Picnics & Parties
Big parties need a big backyard! You can now book your perfect spot online.
Amenities at Santee Lakes include islands, amphitheater and waterfront gazebos with picturesque settings to match the imaginations of brides-to-be, corporate party planners and birthday celebrators of all ages.
Check out our Approved and Preferred Vendor List to choose the best fit for your upcoming event! Contact our Vendor Coordinator at cpena@padre.org.
See table below for current 2025 pricing. Picnic site rates and fees are subject to change.
| Area | Max Capacity | Location | Monday-Friday | Saturday-Sunday/Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 50 | Lake 1 Southwest Side | $55 | $110 |
| B | 50 | Lake 1 West Side | $55 | $110 |
| C | 50 | Lake 1 Northwest Side | $65 | $110 |
| D | 50 | Lake 1 Northwest Side | $75 | $125 |
| E | 50 | Lake 1 Sprayground | $75 | $175 |
| F | 50 | Lake 1 Sprayground | $100 | $200 |
| G | 100 | Lake 2 Southeast Side | $75 | $135 |
| H | 25 | Lake 2 West Side | $55 | $110 |
| I | 50 | Lake 3 Southwest Side | $55 | $100 |
| J | 25 | Lake 3 Southwest Side | $40 | $50 |
| K | 25 | Lake 3 West Side | $55 | $100 |
| L | 25 | Lake 4 Southwest Side | $80 | $125 |
| M | 25 | Lake 4 Southeast Side | $55 | $100 |
| N | 25 | Lake 4 East Side Island | $55 | $95 |
| O | 50 | Lake 5 Southeast Side | $115 | $170 |
| P | 25 | Lake 5 Southeast Side | $80 | $115 |
| Q | 25 | Lake 5 Northwest Side | $45 | $85 |
| R | 80 | Lake 5 Northwest Side | $115 | $175 |
| S | 50 | Lake 5 Northwest Side | $65 | $135 |
| T | 50 | Lake 5 Northwest Side | $80 | $125 |
| U | 200 | Lake 5 Island | $215 | $300 |
| V | 25 | Lake 5 West Side | $45 | $80 |
| W | 25 | Lake 5 South | $80 | $115 |
| Additional Fees | Full Day Rental |
|---|---|
| Entire Horseshoe Pit & Horseshoes (Requires $50 deposit) | $125 |
| One Horseshoe Lane & Horseshoes | $25 |
| One Horseshoe Lane & No Horseshoes | $15 |
| Volleyball Net & Volleyball (Requires $50 deposit) | $25 |
| Inflatable Permit (With reserved picnic area (s)) | $50 |
| Amplified Music Permit* | $75 |
| Dumpster & Portable Restroom Fees (With reserved picnic area (s)) | TBD |
| North Lake 5 Service Building | $300 |
| Covered Areas | Max Capacity | Location | Monday-Friday | Saturday-Sunday/Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gazebo 1 | 100 | Lake 1 | $345 | $425 |
| Gazebo 2 | 50 | Lake 5 South | $100 | $175 |
| Gazebo 3 | 100 | Lake 5 North | $250 | $390 |
| A-D & Gazebo 1 | 1,000 | Lake 1 | $600 | $1,080 |
| O-P & Gazebo 2 | 250 | Lake 5 South | $475 | $625 |
| Q-V & Gazebo 3 | 1,000 | Lake 5 North | $900 | $1,400 |
| Clubhouse | 60 | ---- | $50/hour (3 hr. minimum) | $100/hour (3 hr. minimum) |
| Dining Deck | Max Capacity | Location | Monday-Friday | Saturday-Sunday/Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October-February | 200 | Lake 4 North | $100/hour 3 hour minimum | $250/hour 3 hour minimum |
| March-September | 200 | Lake 4 North | $175/hour 3 hour minimum | Unavailable |
- Event deposits are required.
- Groups of 300 or more must reserve all of Lake 1 (Areas A-D,
Gazebo 1) or all of North Lake 5 (Areas Q-V, Gazebo 3), plus
applicable fees and restrictions. - Payments and deposits are due at the time of reservation.
- Areas are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Reservations can be made one year in advance.
- Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. The exception
is rain as determined by Park Staff on the day of the event. - Visitors shall not be permitted on Park premises while
intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. - Park hours vary and are posted at the front gate.
- All visitors entering the Park in a vehicle must pay the day-use
parking fee. - Visitors must abide by all Park Rules and Regulations.
Note: Amplifying sound equipment can only be used in reserved areas with prior approval from the District. The noise level of any amplified sound shall not cause unreasonable discomfort or annoyance to other Park visitors, or to any person within hearing range outside of the Park. At no time shall the ambient noise level exceed fifty (50) decibels at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the source unless approved by the District.