Lake San Antonio, part of Monterey County Parks, is Monterey County’s largest freshwater recreation area. It’s geographically divided into two facilities and encompasses 4,200 total acres: South Shore with 3,020 acres and North Shore with 1,180 acres. Located just 20 miles inland from California’s Central Coast, the lake sits in a landscape that feels worlds away from the crowded beaches, with rolling hills and quiet coves around almost every turn.
The two shores offer different experiences depending on what you’re after. Year-round activities include picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, boating and water-skiing. The lake has a solid reputation for fishing, with people casting lines throughout the seasons. If you’re more interested in movement, there are trails for hiking and mountain biking, plus opportunities for horseback riding along the shoreline. The water itself is active enough for waterskiing and other sports, though it’s cold enough year-round that most dogs won’t spend hours swimming.
Camping options range from basic tent sites to partial and full hookup RV campsites at both shores, so you can stay overnight if you want to make a real trip of it. The South Shore and North Shore facilities each have their own character and amenities. One thing to know upfront: dogs aren’t allowed on the swimming beach or in private resort areas, but they’re welcome throughout the rest of the park, on trails, and at campgrounds. Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet and stay with them at all times. The park gets regular use, so cleaning up after your dog keeps things nice for the next visitors and the wildlife that lives here year-round.
