Lake Morena County Park

2550 Lake Morena Drive, Campo, CA 91906
Park: (619) 579-4101
Reservations: (858) 565-3600, (877) 565-3600
Fishing Report: (619) 687-1496

Camping Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days per week
Day-use Hours: Sunrise - 1/2-hour before sunset 
Fishing/Boating Hours: Oct. - March: 6 a.m. – 1/2 hour before sunset, daily | April - Sept.: 5:30 a.m. – 1/2 hour before sunset, daily

Parking is $3. View the park brochure. See our latest fishing report. 

LAKE IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR BOATING, KAYAKING, AND OFFSHORE FISHING - see below.

ALERT - As of November 13, 2023, offshore fishing, boating, and kayaking are not allowed at the lake. Only On-shore fishing is allowed. Recent testing conducted by the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department found high levels of cyanobacteria toxins in the water that are caused by blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are a natural part of the ecosystem. However, there are times when this algae “blooms” and grows rapidly under ideal conditions producing toxins. When blue-green algae become a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), water activities are impacted due to public safety concern.  Based on the recent lab results from the reservoir water sampling and using guidelines from the California State Water Board, the lake has been closed to offshore fishing, boating, and kayaking. A “Warning” advisory has been posted. Safety of all park guests is a top priority for us so while closures are always a last resort, the lake restrictions will remain until levels subside. Testing will continue on a weekly basis – please check back for updates.

FAQs on Blue-Green Algae at Lake Morena.

Lake Morena County Park is a camping and fishing park located in East County San Diego. Because of its location – southwest of the Laguna Mountains – the park shows characteristics of desert, coastal, and mountain habitats. Lake Morena sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet. It is the most remote reservoir in all of San Diego County. The park features 8 miles of non-motorized multi-use trails, TRACK trails for kids, pavilion, corporate meeting space and a playground.

It’s a popular vacation spot for several reasons:

• It’s a hop, skip and jump away from the well-known Pacific Crest Trail.
• The lake is regularly stocked with a variety of freshwater fish.
• On site are a number of partial RV sites, 86 campsites and group sites – even wilderness cabins!
• Ample day-use picnic areas are available. 

Be sure to bring water, a snack, good footwear, and sun protection. 

Motorized boats can be rented for daily fishing and touring the lake. Swimming and direct-body contact are not allowed. For further information, call the park at (619) 579-4101. Additionally, the boat dock is subject to closure during inclement weather which includes high winds, electrical storms, rain and snow storms. Please call ahead.

Boat Launch Information:

All vessels and equipment must pass a quagga inspection prior to launch. To pass a quagga inspection, vessels and equipment must be clean, drained and dry:

• Clean of any visible mud, plants, fish, or animals on the watercraft, equipment and trailers
• Drained of all water, including from the lower outboard unit, ballast, live-well, buckets, etc. - drain plugs should be unplugged prior to arrival 
• Dry all areas and equipment including anchor lines, life vests, waders, live wells, and trailers

Boat Rental Fees:

• Weekday rate applies to Mondays - Fridays except holidays.
• You may provide your own rowboat.
• The speed limit is 10 MPH; no waterskiing.
• Swimming is NOT permitted; no direct body-water contact.  

**Weekday rate applies to Mondays - Fridays except holidays.

Fishing Fees: 
IMPORTANT: In addition to the County-issued permit fees below, you must hold a State-issued Fishing License (not available at Lake Morena or at any nearby facility or retailer).  Make sure you obtain your State-issued Fishing License in advance of your visit.

**Weekday rate applies to Mondays - Fridays except holidays.

Visit the News & Events page for park events, updates and closures.
Click here to view development projects.