Lake guide
Lake Jennings
Lakeside, San Diego County, CA
Overview
Lake Jennings is a drinking-water reservoir owned and operated by Helix Water District in Lakeside, with the lake entrance at 9535 Harritt Road. It is a small fishing lake with a floating dock, a bait and tackle shop and a 97-space campground on the north side.
When you can boat
Boating is permitted Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays only. The bait shop and boating operation run Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight, with the gate closing at 10 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the gate closing at 6 p.m. Day use and shore fishing run daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rentals and private boats
The lake rents motorboats, rowboats, paddle boats, kayaks and Krystal Kanoes. The motorboats are 16-foot Carolina Skiffs with 4 or 6 hp four-stroke outboards. Private boats can launch with a $12 per day permit, sold at the Bait and Tackle Shop to buyers 16 or older with valid ID.
Restrictions
The speed limit is 10 mph or no wake. Personal watercraft, inflatable rafts, sailboats and amphi-cars are prohibited, and children under 13 must wear life jackets. Permitted private craft include sit-inside kayaks 10 feet or longer and certain Zodiac-type inflatables. All vessels must return before closing time.
Getting there & access
By road
The lake is at 9535 Harritt Road in Lakeside, and the campground is at 10108 Bass Road.
Private launching
Buy the $12 per-day permit at the Bait and Tackle Shop with ID; the buyer must be 16 or older. Boating is Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays only, and the gate closes before the shop on weekends.
Allowed craft
Sit-inside kayaks of 10 feet or more and certain Zodiac-type inflatables are allowed. Personal watercraft, inflatable rafts, sailboats and amphi-cars are not.
Rentals
Renters must be 16 or older with a driver's license, a guardian signs for renters under 18, and everyone completes a waiver. Motorboats and rowboats carry up to five people.
Amenities
- Bait and tackle shop — Open Friday to Sunday
- Floating dock — Boat fishing from a floating dock
- Motorboat rentals — 16-foot Carolina Skiffs, 4 or 6 hp
- Rowboats and paddle boats — Plus single and multi-seat kayaks and Krystal Kanoes
- Life vests — Provided with rentals
- Campground — 97 spaces, year-round, north side
- Night light rental — $7 per hour for Krystal Kanoes
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Boats may not exceed 10 mph at any time; no-wake rule enforced.
- Personal watercraft, inflatable rafts, sailboats and amphi-cars are prohibited.
- Life jackets must be worn by all children under 13.
- Private boat launch permit is $12 per day, sold to buyers 16 or older with ID.
- All vessels must return before closing time.
Common boat service needs here
Small outboard maintenance
4 to 6 hp outboards used here need regular servicing.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Transport
Owners who bring their own boats often rely on towing and delivery.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Canvas and covers
Heat in Lakeside wears vinyl and covers.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Detailing
Camper and cabin owners keep small boats clean between trips.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026