Lake Skinner – Home

Nestled in the rolling hills of Winchester, CA, beautiful Lake Skinner Recreational Area offers visitors expansive natural vistas and invigorating recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing. This popular regional park is located just a few short miles east of the Temecula Wineries, close to the bustling communities of Murrieta and Menifee, and within easy access of Interstates 15 and 215.

Created in 1973, Lake Skinner has 1400 surface acres of 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. While the park is popular for all its recreational activities, fishing is undoubtedly one of its biggest attractions. Lake Skinner 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.

Lake Skinner is host each May to the nation’s largest solar boat program, the annual MWD sponsored Solar Cup. Boating is allowed on the lake with a few restrictions and the park offers boat rentals at the marina. All boating activities must be non-body contact (no swimming, skiing, etc.)

For day trips, Lake Skinner offers two shade shelters and picnic benches and barbecues throughout the park for picnics and other gatherings. A stroll on the mile and a half groomed walking path that circles the park affords spectacular views in all directions. 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. Bird-watching is a prized activity here and visitors can regularly spot a wide variety of birds, such as heron, owls, hawks, and many others. Other inhabitants of the park include rabbits, squirrels and, on cold mornings, one might even spot a few deer.

With 241 campsites, Lake Skinner’s campgrounds provide plenty of space for overnight or extended stays. Sites offers picnic benches and fire rings. Most away-from-home needs can be met with a visit to the well-stocked camp store.

Lake Skinner Recreation Area is well known for hosting the award-winning annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival each June. Throughout the summer, RivCoParks offers fun and relaxing events at Lake Skinner that include outdoor concerts, family movies, and star-gazing night.

Park guides and more information are available at Riverside County Park District Headquarters or at Lake Skinner Recreation Area.

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*Passport America discounts are not applicable with other discounts.

Fish Stocking Schedule