Dixon Lake,

2257001600, Escondido, CA 92027, United States

"I have so many happy memories of this lake and park over many years … a moonlit Fourth of July out on the lake in a boat, fishing with a friend, with fireworks exploding in the distant sky — bliss … another friend’s big picnic there the day after her wedding … plus camping there. Check out my sunrise photo here. If you get up early you’ll also see birdlife (egrets?) visiting the water’s edge. This is an affordable, family oriented, almost hidden gem, less known to people beyond northern San Diego county. A huge plus is the adjacent Daley Ranch, a hiking destination."

"We camped in our 25 foot RV at site 19 and it was great! The road in is a little daunting with a 10% grade but it’s manageable. Feels like you’re in nature even though you only leave the suburbs behind as you enter the park."

"Gorgeous lake for camping, fishing, boating. All kinds of trails around. Paid entry on weekends. Super friendly rangers out and about that give great tips about spots to check out. I went to the small waterfall today on advice of ranger. You can't loop around the lake. Most trails are north of the lake with some connecting to Daley Ranch trails. Free parking at the Daley Ranch parking lot and you can walk by Dixon lake ranger station Lots of facilities, trash cans and porta-potties all over. Very clean and well maintained. Photos and videos are from today"

"Beautiful Lake, well kept, lots of fishing going on here. I’m going to camp here in the near future. Kids love playground and picnic area. Lots of hikers, some with dogs. Good place to spend your day!"

"A beautiful and scenic area with multiple fishing docks and a boating area. Many trails to walk through. Although somewhat small for a nature area it is still a nice and partly quiet place to go in the mornings. Around 5pm is when the parking area and fishing areas start to get much more busy so if you want to be more alone on your hike then you're going to want to go as early as you can, really."