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About Lake Cahuilla

Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is a beautiful 710-acre park set amid expansive lawns and picturesque mountain views, making it a -spectacular day or overnight destination. Situated at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains 6 miles South East of Old Town La Quinta, Lake Cahuilla offers a delightful experience in the Coachella Valley.

With 96 individual and group campsites near the gorgeous Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla is a natural getaway and easy destination for anyone looking to quickly escape city life into unparalleled scenery and the many outdoor activities available. Fishing in the 135-acre lake, hiking and horseback riding on nearby trails are just a few of the great experiences guests can expect. Open grass areas with picnic tables and barbecues are ideal for hosting a range of special events from birthday parties to company gatherings.

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    Park Hours

    Day Use Hours


    CAH Winter Day-Use Hours (Begining October 1, 2024) 

    • 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

    Park Fees

    *Please note fee changes effective August 1, 2024

    Camping: $25-45 per night. 
    Day use: $6 per adult and $3 per child (12 and younger).
    Fishing: $10 per adult, per day and $8 per child (12 and younger), per day.
    Sewage Dump Fee: (non-camper): $20.

    See our Holiday Fee Schedule for Holiday Vehicle Fees. 

    Current license, registration, and insurance is required when camping. For more information, please contact Guest Services.

    Park Features

    • 62 Hookup campsites
    • 10 Water Only
    • 20 Equestrian campsites
    • 35 Dry Camping Individual Sites
    • 135 acre lake
    • Fishing
    • Picnic facilities
    • Sand Volleyball
    • Bocce Ball​
    • Dump station
    • Showers
    • Horse corrals
    • Ice available for purchase
    • Hiking
    • Barbeque grills
    • Grill/fire rings
    • Coined showers
    • Restrooms
    • Pet friendly​

    Park FAQ's

    • Does Lake Cahuilla have adequately paved paths to accommodate persons with limited mobility?

             In Day Use Areas, we have paved paths from the Handicap parking spaces to the shelters/restrooms.

    • What is the majority of the Day Use land like? (Paved, grassy, gravel, sandy, flat, bumpy, etc.)

             Grassy with trees, bit bumpy, picnic table and BBQs throughout.

    • How shaded is the Day Use area? Are there many shade trees in heavily trafficked areas?

             Mulberry trees throughout the Day Use Areas provide natural shades in the summer.

    • What types of trails are within the park for walking, hiking, biking, or horse riding?

            No trails within the park.  Walking and biking on the park road.

    • How many playgrounds are in the park?

             1

    • Are campers allowed to swim in the lake?

             No.

    • What activities are available in Lake Cahuilla?

              Camping, fishing, picnic, birdwatching, hiking

    • How many shade structures/shelters are available in the park? How many picnic tables are under each? \

             7 reservable shades and we place picnic tables upon request.

    • Does Lake Cahuilla have an on-site store?

             No

    • Which campsites have the best shade?

             35, 44 & 46

    • Which sites offer some level of privacy?

             H3 when available Equestrian campground is also quiet seldom gets sold-out.

    • Which sites are best for tent camping?

             Any sites are suitable for tent camping including Primitive Campground

    • Are there any exceptions to the 2 vehicle/2 tent maximum?

              Always exceptions; case by case.

    • Do all sites have a BBQ/fire ring and picnic table?

             All sites at RV Campground, Primitive Campground and Equestrian campground

    • Is there a dump station available to campers on-site? If not, where is the nearest?

             Yes

    • What time are entry gates locked? Are campers able to exit and re-enter the park at any time?

             2:00PM May – Oct, 5:00pm October, 10:00pm Nov-April.  During the summer months and October when we close the gate early, we contact all reservation      guests by calling, email and text message to give the gate code.

    • What information is needed when registering into a campsite?

             Full name, phone number, physical address, email, camping unit, how many people aer in the party, lic plate (s)

    • What non-911 emergency numbers should campers have available?

             Local SO’s non-emergency number/dispatch number

    • How far away is the nearest grocery store and gas station?

             Ralphs 4 miles

    • What other activities are there in the area, such as trails, movies, historical/natural sites, etc.?

             Restaurants, shopping, movies, Art, Farmer’s Market, Casino

    • What sorts of animals/wildlife are common in the park?

             Birds, (Bighorn Sheep), Racoons, snakes

    • What precautions should be taken to avoid unpleasant encounters with wild animals?

             Stay away!

    • Are there any animals that don’t belong in the park, and how should they be reported?

              N/A

    • Is there anything else important to your park that we should know?

              Weather: Be prepare for the desert wind that could pick up without prior forecast.  Always prepare foe the heat.  Well hydrated and seek shades whenever possible.

    • Do you offer Wi-Fi?

              No

    Park Rules

    • FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED *NOT SOLD AT LAKE CAHUILLA*
    • No swimming/boating in the lake
    • Bicycle riders must wear helmet
    • Drones are not permitted in the park
    • Build fires in designated fire rings only
    • No ground fires allowed
    • No more than 6 occupants and 2 vehicles per site
    • Maximum stay of 14 days within a 28-day period
    • No fireworks
    • No firearms
    • Do not remove, deface, or disturb any part of the park features or wildlife
    • Do not gather firewood in the park
    • Do not attach anything to trees
    • Pets must be kept on controlled leashes (Maximum leash length – 6 feet)
    • Do not leave pet unattended
    • Clean up promptly after pet
    • 16 and older must have valid State fishing permit
    • *Passport America discounts are not applicable with other discounts.
    • For a full detailed list of our rules please visit this link.
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    More Information

    DON’T MOVE A MUSSEL! Prevent the spread of Quagga and Zebra mussels!

    Recreation activities are restricted at Lake Cahuilla to help prevent the introduction and spread of quagga and zebra mussels:

    • No inflatables or personal watercraft
    • No body contact/ swimming
    • All Vessels will be quarantined online for 7 days after mandatory inspection

    For more information about quagga and zebra mussels, please download this fact sheet and Quagga education pamphlet from CVWD in English & Spanish.

    To learn more about RivCoParks’ quagga containment and prevention program, please read the full policy Here.

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    Quagga Sign