Thirty minutes east of San Diego, Lake Jennings sits on a hilltop above its namesake reservoir in Lakeside. The campground operates within a working water district facility, which means no swimming but allows fishing and weekend boating on the 108-acre lake below.
The 90 sites spread across rolling terrain with a mix of open areas and tree coverage. Full hookup sites accommodate RVs up to 70 feet, while partial hookup and tent sites offer lake and city views from elevated positions. Denise G. notes the "preferred lake view site #96 which had water and electric hookups," though she warns about timing arrivals carefully due to narrow access roads. Sites feature metal picnic tables and fire rings, with many separated by natural vegetation for privacy.
The campground includes clean restroom facilities with hot showers, a playground with games like ladder golf and horseshoes, and hiking trails that loop around the property with lake overlooks. Staff sells firewood, propane, and fishing licenses on-site. WiFi reaches most areas, and cell service works well for major carriers. T found "hookups worked great, and the clean restrooms/hot showers were a short walk away."
Access requires navigating narrow roads that can challenge larger RVs, especially during busy checkout times. Several reviewers mention leveling challenges on some sites. The gated facility enforces quiet hours after 8 PM, and military helicopter flyovers occur periodically given the location. Reservations fill quickly for weekends, particularly during warmer months.
Lake Jennings works well for RV families wanting full hookups close to San Diego, though tent campers should expect limited shade on some sites and plan for potential noise from nearby traffic and air activity.
Description
Lake Jennings is known for being one of the most scenic parks in all of San Diego County. It is a welcoming recreation destination located in Lakeside, California offering fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities. The lake is a drinking water reservoir owned and operated by Helix Water District. The scenic views of the lake and the wooded surroundings make it feel as if you are in the middle of the wilderness, right outside of town.
Lake Jennings hosts a 97-space campground that is open seven days a week year-round. It’s located on the north side of Lake Jennings, with a variety of spaces available for RVs, Trailers, Campers and Tents. Come on out, take a paddleboat, rowboat or motorboat for the day, and enjoy the beautiful weather! Cozy coves make great picnic spots, so don’t forget your picnic basket.
Lake Jennings offers a great escape for novice or avid fishermen, and is open for shore fishing from the shoreline below the campground. Boat rentals, private boat launching, and fishing from our floating fishing dock is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For your convenience, we have an on-site Bait and Tackle Shop open Friday through Sunday, offering a wide selection of bait, tackle, camping supplies, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Lake Jennings is a great destination for the serious and casual wildlife viewer and photographer. The rolling hills, the endless lake, the coastal sage, and the riparian areas provide a diverse habitat in a small area. Common sightings include deer, fox, and osprey. Bird watchers are equally drawn to Lake Jennings for its rich variety of bird species.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Jennings is located in California near Lakeside
Directions
Located off I-8 East and Lake Jennings Park Road, Exit 23, map on website.
Address
9535 Harritt Road
Lakeside, CA 92040
Coordinates
32.8616503 N
116.89240167 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/6/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 25 usersLast on 7/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/19/25
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/6/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 25 usersLast on 7/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/19/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 15 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 59 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Yuma, AZ






































