Lake Cahuilla: Camping, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Fishing & Pool For Swimming

Lake Cahuilla County Park
58-075 Jefferson Street, La Quinta CA 92253 | Phone: (760) 564-4712

If you enjoy hiking, fishing, trail riding horses or exploring new areas, Lake Cahuilla is worth a visit.  There are numerous hiking and riding trails that lead to and from Lake Cahuilla.  One trail called the Cove To Lake Trail connects Cove Oasis  (La Quinta Cove) to Lake Cahuilla.  The trailhead for this route starts at Lake Cahuilla, but you start your hike on either side.

Their equestrian camping sites make it easy for horseback riders to trailer their horses in to stay the night or for a few days to ride the desert trails.  The Lake is stocked with trout and fishing is a favorite pastime at this location.  While they don’t allow swimming in the Lake they do offer a pool that is open to the public for a small entrance fee. The park is also dog-friendly if your pet is on a leash.

Lake Cahuilla in La Quinta, CA

Location & Camping

Lake Cahuilla is located 4 mi. SE of La Quinta. Take Interstate 10 to Monroe St., Monroe S to Ave. 58, Ave. 58 W two miles to park. 56 sites available, 46 with water & electric, 10 with water only. 710 acre developed park has individual campsites, with electricity and water. Individual camping is available on a first come, first serve basis or by reservation. A primitive group camping area is also available by reservation.Other amenities include shore fishing in the 135-acre stocked lake, centrally located showers, a dump station, equestrian and hiking trails and picnicking.

Lake Cahuilla has picnic areas, large grassy lawns and is dog-friendly (dogs must be on a leash).

Equestrian Camping

Lake Cahuilla also offers a 20-site equestrian camping area available for group camping, of which 12 sites are available for individual camping with water and electricity. The equestrian group camping area features shade shelters with tables, group fire ring, restroom and shower facilities, pipe corrals, hitching post, water trough, and miles of mountain trails nearby.

The pool was empty when I visited in Jan. 2011.

The Pool

The swimming pool is open for the public from mid April to mid October, Saturday and Sunday only. Cost is $2.00 per session. Session Schedule: Session 1 (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.), Session 2 (1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.), Session 3 (4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) During special events or adversity of the weather this schedule is subject to change without notice. Please call the park in advance to check for schedule.

SORRY NO SWIMMING IN THE LAKE!

(source:  RiversideCountyParks.org)

Lake Cahuilla County Park
58-075 Jefferson Street, La Quinta CA 92253 | Phone: (760) 564-4712