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About Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park

Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is a beautiful 710-acre park set amid expansive lawns and picturesque mountain views, making it a -spectacular day or overnight destination. Situated at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains 6 miles South East of Old Town La Quinta, Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park offers a delightful experience in the Coachella Valley.

With 96 individual and group campsites near the gorgeous Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is a natural getaway and easy destination for anyone looking to quickly escape city life into unparalleled scenery and the many outdoor activities available. Fishing in the 135-acre lake, hiking and horseback riding on nearby trails are just a few of the great experiences guests can expect. Open grass areas with picnic tables and barbecues are ideal for hosting a range of special events from birthday parties to company gatherings.

Please note: Riverside County Sheriff gun range is located near the park.

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STOCK

    Park Hours

    Day Use Hours:

    Hours of Operation:
    Sunday - Thursday:
    6:00 a.m. - Sunset
     
    Friday and Saturday & Night Pre-Holiday:
    6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
     

    Check-In/Out Hours

    Campgrounds: Check-In: 2 p.m.Check-Out: 11:00 a.m.

     
    Pool Closed for Fall/Winter Season. 
     
    Note: All day-use areas of the park close at sunset. 
     
    Park Quiet Hours:
    10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
     

    Park Fees

    *Please note fee changes effective August 1, 2024

    Camping: $30-50 per night. 
    Day use: $6 per adult and $3 per child (12 and younger).
    Fishing: $15 per adult, per day and $10 per child (12 and younger), per day.
    Sewage Dump Fee: (non-camper): $20.

    See our Holiday Fee Schedule for Holiday Vehicle Fees. 

    Current license, registration, and insurance is required when camping. For more information, please contact Guest Services.

    Park Features

    • 62 Hookup campsites
    • 10 Water Only
    • 20 Equestrian campsites
    • 35 Dry Camping Individual Sites
    • 135 acre lake
    • Fishing
    • Picnic facilities
    • Sand Volleyball
    • Bocce Ball​
    • Dump station
    • Showers
    • Horse corrals
    • Ice available for purchase
    • Hiking
    • Barbeque grills
    • Grill/fire rings
    • Coined showers
    • Restrooms
    • Pet friendly​

    Park FAQ's

    • Does Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park have adequately paved paths to accommodate persons with limited mobility?

             In Day Use Areas, we have paved paths from the Handicap parking spaces to the shelters/restrooms.

    • What is the majority of the Day Use land like? (Paved, grassy, gravel, sandy, flat, bumpy, etc.)

             Grassy with trees, bit bumpy, picnic table and BBQs throughout.

    • How shaded is the Day Use area? Are there many shade trees in heavily trafficked areas?

             Mulberry trees throughout the Day Use Areas provide natural shades in the summer.

    • What types of trails are within the park for walking, hiking, biking, or horse riding?

            No trails within the park.  Walking and biking on the park road.

    • How many playgrounds are in the park?

             1

    • Are campers allowed to swim in the lake?

             No.

    • What activities are available in Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park?

              Camping, fishing, picnic, birdwatching, hiking

    • How many shade structures/shelters are available in the park? How many picnic tables are under each? \

             7 reservable shades and we place picnic tables upon request.

    • Does Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park have an on-site store?

             No

    • Which campsites have the best shade?

             35, 44 & 46

    • Which sites offer some level of privacy?

             H3 when available Equestrian campground is also quiet seldom gets sold-out.

    • Which sites are best for tent camping?

             Any sites are suitable for tent camping including Primitive Campground

    • Are there any exceptions to the 2 vehicle/2 tent maximum?

              Always exceptions; case by case.

    • Do all sites have a BBQ/fire ring and picnic table?

             All sites at RV Campground, Primitive Campground and Equestrian campground

    • Is there a dump station available to campers on-site? If not, where is the nearest?

             Yes

    • What time are entry gates locked? Are campers able to exit and re-enter the park at any time?

             2:00PM May – Oct, 5:00pm October, 10:00pm Nov-April.  During the summer months and October when we close the gate early, we contact all reservation      guests by calling, email and text message to give the gate code.

    • What information is needed when registering into a campsite?

             Full name, phone number, physical address, email, camping unit, how many people aer in the party, lic plate (s)

    • What non-911 emergency numbers should campers have available?

             Local SO’s non-emergency number/dispatch number

    • How far away is the nearest grocery store and gas station?

             Ralphs 4 miles

    • What other activities are there in the area, such as trails, movies, historical/natural sites, etc.?

             Restaurants, shopping, movies, Art, Farmer’s Market, Casino

    • What sorts of animals/wildlife are common in the park?

             Birds, (Bighorn Sheep), Racoons, snakes

    • What precautions should be taken to avoid unpleasant encounters with wild animals?

             Stay away!

    • Are there any animals that don’t belong in the park, and how should they be reported?

              N/A

    • Is there anything else important to your park that we should know?

              Weather: Be prepare for the desert wind that could pick up without prior forecast.  Always prepare foe the heat.  Well hydrated and seek shades whenever possible.

    • Do you offer Wi-Fi?

              No

    Park Rules

    • FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED *NOT SOLD AT LAKE CAHUILLA*
    • No swimming/boating in the lake
    • Bicycle riders must wear helmet
    • Drones are not permitted in the park
    • Build fires in designated fire rings only
    • 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
    • 16 and older must have valid State fishing permit
    • *Passport America discounts are not applicable with other discounts.
    • For a full detailed list of our rules please visit this link.

      District Policies 

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    More Information

    DON’T MOVE A MUSSEL! Prevent the spread of Quagga and Zebra mussels!

    Recreation activities are restricted at Lake Cahuilla to help prevent the introduction and spread of quagga and zebra mussels:

    • No inflatables or personal watercraft
    • No body contact/ swimming
    • All Vessels will be quarantined online for 7 days after mandatory inspection

    For more information about quagga and zebra mussels, please download this fact sheet and Quagga education pamphlet from CVWD in English & Spanish.

    To learn more about RivCoParks’ quagga containment and prevention program, please read the full policy Here.

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    Quagga Sign