Temecula is a small town south of Los Angeles in California. This town was incorporated in 1989, but was a busy town during the gold rush with outlaws, cowboys, and stagecoach thieves.
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Temecula is known for it’s wine growing and farming, and there is a reason for it! This beautiful SoCal town has tons of hiking and lakes. Keep reading to find the best lakes in Temecula to help plan your next Southern California outdoor adventure.
Skinner Reservoir
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Skinner Reservoir is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Temecula. The Skinner Clearwater Dam was completed in 1973, and Skinner Reservoir was built shortly after.
This popular site offers many outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and biking. However, swimming, boating, and any water contacts are prohibited as the reservoir is used as drinking water for the nearby residents.
Lake Elsinore
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This lake is completely surrounded by a city of the same name, but it’s practically in the backyard of Temecula.
Being California’s biggest natural freshwater lake gives it plenty of room for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating. Just be sure to check for seasonal algae blooms which can get worse in the southern California heat.
Diamond Valley Lake
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Diamond Valley Lake is one hour away from Temecula. The artificial lake has created a beautiful natural environment for local wildlife.
Activities near the lake are plentiful! There are trails for hiking and biking around the entire shore and there are also picnic sites and campgrounds.
Lake Henshaw
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Since its opening, Lake Henshaw has attracted visitors from surrounding communities, including Los Angeles and San Diego. It’s also a picturesque location in northern San Diego County.
There are numerous camping areas, making Lake Henshaw a common place to set up a camp for the weekend and escape to the nearby mountains.
Dixon Lake
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Dixon Lake was built to be a reservoir in 1971. It also offers some great fishing in the Temecula area! Plus, easy access from Escondido makes this 70-acre reservoir an ideal spot for recreation.
You can fish, hike, camp, and picnic at this lake. The city, however, will charge an admission fee, and anyone who plans to fish for bluegill, trout, and crappie will need to acquire daily fishing permits.
Lake Wohlford
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Like Dixon Lake, this body of water is also managed by Escondido. The lake comes with a beautiful forest with lots of sycamore, oak, and cottonwood trees.
Even though guests cannot engage with the water, many hiking and mountain biking trails are available along the edges of the woods.
Lake Hodges
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One of the more popular lakes in Temecula, Lake Hodges has a large boat launch where you can spend the day fishing, tubing, or water skiing.
In addition to great water sports activities, the city maintains great biking, hiking, and birdwatching trails.
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