Lake Skinner In the Autumn: A HIDDEN TREASURE in Riverside County

Escape the City and Embrace Nature at Lake Skinner

Nestled in the hills of Winchester, California, and nearby Temecula Valley Wine Country, Lake Skinner Riverside Regional Park offers a majestic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This reservoir, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike

Seeking a place to stay near our son and his family we chose to stay a week at Lake Skinner in Riverside County, California. We chose a site via their reservation website

We had stayed here in the past during late Spring. It gets quite warm during the summer so we were excited to experience Lake Skinner during the off season to witness the autumn foliage and cooler temperatures. In the fall the crowds had thinned and Campground B was a good choice to stay in our RV. The site we chose had a pull-through with full hookups including water, sewer, and electric making our stay very comfortable. We had a picnic table with a convenient fire pit for the chilly evenings. In the brisk, sunny mornings we had the added bonus of observing hot air balloons floating in the sky from nearby Temecula Valley Wine country balloon ride excursions. 

Another event we enjoyed was the night sky allowing us to stargaze. Next time we plan to bring our telescope, but with limited ambient light we were able to delight in the brilliant constellations without a telescope. We also experienced some amazing fresh water and wild birds. It’s a birder’s paradise.

We are always aware of some limitations when traveling during off-season and Lake Skinner was no exception. There was a planned closure of boat launch #1 from November 2024 through August 2025. So we were unable to rent a boat during our stay. Also, Lake Skinner Riverside had a planned full closure from January 5, 2025 to February 16, 2025. However, our stay was terrific.  And we plan to return and share more exciting times in the near future

A Year-Round Destination and  Paradise for Outdoor Activities

Lake Skinner is a year-round destination, offering a variety of outdoor activities for all seasons

• Tent or RV Camping: Lake Skinner offers tent camping as well as RV camping. Check the sites on the reservation website to see which of them offer full or partial hookups for RVs.
• Boating and Fishing: Year round you can cast a line or bring your own boat or kayak. 
• Hiking: Lake Skinner offers many scenic trails that wind through the surrounding hills, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding backcountry.
• Day-Use: Relax under the many shade trees where you can enjoy a delicious picnic where you can see children playing on the massive playground structure. 
• Splash Pad: In the late Spring or Summer Lake Skinner has a very impressive splash pad.  The splash pad is generally open from April to early September with full closures on Monday. Before you go check the website to see any changes

Plan Your Visit

To make the most of your visit to Lake Skinner, be sure to check the park’s website for current hours, fees, and special events. With its diverse range of activities and stunning natural beauty, Lake Skinner is the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and connect with nature.

Skinner Reservoir, also known as Lake Skinner, is a reservoir in western Riverside County, California, located at the foot of Bachelor Mountain in the Auld Valley, approximately 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Temecula. It was created in 1973 by the construction of the Skinner Clearwell Dam (expanded 1991) on Tucalota Creek, and currently has a capacity of 44,200 acre-feet (54,500,000 m³). Located north of Rancho California Road near the Temecula Valley Wine Country, The address of the reservoir is: 37701 Warren Road, Temecula, CA 92592. ^[1]

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including hours of operation, fees, and specific regulations, please visit the official website of Riverside County Parks or contact the park directly.