Facilities

Overview

Dixon Lake, located at 1700 La Honda Drive, Escondido, CA 92027, is open year-round (closed Christmas Day). Gates open at 6 am daily; closing hours vary by season. Contact the Park Ranger office at 760-839-4680 for further information.

Reservations for camping are available; see the Camping Information section for more reservation information. 

Please remember that smoking and glass containers are never allowed anywhere at Dixon Lake. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in the campground while camping and not in any of the day-use areas, on the shoreline, or on boats.

Entry Fee (Day Use)

(Charged on weekends, holidays, and during special events such as the Trout Derby)

• Per Car/Van/Motorcycle: $5 (cash only)
• Buses/Vehicles over 20 feet: $30 (cash only)
• Senior Citizens (over 60): Free

Camping Information

View more information on camping at Dixon Lake.

Attention Anglers

We open at 6 am every day. Boats are called in an hour before the park closes. Please note that boats usually sell out quickly each morning after each stock, so get here early to get your shot at a boat.

Trout are catch and take only - no catch and release. Daily permits and catch limits are strictly enforced by Rangers, so make sure you're within the rules and don't risk losing your catch.

You can call the Dixon Lake Ranger Station at 760-839-4680 for updates on the current stocking schedule.

New fishing regulations: The bass limit is now only 2 bass (over 12 inches) in possession each day.

Fishing Fees

Because Dixon Lake has been granted an Aquaculture Permit by the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, fishing licenses are no longer required. However, all anglers eight years and older will need a daily lake fishing permit, which are available at the concession stand. Adult permits are $10, and Youth and Senior permits are $7. A second-rod permit can be purchased for a $5 fee except during the derby.

All Lake Fees

For additional information, please contact the Dixon Lake Ranger Station at 760-839-4680.

Dixon Lake Raccoon Update

If you've been to Dixon Lake lately, you may have noticed that we've had a bit of an increase in 4-legged bandit activity. Our raccoon population has been taking advantage of food and trash left out on tables and near trash cans. While the raccoons are not as dangerous as the famous Yosemite bears, they can be quite assertive when it comes to taking what they want, when they want it. Here are a few tips to keep the "bandits" at bay:

• Never leave food out on tables when you leave your campsite. Put all food in your car or in the food storage locker provided on the campsite.
• Do not entice the raccoons with handouts. This only makes them expect to be fed, which leads to assertive behavior when they're ignored.
• Make sure the lid to your trash can is fully secured. You may notice raccoon tracks on our trash can lids, because they can climb easily. However, they have not been able to open lids that are properly secured.
• Don't leave extra bags of trash next to the trash cans. If you have more trash than will fit in a trash can, notify a member of the Dixon Lake staff. Someone will stop by and properly dispose of the excess trash.
• Finally, remember that raccoons and pets don't mix, and pet food left out on your campsite will only invite trouble.

Important Links

• Accessible Cabin
• Camping Information
• Eagle Peak Climbing Permit (PDF)
• Fee Matrix (PDF)
• Fishing Information
• Group Waiver (Eagle Peak) (PDF)
• Individual Waiver (Eagle Peak) (PDF)
• Lake Rules and Regulations
• Picnic Information