Padre Dam Municipal Water District built Santee Lakes to demonstrate the promise of water recycling. Should a water and wastewater agency be in the recreation business? Let's ask that question a different way. Is it important to show cities and communities worldwide how to:

Turn wastewater into recreation?

Reduce their wastewater stream and processing costs?

Increase their local water supply, and do it all profitably, with no burden on property taxes or ratepayers?

Urban planners, architects and government officials from around the world tour Santee Lakes on a regular basis.

Our Purpose Statement

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve enhances our community through the delivery of exceptional recreation opportunities, the restoration and protection of environmental assets, and the re-investment in our Park and Campground for the benefit of people.

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve achieves its purpose by:

1.  Supporting the vision and mission of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District.

2.  Focusing on the 3 R's:  Recreation, Restoration, and Re-investment.

3.  Delivering exceptional customer service.

4.  Maintaining a safe and clean environment.

5.  Training our employees and volunteers to perform at their best.

6.  Incorporating technologies that promote best practices in our business.

7.  Practicing our core values: Trust, Integrity, Competence, Accountability, &  Service.

8.  Resolving problems and issues before they become customer concerns.

9.  Working together as a team, regardless of our position, to achieve our  purpose.

10.  Recognizing our teamwork and celebrating our successes.

Hours of Operation & Fees

Hours subject to change

(November - February)

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday - Sunday: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(March - September)

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday - Sunday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Memorial Day - 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 (October)

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday - Sunday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fees:

Weekdays: $3/vehicle

Weekend/Holiday: $5/vehicle

Special Events: $8/vehicle

Sprayground Wristband: $2/child

Campground

Our 300 hook-up Campground includes:

Community covered shelters

Wireless Internet

Cable and phone

All day use amenities

Shower and restroom facilities

Laundry facilities

Clubhouse for parties

Activities and camping clubs

Two swimming pools and a Jacuzzi

A safe spot for your RV!

The 4 acre, 14,000 solar panel project, completed in  December 2008, included the construction of solar arrays mounted to vehicle storage covers. Rather than utilizing a traditional ground-mounted solar system which requires dedicated open space, vehicle storage covers were used which resulted in a dual benefit. The covered sites provide a secure facility in a convenient location. Amenities include a card access control system and a dump station.  Monthly fees are $130 per month for 20 ft. and under units.

Picnicking

BIG PARTIES NEED A BIG BACKYARD!
Our Park includes islands, amphitheater and waterfront gazebos with picturesque settings to match the imaginations of brides-to-be, corporate party planners and birthday boys and girls of all ages.  Most of all, our friendly staff is here, there and everywhere to make sure your event is just right!

Boating

A great way to see the Park is a spin around Lake 5 in a pedal boat, kayak or canoe!  These boats are available for rent at the General Store by the hour or half-hour.  Personal watercraft is not allowed in our lakes because of the threat of Quagga Mussels.

Playgrounds

There are 7 playgrounds to choose from,
including a Boulder Adventure Course located on an island connected by a bridge; a Sprayground for those hot summer days; a Tot Lot for those small explorers and Mega Tower for the more adventurous.  There is also a special playground for children with disabilities sponsored by our local Kiwanis Club between Lakes 3 and 4 and is covered with a shade structure, thanks to The American Melanoma Foundation and Santee Santas!

The Sprayground is open during Park Hours and is $2 on weekdays and $3 on weekends for a wristband to play the entire day.  Please wear sun protection at all times.  Swim footwear is recommended.

Birding

Santee Lakes has several types of wildlife that call it home, but the most diverse population of wildlife is the vast species of birds.  With well over 200 different birds that either live here full-time or just pass through to avoid the cold, Santee Lakes is the perfect place to photograph, or just enjoy birds of all kinds.

Fishing

Cast A Line at Santee Lakes!
Our 7 lakes are stocked with Catfish and Rainbow Trout on a seasonal basis. Bass and Bluegill are also prevalent in the Lakes. Lakes 1 through 5 are for day use fishing, while Lakes 6 through 7 are for registered campers.

No State fishing license required; a permit from the General Store is all you need!