Are there any fresh water swimming locations in Southern california to hike to or...

K

Kylie

New member
...camp at? (Lakes Rivers etc)? Besides swimming in the ocean are there any fresh water swimming holes in or Near San Diego or surrounding 100 mile radius? Most of the lakes I have found in Southern Cal. allow fishing but no swimming. Anyone know of any good hikes that end at a river or lake to swim in? Ive been to cedar creek falls in Ramona but the water seems pretty dirty. Also hiked up to Ramona dam in Poway but found out no swimming allowed. What gives? Other than hiking I would like to find a good camping spot near a river or lake to swim in. Obviously I'm willing to drive a little bit farther for a camping trip. I'm from the northwest so I'm missing all the good swimming hole adventures. Please anyone with suggestions let me know. THANKS
 
A great day trip is to go to Anza Borrego SP and hike up Palm Canyon. At the end (about a mile) there are a series of oases with natural spings in them. A few of them are big enough to jump in although probably not real swimming.

Its a great escape from the 'June Gloom' around April/May/June when San Diego is socked in with overcast clouds. When you get to Palm Canyon it will be 80-90 degrees and by the time you get to the springs, you will be ready to jump in. This year is an El Nino so there should be lots of rainfall and the springs should be large.

The campground at Palm Canyon is pretty nice too.

Another option is the San Luis Rey river about two miles downstream of its source, Lake Henshaw. There are a few holes around there with ropes you can swing out into the river. Be careful though as I blew out my knee there on an unseen rock doing that.
 
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