By Mike Allen

May 21, 2023 (Santee) -- Laura Koval is retiring from her regular job as director of the Santee Lakes park, but says she’s keeping her part-time job on the Santee City Council. In fact, she’s announced she intends to run again for the seat in 2024.

Working has been part of her life since she was a youngster. Beginning at the tender age of 17 as an usher for the San Diego Padres and continuing to her current job that will end next month, Koval has worn many different hats. But one she still wears proudly today has SD on it.

Koval, 58, worked for the Padres for 26 years, including during the team’s only two World Series appearances in 1984 and 1998.

Source:  Santee Lakes

June 9, 2022 (Santee) - Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is proud to announce our new Campground shade structure has been the perfect addition to our Campground! We would like to thank the American Melanoma Foundation (AMF) for partially funding this 30’x40’ structure to cover our playground in the campground and protect our camping kiddos.

By Greg Dunne                                           

March 14, 2021 (Santee) - The ducks are out at Santee Lakes. Santee Lakes is a great place to do some bird watching, get a walk in, or of course do some fishing. And, if you are birding, maybe get a chance to see a Cinnamon Teal.

Of all the lakes out in the East County, I think the one with the largest population of ducks is Santee Lakes--from the Mallards, Northern Shoveler and Wood Ducks, to the American Wigeon. Plus you are guaranteed to always find the American Coots hanging out with the ducks. Santee Lakes is one of my favorite places to bird watch because of the wide diversity of species ranging from Osprey and Peregrine Falcons to Snowy Egrets and Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers as well as Western Kingbirds. An estimate of over 200 species can be seen in a calendar year at Santee Lakes.

East County News Service

November 30, 2020 (Santee) -- Santa is coming to town on Sunday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Santee Lakes (Lake 1 Gazebo).  A physically distanced meeting and photo opportunity will be available with Santa.

A reservation to visit Santa is encouraged, however walk-up visits will be available throughout the day based on availability. Make your reservation to visit with Santa at https://santaatthelakes.setmore.com/

By Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2019 (Santee) – The Bayou Brothers will present a rollicking concert complete with Cajun, Zydeco and blues  music at Santee Lakes on Saturday, June 15th at 7 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayous – and you just may get a free lesson in how to play the rub board.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Mike Allen, East County Magazine

February 22, 2018 (Santee) -- Ever since wood cabins were built at the end of Santee Lakes some seven years ago, I’ve been curious about what they were like.

I’ve stayed in a few cabins in my life, some quite rustic and spartan, and others with all the stuff you’d ever need if you’re “camping,” including one that had a spa tub.

The cabins at Santee Lakes are definitely at the higher end, in fact, downright luxurious with just about everything a family would need to enjoy one of America’s best campgrounds situated smack dab in the middle of Santee.

East County News Service

December 3, 2017 (Santee) — Santa comes to Santee Lakes on Sunday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Children can also delight in meeting favorite characters from Star Wars and Disney movies on Storybook Island, sliding down Snow Hill, crafts, face painting, carnival rides and rides on ponies, tractors and a train.

By Miriam Raftery

April 17, 2017 (Santee) – Santee Lakes is an idyllic place to let kids enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood.  On a sunny afternoon over spring break, kids at the lakes gleefully discovered their inner Tom Sawyer or Becky Thatcher. 

I spotted a group of kids piloting a pedal boat around one of several islands in the lake.   A large Canada Goose skidded to a water landing in front of another pedal boat, where a startled dad snapped photos while his kids looked on, pointing with delight.  

Source: Santee Lakes

November 30, 2016 (Santee) - Santa and snow are in the forecast on Sunday, December 11^th from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 16^th annual Santa at the Lakes event at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve.

Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities including Snow Hill, photos with Santa, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, carnival rides, holiday crafts, and hay rides.

East County News Service

June 7, 2016 (Santee) -- Night Fishing is coming to Santee Lakes on Thursday evenings June 9, 23, July 7, 21, and August 4, 18.

East County News Service

May 8, 2016 (Santee) - Movies & More by the Lake Presents ”Lights, Camera, Beagle! The Peanuts Movie" on Friday, June 24^th from 6 p.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. at Santee Lakes.

East County News Service

May 28, 2015 (Santee) -- Santee Lakes invites you to drop your line for night fishing.   Lakes 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be open for night fishing on June 4 and 18, July 16 and 30, August 13 and 27 from 5 p.m. to 11 :30 p.m.

Bring a lantern--but no radios please, to keep the lake quiet for best fishing.

December 31, 2014 (Santee) - If you love to fish, you may want to mark your calendars for the Trout Reopener at Santee Lakes on January 10^th and 11^th, when the lakes will be stocked with two thousand pounds of rainbow trout.