Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near El Cajon where fishing is allowed, closest first.
Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. California license information ↗
14 mi southwest · Fish and Wildlife Service
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a rich diversity of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species and their habitats within a highly urbanized coastal environment.
42 mi north · USDA Forest Service
Located on the Cleveland National Forest, Oak Grove Campground is nestled in a valley of large oak groves and manzanita. Recreation Oak Grove Trail is a short walk of 1.5 miles and is located across Rt. 79, behind the Ranger Station.
70 mi northeast · Bureau of Reclamation
Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.
Map of 5 places loads as you scroll.
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a rich diversity of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species and their habitats within a highly urbanized coastal environment.
Located on the Cleveland National Forest, Oak Grove Campground is nestled in a valley of large oak groves and manzanita. Recreation Oak Grove Trail is a short walk of 1.5 miles and is located across Rt. 79, behind the Ranger Station.
Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.
The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is located in California’s Imperial Valley, 40 miles north of the Mexican border, along the southern end of the Salton Sea.
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown El Cajon. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by San Diego Mamas.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by San Diego MicroTours.
Watch on YouTube ↗
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 14 miles southwest of El Cajon as the crow flies. Next are Oak Grove Campground (42 mi) and Lake Cahuilla (70 mi).
Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a California fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.
Federal agencies including Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.