Making the Most of Santee Lakes
Not every camping trip goes exactly as planned—but sometimes those unexpected twists make the memories even more meaningful. Our trip to Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve was one of those experiences.
We had Cassie set up and were ready for a fun, easy getaway close to home. But early into the trip, my husband came down with COVID and had to head home to rest and recover. That left me and the kids with a choice: pack it in, or make the most of the time we had. We chose the latter—and ended up with a trip full of little adventures.
Daytime Fun: Swimming to Beat the Heat
The days at Santee Lakes were hot, sunny, and perfect for swimming. The kids and I spent long stretches at the pool, cooling off and burning off energy. There’s something about swimming at a campground that feels extra special—it’s like summer distilled into simple moments. Cassie gave us a comfy retreat to come back to, complete with snacks, shade, and a place to recharge between dips.
Evening Adventures: Scooters by the Creek
Once the sun went down and the temperatures dropped, we grabbed scooters and explored the creekside paths. The kids loved zipping along the trails, headlights flickering on their scooters, while I soaked in the peaceful sounds of water and crickets. Those evenings felt magical—just us, the soft glow of the campground, and that easy freedom kids find when they’re outside at night.
Pros of Santee Lakes
Close to home (for San Diegans, it’s a quick and easy trip).
Lots for kids to do—swimming, playgrounds, and trails galore.
Beautiful setting with lakes, creeks, and plenty of wildlife to spot.
Spacious sites that make it feel relaxing, even when the campground is full.
Final Thoughts
While it wasn’t the trip we expected—missing my husband for part of it—Santee Lakes reminded me of why we love camping with Cassie. Even when things don’t go perfectly, there’s always fun to be found. Whether it was swimming in the afternoon heat or scooter rides by the creek at night, the kids and I came home with new memories, laughter, and stories to tell.
This one definitely goes down as a trip that proved the old saying true: sometimes, the best adventures come from rolling with the unexpected.
