Lake Jennings is a recreational facility providing fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities. The lake is open to the general public for fishing three days a week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The campground is open seven days a week. Fishing is available to registered campers when the lake is closed for fishing Monday through Thursday, limited to the shoreline area immediately adjacent to the campground facility.

The 98-space Lake Jennings Campground is open year-round for campers. The camp, located on the north side of Lake Jennings, has spaces for RVs, trailers, campers and tents. Fishing is permitted from the campground area, but the roads around the lake perimeter are closed to motor vehicle traffic except during open lake hours. Campers intending to fish must possess a state fishing license and purchase a fishing permit. Campground reservations must be made throuigh our online reservation system. Call 619-390-1623, if you have questions.

1. Lake Jennings is a domestic water supply reservoir. Sanitary facilities and trash containers have been provided throughout the area. The use of trash containers is required to avoid contamination of the water supply and to keep the boats, grounds and shoreline in good sanitary condition.

a. Wading or swimming in the lake is prohibited.
b. Littering is prohibited.
c. BBQs and gas stoves are permitted only in areas with existing BBQs.
d. Hunting is not permitted on lake premises.
e. Firearms, bows, arrows, fishing bows or any device for the spearing of fish or frogs is not allowed.
f. Snagging, netting, or use of corn as bait is not allowed.
g. Observe all posted signs on premises.
h. Vehicle traffic is prohibited off paved roads.
i. Removal of flora and fauna is prohibited.
j. Loitering is prohibited.

2. The area of the lake and shoreline around the outlet tower, as posted by signs on buoys and on the shore, is closed to the public, in accordance with the regulations of the San Diego County Health Department.

3. Lake Jennings fishing permits and California State fishing licenses are required prior to fishing. Fishing permits are sold at the Lake Jennings Bait & Tackle Shop and at the campground entrance station. Fishing permits are good for one day. Permit holders desiring to re-enter the lake must do so no later than one hour before the posted closing time. There is a sight-seeing and picnicking fee of $1 per person for non-fishing activities. Fishing permits are available to the general public on closed days at the campground entrance station between 10 a.m. and noon and between 4 and 6 p.m. Fishing hours on those days is 10 a.m. until sunset, limited to the shoreline directly below the campground.

Note: State fishing licenses are not available for purchase at Lake Jennings. They must be obtained prior to visiting the lake. You may acquire a California fishing license online. (You must have a working printer to make a short-term or temporary pass while waiting for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.) Get complete details and instructions at the California Department of Fish and Game website.)

4. Boat rental tickets and private boat launching tickets are sold at the Lake Jennings Bait & Tackle Shop.
a. All boats must return to the boat dock at least 30 minutes before closing time.
b. Any person desiring to purchase either a boat rental ticket or a private boat launching ticket must present satisfactory identification of age 16 or older.
c. Persons renting boats shall be responsible for any lost or damaged equipment.
d. Boats shall not exceed 10 mph at any time on the lake.
e. Boats shall always observe the "No Wake Rule" in order not to disturb shore fishermen or other boats. Abusive or unsportsmanlike operation of any boat will not be tolerated.
f. Personal watercraft, inflatable rafts, kayaks, sailboats, amphi-cars and waders are prohibited. Zodiac-type inflatable's with a discernable bow, wooden transom and wood deck are allowed.
g. All rules and regulations of the Coast Guard with regard to use of boats must be complied with at all times.

5. Fishing limits:
a. 5 trout per person per day
b. 5 catfish per person per day
c. 5 bass per person per day. Bass must be a minimum of 12 inches long.
d. Number of fish caught (other than trout, catfish, or bass) under one permit shall be as stated in the State of California's fishing regulations.

6. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Fish caught by children under 8 are counted against the limit of the accompanying adult.

7. Persons who use the lake facilities and engage in recreation activities do so at their own risk. All rules and regulations of the state and county pertaining to recreation activities must be complied with at all times.

8. Helix Water District will not be responsible for any loss or accident.

9. No domestic animals of any kind are permitted on the lake premises except by registered campers inside the campground. Domestic animals must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

10. Violation of any of these rules and regulations will result in the exclusion of the violator from the premises. The District's rangers have full authority to enforce all of the provisions in these rules and regulations and will issue citations to violators.

11. Fish cleaning is prohibited on lake premises except for registered campers. Registered campers must clean fish at designated fish cleaning stations located within the campground.

12. Snacks, beverages, bait and tackle are available at the Lake Jennings Bait & Tackle Shop. All rules and regulations of the state and county pertaining to sanitation must be complied with at all times.

13. Use of bicycles is restricted to Bass Road.

14. Registered campers wishing to re-enter the campground after hours may do so with the use of their security gate code.