Nestled in the hills of Winchester, Lake Skinner is only a few miles east of the Temecula Wineries and within easy access of Interstates 15 and 215. Created in 1973, Lake Skinner has 1400 acres of surface water and is operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Supplied by the Colorado River through the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project, the lake feeds the Robert A. Skinner filtration plant and, in turn, supplies water to many residents of Southern California.
The Park offers a true taste of the outdoors being just a few miles from the bustling communities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, and Menifee. Visitors regularly spot a wide variety of birds, such as Heron, Owls, and Hawks. Other inhabitants of the Park include rabbits, squirrels, and on those cold mornings, one might even spot a deer or two. Lake Skinner provides a place to enjoy many outdoor activities including camping, hiking, horseback riding, and sailing, however, its biggest attraction is the fishing.
The Lake is home to Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Carp, and Bluegill year round. The District also stocks Catfish in the summer and Trout in the winter, keeping the fishing active all year long. Boating is allowed on the lake with a few restrictions and for those without a boat, the park offers boat rentals at the lakes marina. With 241 campsites, Lake Skinner has plenty of space for those overnight stays as well. Each site offers a picnic bench and a fire ring. If a day picnic is more your speed, Lake Skinner also offers two shade shelters and picnic benches throughout the park for family get-togethers and BBQ’s as well. You can get a great view of the park by taking a stroll on the mile and a half groomed walking path that circles the park. The Park also offers a brand new amphitheater alongside a newly installed Splash Pad for those hot days when the family just needs to cool off and don’t worry – if you forget something at home, the park has a well stocked Camp Stor e to help you out.
Lake Skinner is host to the annual MWD sponsored Solar Cup each May and the award-winning annual Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival each June.
Park guides and more information are available at Riverside County Park District Headquarters or at Lake Skinner Recreation Area.
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Features:
- 184 Full Hook Up Sites (Water, Sewer, and Electricity)
- 16 Partial Hook Up Sites (Water and Electric)
- 41 Developed Sites (Water Only)
- Fishing
- Camp Store
- Boating
- Boat Rentals
- Hiking
- Biking
- Running Trails
- Equestrian Trails
- Laundry Facilities
- Splash Pad
- Horseshoe Pits
- Showers & Restrooms Toilets
- Amphitheatre
Site Rules:
- Bicycle riders must wear helmet
- Build fires only in safe, personal stoves in grill/fire rings provided
- No ground fires allowed
- No more than 6 occupants and 2 vehicles per site
- Maximum stay of 14 days within a 28-day period
- No fireworks
- No firearms
- Do not remove, deface, or disturb any part of the park features or wildlife
- Do not gather firewood in the park
- Do not attach anything to trees
- Pets must be kept on controlled leashes (Maximum leash length – 6 feet)
- Do not leave pet unattended
- Clean up promptly after pet
