maps (or Waze). You'll start at the trailhead and follow the signs to the Marty Minshall Trail. You'll start your hike walking through a small swamp and then you'll make your way up north toward the lake. I highly recommend using an app like AllTrails, and your Google Maps to make sure you're going on the right trails. One Tip, when you get close to the Lake, you'll see a break in the barbed-wire fence and a trail that's right along the water. That is not the Marty Minshall Trail, stay right of the fence and continue into the woods. This trail should loop around this small mountain and at some point you'll see a sign stating "Stonewall Mine Trail". Follow that up until you end up at Stonewall Mine. There's a small house (museum) to check out and the fenced off mine. Keep walking West and there will be the sign designating the start of the Stonewall Mine trail. Keep taking it until you find the bench. Then take the left path, or keep going west. They'll both take you back to the parking area. Tip - On the way back, you can actually hike around closer to the lake and cross a bridge. There are many lake trails to explore in this area. Stonewall Mine Trail Page https://yelp.to/qTKq/JFXAnxxbNY https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/stonewall-mine-lake-cuyamaca-hike read more

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You will have a hard time getting through to make a reservation, so follow the directions and TEXT the number that is given to you on the recording, SHE WILL RESPOND! I was super surprised at the cabin. It was clean, spacious, right on the lake, with a BBQ right in front and a porch big enough to fit a full table and chairs on! We had two LARGE reclining chairs on the patio and were able to recline all the way =) The reason I gave it an average is...before we came, I wanted to make sure they were enforcing COVID guidelines and knowing that we didn't have our own bathroom that the bathrooms were being maintained. What I didn't know is that the bathroom that the campers used were the same ones the PUBLIC can use when they come to use the lake for day use! They were "semi" clean, but the women's only had ONE restroom working. The showers were ok, but didn't look as though they had been cleaned in a while. That is my main reason as the bathrooms are where most the germs are and since this is during the Pandemic (Covid-19), I wanted to make sure everything was ok before going and I was assured via text (that's pretty much the only way to communicate re: cabins) that it was and would be cleaned every hour. Other than the bathroom experience, the camp ground was clean, easily accessible to the lake front and VERY quiet, which I was shocked being that the cabins are VERY close together. Now that we know about the bathrooms and showers we are prepared, as I am sure we will be back. Just don't order food from the restaurant! You never know if you will get what you ordered!!! (Read my review about the restaurant).... read more

I can see by some of the other reviews that people felt similar to how we did. The views are quite nice at this "private" lake (this, and the excellent Pub restaurant, is why there are any stars at all in this review). We stayed in the Lone Pine tent site. There are a few things really wrong with this part of there camping system. Our neighbors told us that they come there often but it was the first time that they were forced to stay at the Lone Pine tent site. The other 2 sites are "considerably better" as they put it, but we didn't go look at those. First thing -- the tent sites are right on top of each other. It's dreadful! And, the sites get smaller and smaller as you go West. And here's something that needs to change immediately -- some of the sites have freaking Barbed Wire for a perimeter. This is an extreme safety hazard for kids and animals. We specifically moved to one of the other sites with no Barbed Wire but then had taken someone else's spot who arrived late the next day. No worries -- we were leaving early, anyway. This park has a list of rules and regulations a mile long and yet they have barbed wire in some tent sites where children are going to be. This is NOT acceptable.... change it immediately!! If one of our dogs had gotten hurt, more than this review would be happening right now, guaranteed. The $10 parking fee makes me laugh and cringe at the same time. Why don't just charge $46 - instead of $36 - to camp? (because nobody would, then). Instead they pay crusty, old, rude dudes to drive around and lecture people about the $10 parking fee (we didn't experience this but I see that others have). I'm sorry, if you pay for a camping site, you get to park your vehicle there for the same cost. Come on. They give you an actual Post It Note to put on your window. lol I've never seen a campground with "charcoal only" fires. Weird. Perhaps there are more, but we've never stayed at one through the years. It's either "Fires allowed" or not, based on the seasonal conditions. They should conduct themselves just like the State Park system which is allowing fires all over California right now. Especially when there's a fire station across the main road and a giant lake, full of water, next to the campsite. Having a camp fire is a considerable percentage of the enjoyment for me when camping. Again, can't say enough about "The Pub". Food and staff were awesome! (pricey, but worth it). And the lady in the Tackle shop was great, too. But I'm rating this for the actual Camping aspect, which is why we went there. And the Camping really needs a lot of work! read more

If you have never camped at Chambers Park, the map shown on the reservation site is very misleading. The sites that curve around the park are much closer to the highway, like within 10 or 15 feet , which can be really annoying when trucks, cars, and motorcycles go by at 50 mph, especially in the early morning... read more

Lake Cuyamaca - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

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I came up here to get away from the hustle and bustle. Of the city life to get fresh air. Driving up on interstate 8 didn't look like any snow. On the way to cuyamaca on the 79 until you actually got closer to the lake. Little by little snow was appearing on the horizon. Am glad I got away from the scamdemic oh I mean pandemic for the day. I didn't see no sign blasted all over the place with COVID this COVID that. It was a nice get away that's for sure. read more

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THERE IS NOOOOOO WATER I REPEAT THERE IS NOOOOOO WATER!!!! If your camping here for the falls, just know that there is no water *______* California is in a drought unfortunately:( Pros: Park was very clean. Bathrooms were close to camp site (I reserved #37 & #38) Beautiful hikes Close to Julian which has yummy food and hard cider Cons: Besides the no water , I would have to say the fire ants. They are insanely painful and are everywhere. Same with mosquitos and loud crows. Crows and squirrels got into our food . Might come back or visit the campground next door (picachu) read more

I am absolutely shocked at the way I was just so quickly brushed off after speaking with Ann (not sure her exact title, but she's the point of contact for any events held at the lake). I was planning a beautiful proposal at Chambers Park mid October on the weekend, and spoke with her just a couple of days ago to make sure that I didn't need any sort of permits for the big day & that it would even be okay to do! It was a quick conversation, and she was totally fine with the small set-up that was going to be done, but did mention that because it was a weekend, it may be a bit busier. She reassured me however that it should be fine. I left that conversation and immediately finalized lodging, vendors, and timing. I called her back a bit ago today because I wanted to make sure that we were following Park rules and weren't planning on staying past park closure times. Ann got on the phone and immediately told me "Yep, no, that's not going to work." I was shocked and immediately panicked. I had to remind her of who I was and that her and I had spoken on the phone just a couple of days prior regarding specifics. She didn't even seem to remember the conversation we had, and was very flippant, rude, and dismissive, all things considered. I didn't call to talk about arranging a birthday party at the lake. I called about one of the biggest days in my life. One in which she had already approved plans for. I by no means am upset that I can't have my proposal set up at the lake, but I'm extremely disappointed in her leadership and downright rude approach in letting me know that SHE messed up, didn't think things through, and quite literally has ruined huge plans causing me to now have to rearrange absolutely everything I've worked so hard to create. I ask that moving forward lake leadership think before they speak, and maybe show a little compassion. Times are hard enough as it is, and I did nothing to deserve the utter flippancy I received by Ann. I won't ever recommend events or special occasions at the lake to anybody, and how unfortunate because it's absolutely stunning. It's amazing what a ripple effect that one poor interaction can cause. read more

This review is specifically for the Chambers Campground. We are used to going camping in some pretty grand parks, so I am trying really hard NOT to compare it to these other spots. I keep telling myself, HEY this is only 30 minutes away and nice for a quick get-a-way. So for those of us who want a last minute camp get-a-way this place can do it for you. This campground is not very large, and it's on the main road so you do have road noise, but then again, there isn't much traffic up there. The Lake is really low now and it was sad to see it so dried up, but then again look at my photos, it's still beautiful and peaceful and lends to GREAT photo opportunities. This campground has your basics. They have a few hook-ups for RV's, they have room for tent camping and they even have a couple cabins for rent. The cabins are only for sleeping, there aren't bathrooms or cooking features. We chose an RV spot that had room for tents, because we had 11 people going up for a 2-day birthday trip. Many campgrounds won't allow the mix of tents and RV's so this was a nice bonus. On the negative though, the tents had to be posted on a bed of large gravel (small rocks) and if we had been given a heads up would have brought better bedding than sleeping bags. Many of our group woke up with very sore backs. There are big airy bathrooms and a separate building with showers (you must pay for showers). There is fishing, but it starts to get very pricey and although we could see the fish jumping out of the water daily, the fishermen caught very little. Dogs are allowed on leash, which many campers ignored, but NO ONE or nothing is allowed in the Lake unless you are in a boat. So forget about bringing your swimsuit unless you just want to sunbathe. There are many hiking trails and even a mine to hike to that isnt that far away. The BIG plus for me was all the wildlife, we saw raccoons, squirrels, geese, ducks, blue herons, cranes, deer, buzzards, hawks and eagles. The more you sat quietly the more you had the opportunity to experience. I would go back again, just to have the opportunity to photograph all the amazing wildlife. It's not the largest or the best appointed campground you will ever visit, but it's really peaceful and gives you a great escape from the city. read more

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Campsites were incredibly close to one another. We were located at Lone Pine at spot 44. So, because there wasn't much open space in between sites, we had super rude/obnoxious "neighbors" with their constant barking dog, two spots down, who ruined the mood, however, that's not on the campground persay and more due to the indecency of some people nowadays. Restrooms were pretty clean... The shower was the only complaint. The men's shower didn't receive hot water; the women's shower, didn't want to eat the quarters so you're standing there a while and then trying to get the water hot... And then the water runs out so then you're having to stand there, cold, inserting more quarters into a machine that didn't want to take them. However, after our showers the first day, maintenance came and said the showers were out of order they were fixing it on the day we left so not sure if they fixed the problem(s) I mentioned. Hopefully! Each site, you get a grill and a picnic table. We would come back (especially because it was super affordable during the off seasons compared to other campgrounds), but just be more selective now, if possible, of which tent site to pick. read more

Lake Cuyamaca - 2 tents allowed at spot 44 - Lakes Near Me - Julian, California

My least favorite RV site. At this time of the year (end of May) it's not as green. Many areas are dead. This place DOESN'T have FULL hookups and they don't have a site to empty your tank. So parking there with an RV for more than a day can become a nightmare. They have clean bathrooms and showers operated by quarters so if you don't have bunch of quarters and your tank is full it's a problem. Gizillion mosquitos and bugs and NO FISH in the lake. This site it's not for glam campers (apparently I am per my friends) or family with kids (very boring for them), the internet signal is very low to non. The only nice thing I can say is that waking up in front of a the lake could be pretty magical. Long story short- bad experience over all. read more