Paddle Notes: Share with others the experience of paddling this exquisite lake which provides dazzling mountain views and a variety of inlets to explore. You can paddle Lake Morena in sections, or you can paddle the entire perimeter, which is about a six-hour paddle when the lake is full.  In 2006 and 2007 Lake Morena only had about 8 miles of shoreline. when I was here. Lake Morena is a man-made lake. It is the most remote lake of San Diego’s reservoirs. The only source of water is from rain run-off which causes the lake’s water level to fluctuate from year-to-year. Occasionally, the lake is drained by the city and the water level can drop drastically up to fifty percent less than its capacity.   Lake Morena usually has calm waters due to the restriction on water body contact which prohibits  jet and waterskiing. The only drawback is that swimming is not allowed.

Miles of Shoreline: 26    Surface Acres: 1500      Elevation: 3000’

Wind & Weather Conditions: Calm winds in the morning make for crystal clear waters that reflect the magnificent surrounding landscape onto the still waters of this enchanting lake. A mild afternoon breeze helps you keep cool from the intense summer heat in this hot climate region. The average daytime high summer air temperature is in the 80s, but it can heat up to 100 degrees. Low water level conditions occur beginning in August, but sometimes as early as the beginning of July.

Terrain: Lake Morena is located in the Cleveland National Forest, nestled in the middle of 3260 acres of oak, chaparral and grassland. The lake is surrounded by large granite boulders, rolling hills and low mountains and has a succession of small islands protruding from the water’s surface. Lake Morena provides breathtaking sunsets from lake side campsites in a peaceful atmosphere. A number of campsites are located along the shore overlooking the sparkling water on this Top Twenty List lake when the lake is at full water capacity. This is a popular location for family camping. Most of the campsites have plenty of shade and privacy in between one another. The campground books up virtually every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day so make your reservations early.

Open: Lake Morena offers limitless year-round paddling opportunities one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, seven days a week. The boat speed limit is 30 m.p.h.

Fees: There are day use, launch, camping and pet fees. There’s no charge for launching your boat if you camp.

Snoopy fishing rods.  The lake has an abundance of rocks, brush-lined shore, and dense weed beds where bass can be caught in the late spring to summer.  Rainbow trout also offer good angling opportunities. which 12,000 rainbow trout in the 7 to 8 inch class are stocked annually in the wintertime by the Department of Fish and Game.    

Resources: Lake Morena RV Park                         Ph: 619  478-5677
Fish and Weather Hotline                                                    Ph: 619 478-5473

Directions: From the city of San Diego, take Interstate 8 east for about forty-seven miles. Exit onto Buckham Springs Road heading south for 6 miles. Turn right on Oak Drive and travel one-and-a-half miles. Then turn right on Lake Morena Drive and drive five-and-a-half miles. Lake Morena Drive turns into Morena Reservoir Road.

Campground: Lake Morena County Park  2550 Lake Morena Drive Campo, CA 91906

Facilities: There are 86 tent or RV sites (58 with water and electric hookups) with flush toilets, water, shower, a grocery store, a boat launch, boat rentals, hiking, boating, and sailing. Windsurfing, swimming, jet and waterskiing are not permitted. Pets are allowed on a leash but pets are not recommended due to the abundance of coyotes in the vicinity. During low water levels the North Shore Primitive Campground is closed.

Reservations: Advised                            Accepted: Yes
                      Check-in Time: 2:00          Check-out Time: 2:00 
                      Minimum Stay: 2 nights     Maximum Stay: 14 days
                      Reservations #: 858 565-3600