Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

We just go to Santee Lakes for picnics, and sometimes to just walk around. There is an entry fee to park inside, but you can also walk in if you park out on the street close to the entrance. On some weekends it's actually easier to park on the street for free than to look for parking in the lake parking areas, so we usually just stick to the street parking.

It's nice here, the lakes look clean, grass is nice and well maintained, and the bathrooms are good. I enjoy coming here.

Very nice, peaceful and safe place for the family and kids. Your kids have a very nice playground to play and very nice view to enjoy walking around the lakes.

such a lovely place to walk and relax. I want to thank whoever turned in my grandson's sweatshirt. I am filled with much gratitude. I was so happy to call the lakes and find out the items was in the lost and found. Thank you so very much.

First time going i was impressed the ranger at the check-in shack waa very welcoming and gave us a lot of useful information park and bathrooms very clean great picnic areas saw lots of people catching fish will definitely return thank you for such an enjoyable experience

Santee Lakes is a beautiful, relaxing place to watch the ducks and other wildlife, and many people fish there. There is not a lot of shade for such a warm climate, but there are some picnic tables and benches scattered around. There’s a little store that sells drinks, ice cream and snacks, as well as camping supplies. No dogs of any size are allowed , even on a leash. If you are staying at the campground you are allowed to walk your dogs around all the lakes, which seems unfair to me. It gets very crowded on weekends and holidays with very limited parking, so plan to go early.