Lake guide
San Vicente Reservoir
Lakeside, San Diego County, CA
Overview
San Vicente Reservoir sits in the hills above Lakeside, reached from Moreno Avenue. It is the City of San Diego's water-sports reservoir: the City's rules allow boats, waterskiing, wakeboarding and three-seater personal watercraft used for towing, in addition to fishing from boats, canoes, kayaks and float tubes.
Speed zones and tow rules
The open-water maximum is 35 mph, the shoreline limit is 5 mph within 100 feet, and a slow tow zone is 10 mph. Two designated tow zones, I and II, are set at 35 mph, and the ski course has a 20 mph minimum. Towing requires an observer aged 12 or older. A personal watercraft may be used only if it seats three, and only to tow a skier, wakeboard or tube. A special permit is needed for the wakeboard area.
Seasonal schedule
The City's brochure says general boating runs Thursday to Monday and water contact Thursday to Sunday from May to October; from November to April general boating is Saturday and Sunday and water contact Sunday only. Hours are a half hour before sunrise to sunset. The current City page lists Tuesday and Wednesday as closed, and also lists a closure on the second Friday of each month, so confirm the schedule.
Fees and rules
General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth and $7 for seniors, with a private watercraft fee of $10 per boat. Water-contact access costs $8 for adults and $6 for youth. No stand-up paddleboards, swimming, wading or dogs on boats.
Getting there & access
By road
The entrance is on Moreno Avenue in Lakeside. The state boating directory lists the launch facility at 12375 Moreno Avenue and the City page at 12387 Moreno Avenue.
Launch
A public ramp is at the main access road. The state directory lists 100 trailer parking spaces and 2 boarding floats.
Traffic pattern
Skiers and boats travel counterclockwise except when retrieving a fallen skier. Boats using the ski course must run at least 20 mph or stay in the 5 mph perimeter zone.
Schedule
Seasons differ for general boating and water contact, so confirm the day you want on the City page or by calling 619-668-2050.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — Public ramp with 2 boarding floats
- Trailer parking — 100 spaces per the state directory
- Boat rentals — Listed by the state directory
- Restrooms — On site
- Picnic tables — With gas barbecue areas
- Dogs — Leashed on land, not on boats
- Tow zones — Two designated tow zones plus slow tow zone
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Open-water maximum 35 mph; 5 mph within 100 feet of shore; 20 mph minimum on the ski course.
- Personal watercraft must seat three and may only tow a skier, wakeboard or tube; operators must be 16 or older.
- No bow, gunwale or transom riding; all boats off the water by sunset.
- No stand-up paddleboards, swimming, wading or dogs on boats.
- Private watercraft $10 per boat; cash or check only.
Common boat service needs here
Ski and wake boat engine service
Tow boats work hard at 35 mph and need regular engine and drive service.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Hull and gelcoat care
Sun and ramp wear dull gelcoat on trailer boats.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Boat covers and upholstery
Lakeside heat damages vinyl and covers.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Trailer transport
Wake boat owners often need trailer towing and delivery.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026