El Cajon Lakes

Lakes Close to El Cajon

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot near the water. Lucky for you, when you visit El Cajon you have some options for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant motivations to visit a lake in El Cajon this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer entertainment such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph and see the options from small lakes to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for El Cajon

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip provides a nearly boundless list of activities for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Any stay on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near El Cajon with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near El Cajon provide all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near El Cajon!

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. For your benefit, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near El Cajon to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along several of these items to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and having fun.

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks
  • A cooler with water
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Bug spray
  • Bathing suits
  • Portable stereo
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt

More lake stuff

The gear in the list below could be helpful for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Goggles or masks
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Books
  • Your tackle box
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing gear
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Wine key
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Games for the beach

Lake Safety Checklist

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near El Cajon, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips should make sure that everyone stays safe at your favorite El Cajon lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around El Cajon and might have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, every lake will have unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review when making plans which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near El Cajon can get very crowded. To find more space to spread out, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a longer getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.