Dixon Lake
4 Reviews
Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder that any of these fun places we may visit, we are a guest at. Please treat both businesses and trails with the utmost respect. We here at Hidden San Diego follow the 'Leave no Trace' mantra, meaning whatever you bring with you comes back with you. If you see trash on a trail, please do your part to help remove it. Remember, we are not picking up trash from another person but instead cleaning up for Mother Nature. Happy adventures!
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2198-2254 La Honda Dr.
Escondido, CA 92027
33.166693, -117.052000
Hike: 2.1 miles out and back   Level: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes   Kid-Friendly: Yes
**Check out our article on Hidden Gems in Escondido!**
About Dixon Lake
“Dixon Lake is located in Escondido and is open year-round. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. daily; park closes at dusk. Night fishing is available during the summer months. Contact Park Ranger at 760-839-4680 for further information. No pets are allowed at this facility.
Dixon Lake Night Fishing begins July 11 this year. Bring the family to enjoy the cool night breezes Thursday and Friday nights this summer. The lake will be open until 10:45 p.m. if you are fishing from a boat, and until 11:45 p.m. if you are fishing on shore. Picnic Areas will close at 8 p.m.
Catfish will be planted throughout the season, so fishing should be good. Combine your visit with a few nights of camping and enjoy the beautiful views of the Escondido skyline as the lights come on in the city, or spend an afternoon hiking in Daley Ranch.
While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the Deer Park Monastery nearby!
For current fishing conditions and hours of operation, please check the latest fishing report.”
Personal Experience
Out of all the lakes that I have visited in San Diego, this is definitely one of my favorites. Why? Because it isn’t “perfect” and the trails are not manicured. It feels as though they worked with nature instead of plowing it down.
It is a decent-sized lake with boat rentals, bbq/party spots, camping grounds and plenty of great fishing locations. This is right next to Daley Ranch, so if you’re in an adventurous mood and it’s not too hot, you should hit that spot up too.
I cannot speak for the fishing because I do not fish, but I can say that the water is crystal clear (boy did I want to jump in and go for a swim) and in some areas the water is literally turquoise! You can get some beautiful photos here.
Camille
can you swim in this lake?
March 11, 2014
Phyllis
Before Dixon lake was a park open to the public and only a dam, we used to hike up to Eagle’s Peak the cluster of large boulders nearby. Getting to the top of the boulders proved an excellent view of the city below.
August 1, 2014
Brittany
How is it now? Still enjoyable in the summer months? Can you swim there?
August 23, 2014
the compound mma oceanside
Lake Dixon is gorgeous it provides the opportunity to fish hike camp and enjoy a boat ride or two but no you cannot swim in the lake but definitely worth a family day
February 14, 2016