Campground FAQ

What is the Cancellation Policy?

If you must cancel your reservation, you will need to call our office during business hours at 619-596-3141. Our campground is near capacity year-round and your reservation likely means we have had to turn other guests away. Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to arrival will incur a cancellation fee of $25 plus an additional *10% of the cancellation fee. There is no refund for cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the arrival date or for an early departure.

*City of Santee TOT tax

What time is check-in and check-out?

Please see new check-in procedure due to COVID-19 here.

Sites are ready for your arrival at 1 p.m. Please be sure to be off your camping site by 12 noon on the day of check-out.

How do I check-in after hours?

If you are running late and need to check in after Park closing, you may do so until 10 p.m. If the front gate is locked when you arrive, simply press the call button and a friendly Staff member will direct you to your site.

Will there be an inspection of my camping unit?

Park Staff will perform an inspection of all camping units entering the Park.  Camping privileges may be denied if Park Staff identifies exterior damage, leaks, missing components, offensive or unsightly graphics or paint design, and/or makeshift repairs.

9.9.3 Camping Unit Appearance Restrictions
All Camping Units must have current registration and licensing. The Recreation Vehicle Industry
Association (RVIA) or Department of Housing certifications are required. Camping at Santee Lakes is a
privilege and not an absolute right; therefore, Santee Lakes has adopted rules and regulations regarding
the appearance of Camping Units and will deny privileges based on unsightly appearance. Park staff will
perform an inspection of all Camping Units entering the Park. If any of the following items are identified,
privileges will be denied:
1. Damage to the exterior of the unit, including but not limited to, broken windows, dents, rust, holes,
exposed wiring or missing panels.
2. Leaks.
3. Missing components.
4. Offensive or unsightly graphics or paint design.
5. Makeshift repairs using tape, tarps and/or other materials not suited.

Is it necessary to make a reservation to camp at Santee Lakes?

While we encourage you to make a reservation either online or by phone as the Park does “book up” quickly, you may stay in the Campground without a reservation (subject to site availability).

May I camp in a tent?

We are predominantly an RV Park. However, if you want to experience a night under the stars, we have 9 sites for our tent campers. Please specify that you are a tent camper when making a reservation and we will try to accommodate a date and a site for you. But please, only 6 people and 1 tent per campsite.

May I have a campfire?

Yes, however you must bring a fire receptacle and the campfire must be contained and off the ground. We’ve found an old wash tub works great. All fires need to be extinguished by 10 p.m.

Please note: Per the Santee Fire Dept. Fire Code – Campfires are not allowed in the Mulberry Loop. It is the only loop in Santee Lakes, where campfires are not permitted.

May I bring my dog?

Santee Lakes Campground is pet friendly! Up to 3 dogs per site are welcome in the Campground. Pets must be leashed and accompanied by their owner at all times. Most guests prefer a quiet environment, so please keep your dog from barking. Dog Campground Rules:

  • Use designated pet walking areas
  • Pet fencing is not permitted
  • Never leave your pet unattended
  • Pets must be on a leash not to exceed 6 feet (including retractable leashes)
  • Pet kennels are not permitted
  • Pick up after your pet
  • Pets are not allowed in the Day Use Park (Lakes 1-5)

May I bring my 4-wheeled utility vehicle, (i.e. rhino) or golf cart?

Yes. You may bring either, but they are treated the same as a vehicle. The same laws and Park rules apply and they must be registered and paid for in the Park office. No ATVs or personnel watercraft are allowed in the Park/Campground.

How many people can I have on my campsite?

No more than 6 people per campsite.

May I put more than one camping unit on my campsite?

No.  We allow one RV per site or one tent per site in designated tent sites.