Walking the Dog at the Santee Lakes

A while back, I drove up to the booth at the entrance to the with my in the back with a slap-happy grin only found on a pup abut to stroll in the grass and bark at some ducks.

To my surprise, the kind lady manning the booth noticed the happy creature in the back and asked if I'd like a map of where in the park dogs are allowed. I thought about it for a moment, I hadn't really noticed dogs in the normal day use area of the Lakes. This, I came to realize, was because there is a specific area meant just for our four-legged friends.

You can get to the Pet Walk area through the walk-in gate at and Lake Canyon Road or by paying the $3 vehicle entrance fee and parking at the North Lake 5 parking lot.

There are four pet stations with bags and trash cans located around the Lake 6 and 7 Pet Walk loop. Make sure to use a leash and pick up after your pet.

Dog walking is allowed during the normal day use hours at the Lakes, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to an hour before dusk, and Friday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to an hour before dusk.

These are the Pet Walk rules: 

• Please clean-up after your dog.
• Keep dog on leash at all times.
• Please keep dog quiet.
• No dogs allowed in day use areas.

Also, if you're camping at the Lakes, Santee Lakes Campground is pet friendly!  

According to their website: "Dogs are welcome in the campground while leashed and accompanied by their owner at all times. No more then 2 dogs per site. Use designated walking areas, don’t leave your dog unattended, no pet kennels and please pick up after your pet. Some folks like a quiet environment, so please keep your dog from barking.  Sorry, your pets are NOT allowed in the day use area of Santee Lakes."