Dixon Lake, located at 1700 La Honda Drive, Escondido, CA 92027, is open year-round (closed Christmas Day).   Gates open at 6:00 a.m. 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 below for more reservation information.  Entry fees are not charged Monday through Friday, but there is a $5.00 entry fee per vehicle on Saturday, Sunday and all major holidays and special events, such as trout derbies (cash only please).

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.

CAMPING INFORMATION

Wood fires are NEVER allowed at Dixon Lake.  This includes "pressed wood" logs.

Campsite and picnic area reservations may be made online by accessing the City's reservation system at https://www.camplife.com. Enter Dixon Lake in the search field, and prompts will help you navigate the system  You can also make reservations by calling the reservation desk directly at 760-839-4680.  The reservation desk can be reached Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Walk-up reservations can be taken any time the Dixon Lake Concession Stand is open.  Reservations are accepted up to 90 days in advance, and must be paid for in full when booking, whether on line, by phone or in person. Please note that only reservations for campsites and picnic shelters are available on line.  To reserve the disabled-accessible cabin or to make a picnic reservation with a jumper, please call the Reservation Line at 760-839-4680.  Campsite and shelter changes and cancellations must be done by phone by calling the Reservation Line. 

For more information on camping at Dixon Lake, please go to www.escondido.org/Dixon-Lake-camping-information.aspx

ATTENTION ANGLERS:

Please see the Weekly Fish Report for more information.  Remember that there is a $5 entry fee charged on weekends and holidays.

We open at 6:00 a.m. 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: As of April 1st, 2018 the new 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 $9.00, and Youth and Senior permits are $6.00.  A second rod permit can be purchased for a $3.00 fee except during the derby.

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

For current fishing conditions and hours of operation, please check the latest fishing report or see the Fishing Information page for more details.https://www.escondido.org/Dixon-Lake-fishing-information.aspx

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING EAGLE PEAK

The climbing area at Eagle Peak, also known as the "Y-Crack" is now open to registered climbers.

Climbers who wish to access the Eagle Peak climbing area must complete a permit application as well as a liability waiver (individual or group). Please print out and bring completed forms with you on the day you wish to climb. Forms can be downloaded here:

CLIMBING PERMIT
INDIVIDUAL WAIVER
GROUP WAIVER

 Please see the rules for permitted use below.  

Eagle Peak Climbing Permit Rules and Regulations

  • Advance reservations are not allowed. Permits are issued for day of climb only.
  • All climbers must be registered - no guests not on permit.
  • No climbs may begin less than two (2) hours prior to closing.
  • No climbs may begin prior to park opening; no exceptions.
  • All climbs must be completed 30 minutes before park closing time. Check with the Ranger for current closing times.
  • Daily Quota - Only three groups of a maximum of twenty climbers each day (total of 60 climbers per day).
  • Your climbing permit must be closed out by a Park Ranger at the end of your climb. Failure to close out your permit may result in the loss of future climbing privileges.
  • Climbers without permits (or not listed on master permit) will be subject to ejection from the park for 72 hours, and all fees paid (camping, parking) will be forfeited.
  • Smoking is not allowed.
  • Pets are not allowed in the climbing area.
  • Pack out all that you pack in. Take your trash with you.
  • Report injuries or accidents promptly to Ranger staff. Remember, cell phone coverage can be limited.
  • Dixon Lake staff expect the climbing area to be "self-policed." If you see individuals or groups violating the terms of a permit, report it to the Ranger staff. Continued violations of rules may result in closure of the climbing area.

Please obey all park signs and do not enter areas that are designated "Closed to the Public."  Park Rangers will be regularly patrolling the Eagle Peak area, and violators may be cited and/or ejected from the park.

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

ENTRY FEE (DAY USE):

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

Per Car/Van/Motorcycle $5.00 (cash only)
Buses/Vehicles over 20 ft. $25.00 (cash only)
Senior Citizens (over 60) FREE