Lake San Antonio

Description - Lake San Antonio is Monterey County's premier freshwater recreation area. Located just 20 miles inland from California's beautiful Central Coast, Lake San Antonio offers year-round activities including picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, boating and waterskiing. Visitors can enjoy active water sports all year. Created by the damming of San Antonio River, the lake boasts a water surface size of 5,000 acres. Geographically, it is divided into two sections: South Shore and North Shore. The South Shore is the most developed area featuring several hundred more campsites than the North Shore. This beautiful natural resource area is an important wintering ground for bald eagle, golden eagle and osprey.

Attractions - Campers, hikers, picnickers, and water sport enthusiasts find Lake San Antonio a scenic and fun-filled destination.

The lake provides spectacular fishing opportunities for striped bass, large and smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, carp, red ear, and bluegill. Lake San Antonio is the perfect choice for your next fishing adventure. Boat launches are available at both South Shore and North Shore. Fish limits apply.

Lake San Antonio is known as one of the largest eagle winter habitats in Central California. Each year an Eagle Count is held in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Over 60 eagles, both golden and bald, have been spotted around the Lake San Antonio area. Lake San Antonio Eagle Watch Tours take bird watchers out on the lake aboard Eagle One, a 56-foot tour boat. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and a sack lunch (no alcoholic beverages allowed). Reservations are required.

Lake San Antonio has 12 trails covering over 26 miles. Ranging from beginner to advanced, these trails are an excellent opportunity to enjoy close-up, the wide variety of wildlife and scenery that is native to the lake. All trails are accessible to both hiking and mountain biking.

The South Shore has three camping areas, a museum, visitor center, group camping areas, 2 launch ramps, and a picnic area. There are over 500 campsites available for individuals, families and groups. Full hookups available.

The North Shore is one of few places in California that provides shoreline camping. Having your own beachfront property for your stay also gives you the convenience of boat mooring practically feet from your campsite. Although a majority of the campsites are located on the shoreline, North Shore also provides established electric and full hookup sites. There are 2 launch ramps, an equestrian trail, and a group area, as well as an activity area with a volleyball court.

A majority of the campsites at both north and south shore are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, individual and group reservations are available on a limited basis. Rentals cabins, sleeping up to 12 people, are available on both the South Shore and North Shore.

The Lake San Antonio Los Robles Equestrian Trail, located at the North Shore, is an 11 mile moderately challenging trail winding through fields, oak trees and along the shoreline. The trail offers spectacular views of Lake San Antonio, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including eagles, white pelican, heron, Canada geese, grebe, quail and hawks. Squirrel, rabbit, deer, coyote, bobcat and wild boar also live along the trail. Group and individual camping is available within the Los Robles Event Area. The camping area includes water hookups, restrooms with showers, barbecues and tables. A large picnic area and commercial kitchen is available for group camping. The event area also has a lighted arena available.

Recreation - The recreations available at Lake San Antonio include camping, boating, swimming, multi-use trails, viewing exhibits and wildlife, guided eagle tours, fishing, and more.

Climate - Climate in the Central Coast varies greatly with elevation and the amount of coastal influence. Areas with more coastal influence experience moderate temperatures year round with fog likely from June through mid-August. Plan your coastal visit in the late summer or fall to ensure the best conditions for viewing the scenery. Also, occasional clear days between winter and spring storms are incomparable. Areas further inland experience greater temperature extremes, with relatively cooler winters and hot summers. Inland areas often receive frost on winter nights. As throughout most of California most of the precipitation comes in the winter months, with April through October normally very dry.

Location - Lake San Antonio is located just 20 miles inland from California's beautiful Central Coast, lying at the base of Monterey County. Easy access is available off U.S. Highway 101 and Routes G14, G18, and G19.