The first time I camped up at Dixon Lake was several months back and immediately I was shocked that I had never really explored this area of San Diego. There were lots of big trees, large campsites, a beautiful lake with open fishing, and a quiet getaway that’s just minutes from Escondido.
Not too long after the first camping trip, I went straight onto the website and booked another site which had full hookups, great views of the lake to the east and the city lights of Escondido at night. After just a quick, two-night stay, I can easily say that this hidden gem has become one of my favorite spots to camp around San Diego. It’s close, it’s simple to get to, it’s quiet, birds are chirping, and for a couple of days it’s easy to feel far-removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Check here for more information: Dixon Lake
Discovering a Shoreline Trail
One of the great things I discovered on this trip was a beautiful trail that wrapped around the lake and led through fragrant vegetation, past small fishing holes, sweeping views of the lake, and an abundance of various bird species. Early in the morning as I rose, a bit of fog hovered above the lake while a couple of fishing boats sat calmly on the glass-like like.
Birds chirping, people fishing, the sun rising up over the eastern mountains, and the crispness of a mid-May morning. Does it get any better than this?
The trail that runs along the shoreline does not make a full loop because you end up running into a dam, which is part of private property, so the in and out trail ends up taking nearly 2 hours or so, if you’re taking your take to check out the views, take pictures, and to soak up the morning or day.
Hanging Out With Trigger
One of my favorite things to do while camping is to hang out with Trigger (our Jayco trailer), soak up some sun, have some cold drinks, and then plan out breakfast, lunch and dinner. On this weekend, the sun was warm, the breeze was cool, and for those couple of days it’s as if there was not a care in the world.
It is these times when I’m discovering new places and just going with the flow of the day when I’m the happiest. Sometimes the stresses and frustrations of work can become a bit much and it’s easy to get into your own head at times. Finding a way to release this and do nothing but watch the birds, squirrels, and the swaying trees is the ultimate way to escape.
“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
Lord Byron
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:
I love not Man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.”
Excited to Return to Dixon Lake
The exciting part about discovering Dixon Lake this spring is that it is so close to where we store our camper, it’s beautiful, peaceful, and inexpensive (which helps when gas prices are crazy like they are right now). On my next return trip, I will have to come equipped with a fishing pole and see if I can catch some fresh trout. They also have boat rentals, so perhaps a 1/2 day bass boat is in store.
