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Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee | Map and Routes

Lake

4.7 (203 ratings)

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee, United States, offers a picturesque setting for walkers and runners to enjoy their favorite activity. With 183.2 acres of scenic beauty, the park provides ...

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee, United States, offers a picturesque setting for walkers and runners to enjoy their favorite activity. With 183.2 acres of scenic beauty, the park provides a variety of routes suitable for all levels of fitness. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging run, the park's well-maintained trails and paths cater to your needs, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The diverse landscapes and tranquil atmosphere create the perfect environment for a refreshing and invigorating walking or running experience. In addition to its expansive natural beauty, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve features several well-marked routes for walkers and runners to explore. The park offers a range of route options, including a 3.8-mile route with an estimated time of 43 minutes, as well as a 1.9-mile route with an estimated time of 33 minutes. These routes provide the opportunity to enjoy the serene surroundings while engaging in a fulfilling fitness activity. Whether you prefer a longer, more challenging route or a shorter, leisurely walk, the park's diverse route offerings ensure that there's something for everyone to enjoy. For walkers and runners looking to discover more about the park's routes and additional information, the Pacer Pedometer app is an excellent resource. By downloading the app, users can access detailed information about the park's routes, including distance, estimated time, and user reviews. This convenient tool allows visitors to plan their walking or running activities with ease, ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable experience at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve.

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Reviews (22)
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Walking and Running in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

When it comes to the best places for walking and running, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its serene surroundings and well-maintained trails, this park offers the ideal setting for walkers and runners to engage in their favorite activity. The park's essential amenities ...

When it comes to the best places for walking and running, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its serene surroundings and well-maintained trails, this park offers the ideal setting for walkers and runners to engage in their favorite activity. The park's essential amenities include ample parking lots, making it convenient for visitors to access the trails and enjoy their walking or running experience. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a brisk run, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable outdoor activity.

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Other Info about Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Essential Amenities in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Parking lot

Best Walking Routes in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

#1 - Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
5
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 43m

Santee Lakes is the perfect place for fishing, birdwatching, camping, or just getting some exercise. Start this route at Lake 5 near the general store. Head north and follow the perimeter road. The path is flat and there’s plenty to see along the way. Pass through the camping areas on the north side of the park and then make your way south toward the day use areas. Check out the park signs for historic info and what kinds of wildlife to keep an eye out for. Birds are everywhere and you can spot fish venturing close to the shore. There are multiple play areas and restrooms along the route. Curl around Lake 1 and head back toward the start.

#2 - Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
16
Length: 1.9 milesEst. Time: 33m

Santee Lakes is the perfect place for fishing, birdwatching, camping, or just getting some exercise. Start this route at Lake 5 near the general store. Head north and follow the perimeter road. The path is flat and there’s plenty to see along the way. Pass through the camping areas on the north side of the park and then make your way south toward the day use areas. Check out the park signs for historic info and what kinds of wildlife to keep an eye out for. Birds are everywhere and you can spot fish venturing close to the shore. There are multiple play areas and restrooms along the route. Curl around Lake 1 and head back toward the start.

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Reviews of Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

4.7/5
203 ratings
PacerPalApr 25, 2024
3

I wasn’t entirely impressed with Santee Lakes. It’s a nice facility, the walk is perfectly flat if that’s what you want. But personally I prefer trail walks. Santee Lakes is pretty much all asphalt or concrete, and there is a neighborhood that is 75 or so yards away. I may go back, but it will definitely not be my first choice.

Sofia_The WormJul 29, 2024
5

This is a lovely easy walk/ jog if you need an easy route. There are so many nice people here too and it’s a beautiful area to run or walk around. I recommend it and it’s all flat which is even nicer,

LeahJun 26, 2025
5

Beautiful lakes, fishing, playgrounds and camping

See All Reviews (22)
See All Reviews (22)

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Carmen
26
Lawrence
17
Ramon
14
4Ashley
13
5Nancy
10
6melsjoint1
8
7jlos.js
6
8Gabby
6
9Cecelia
4
10pamelaplante1975
4
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
West Hills Park
Mast Park
Town Center Community Park
Renzuilli Park
Woodglen Vista Park
Big Rock Park
Shadow Hills Park
Walker Preserve Trail
Hillside Park

FAQs About Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Where is the best place to walk in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

The best place to walk in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is around the 3.8-mile route, which has received a 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews from the Pacer community.

How many routes are in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve offers two walking routes, with lengths of 3.8 miles and 1.9 miles respectively, as reviewed and rated by the Pacer community.

Which is the longest route in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

The longest route in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is the 3.8-mile trail, which has been highly rated by the Pacer community with an average rating of 5.0 based on 3 reviews.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/runners in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

Yes, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides ample parking lots for visitors, making it convenient for walkers and runners to access the park and its trails.

How accessible is Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is easily accessible, with multiple parking lots available to accommodate visitors. The park is designed to provide a welcoming and convenient environment for walkers, runners, and sports enthusiasts.

What kind of sports can I do in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

In addition to walking and running, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve offers opportunities for various sports activities such as cycling, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park's amenities cater to a wide range of outdoor interests and activities.

What is the best season to walk in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

The best season to walk in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is typically in the spring and fall when the weather is milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve experiences hot and dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), so it's important to prepare for high heat and sun exposure. Winters are generally mild and pleasant, but it's advisable to check the weather forecast before heading out.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve?

Visitors to Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve may encounter a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, turtles, and various bird species. It's also common to spot rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals throughout the park.

Last updated: Dec 1, 2025

Parks Near Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

West Hills Park
Mast Park
Town Center Community Park
Renzuilli Park
Woodglen Vista Park
Big Rock Park
Shadow Hills Park
Walker Preserve Trail
Hillside Park

Latest Check-ins at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

LawrenceNov 19, 2025
Nov 19, 2025Walking
JulieOct 27, 2025
Oct 27, 2025Walking
LawrenceNov 4, 2025
Nov 4, 2025Walking
JulieOct 20, 2025
Oct 20, 2025Walking
LawrenceOct 17, 2025
Oct 17, 2025Walking
DrewOct 18, 2025
Oct 18, 2025Walking
TaylorOct 4, 2025
Oct 4, 2025Walking
LawrenceSep 26, 2025
Sep 26, 2025Walking
LawrenceSep 19, 2025
Sep 19, 2025Walking
LawrenceSep 5, 2025
Sep 5, 2025Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

RankingCheck-ins
Carmen
26
Lawrence
17
Ramon
14
4Ashley
13
5Nancy
10
6melsjoint1
8
7jlos.js
6
8Gabby
6
9Cecelia
4
10pamelaplante1975
4
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
#1- Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
5
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 43m

Santee Lakes is the perfect place for fishing, birdwatching, camping, or just getting some exercise. Start this route at Lake 5 near the general store. Head north and follow the perimeter road. The path is flat and there’s plenty to see along the way. Pass through the camping areas on the north side of the park and then make your way south toward the day use areas. Check out the park signs for historic info and what kinds of wildlife to keep an eye out for. Birds are everywhere and you can spot fish venturing close to the shore. There are multiple play areas and restrooms along the route. Curl around Lake 1 and head back toward the start.

#2- Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
16
Length: 1.9 milesEst. Time: 33m

Santee Lakes is the perfect place for fishing, birdwatching, camping, or just getting some exercise. Start this route at Lake 5 near the general store. Head north and follow the perimeter road. The path is flat and there’s plenty to see along the way. Pass through the camping areas on the north side of the park and then make your way south toward the day use areas. Check out the park signs for historic info and what kinds of wildlife to keep an eye out for. Birds are everywhere and you can spot fish venturing close to the shore. There are multiple play areas and restrooms along the route. Curl around Lake 1 and head back toward the start.

Reviews of Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

PacerPalApr 25, 2024
3

I wasn’t entirely impressed with Santee Lakes. It’s a nice facility, the walk is perfectly flat if that’s what you want. But personally I prefer trail walks. Santee Lakes is pretty much all asphalt or concrete, and there is a neighborhood that is 75 or so yards away. I may go back, but it will definitely not be my first choice.

Sofia_The WormJul 29, 2024
5

This is a lovely easy walk/ jog if you need an easy route. There are so many nice people here too and it’s a beautiful area to run or walk around. I recommend it and it’s all flat which is even nicer,

LeahJun 26, 2025
5

Beautiful lakes, fishing, playgrounds and camping

troopmom10Aug 14, 2022
5

Lovely place to walk.

HamdyApr 25, 2020
4

I wish

KarimeJun 26, 2021
4

LawrenceJul 22, 2025
5
BonelMar 2, 2025
5
CarlosMay 27, 2024
5
GabbyMay 16, 2023
5
countrydance1Jan 14, 2023
5
NancyOct 7, 2022
5
melsjoint1Sep 3, 2022
5
PacerPalJul 24, 2022
5
FrankApr 19, 2022
5
C'arahJun 2, 2021
5
PacerPalMar 9, 2021
5
PacerPalOct 31, 2020
5
RobOct 14, 2020
5
NancyJun 11, 2020
5
PacerPalJul 4, 2020
4
MallorieAug 22, 2022
3
4.7/5
203 ratings

Photos of Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

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