Between San Diego And Palm Springs Lies A Scenic Lake With Serene Fishing And Camping

When it comes to states that truly have it all, you'll be hard-pressed to find one as diverse as California. From its mountains and redwoods to its miles and miles of gorgeous beaches along the Pacific coast, California is a nature lover's idea of heaven. But it isn't just the Sierra Nevada, its 13 fourteeners, or California's most scenic trail for beer lovers that encourages people to check out the Golden State. Once you head inland a bit, there are about 4,000 lakes to explore too, each one unique in its own way.

Lake Henshaw is one such scenic lake, known for its serene fishing and camping. Located in Santa Ysabel, between San Diego and Palm Springs, at the foot of Palomar Mountain, Lake Henshaw is a year-round getaway for those who just want to relax on its shores or indulge in all that its surrounding areas have to offer. The nearby resort is equipped to host not just tent camping and RVs, it also offers cabins on its grounds.

While some lakes in the U.S. are so remote that getting to them is quite a trek — even if it's worth that trek — that's not the case with Henshaw Lake. From San Diego, you can reach Henshaw Lake in about 90 minutes, heading northeast. From Palm Springs, you can reach the lake in about two hours, depending on traffic, heading southwest. Although the closest airport to Lake Henshaw is McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad, 46 miles away, it is still more than an hour's drive, and the flights at this regional airport aren't frequent, so flying into San Diego (SAN) or Palm Springs (PSP), both international hubs, may be the better bet.

Whether you're going fishing for the day or you just need a few hours in nature, a day trip to Lake Henshaw is easily doable thanks to its proximity to San Diego and Palm Springs. Anglers will have a  great time, as bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass are common species in Lake Henshaw. In March 2026, a 10-pound largemouth bass was caught. While not one of the biggest fish ever caught, it's still something you don't see every day. In other words, if you're looking for your own trophy fish, Lake Henshaw is the place to go, only setting you back $8 per day to access the lake.

Lake Henshaw Resort has everything you need for a day of fishing. Its store sells bait and tackle, and will also help you procure a fishing license. Pay attention to the seasonal fishing regulations, including any catch-and-release rules or size limits. After a day of fishing, you can hit up the resort's Lake Henshaw Cafe for a bite to eat before leaving, or grab some snacks at their store for the drive home.

If you do decide to stay on the premises, Lake Henshaw Resort doubles as a campground, with sites starting as low as $20 a night per vehicle, and $25 a day for those with RVs. If your group exceeds four people, the resort charges $1 per extra person. These prices include basic amenities like showers and toilets, and you'll also be able to use the picnic tables, playground, laundry facilities, and clubhouse. Cabins range from $65 to $87 a night. No matter which accommodation you choose, don't forget the five camping essentials you always wish you brought more of.

Once you've gotten your fill of fishing, there's still more to do around Lake Henshaw. For example, the Lake Henshaw Beach Trail is an easy 0.9-mile loop, giving hikers the chance to see wildlife like black-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Santa Ysabel is also home to Inaja Memorial Park, where there are trails, a lookout point, and views of the San Diego River Canyon and the Palomar and Volcan Mountains. If remote scenic spots are your thing, then the Lake Henshaw Overlook is a great place to view the lake and the various bird species in action, including hawks, falcons, and bald eagles. 

When you're ready to say goodbye to Lake Henshaw, there are a couple of places worth visiting on your way home. Head to Cleveland National Forest, which sits next to Lake Henshaw, for trails for hiking and off-roading, as well as horseback riding, biking, and opportunities to learn about science and the local flora. There's also the Caltech-owned Palomar Observatory, on the top of Palomar Mountain about a 30-minute drive from the lake, featuring three astronomical research telescopes. Ultimately, once you get to Lake Henshaw, there's lots to do, especially if you're willing to explore for more than a day.