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.
We honor our U.S. Military Veterans!
Apply for a W.A.I.V.E. Pass today.


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.
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.
