From cabins to a water park, all the fun new things at Lake Hemet (2024)

There were many benefits that came from the heavy winter rains— most notably the apparent end to the state’s years-long drought.

Among the other pluses is more water in area lakes and reservoirs, which are seeing higher levels than they have in a decade.

The water level has risen so much at Lake Hemet, even one of the employees was shocked.

“Oh, my goodness,” marketing manager Trish Purcell said upon driving up to the lake last week. “Wow.”

The lake is in Mountain Center in the San Jacinto Mountains. Operated by the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District, it was built during the 1890s to serve as a reservoir supplying water to groves in the Hemet area.

The water level currently is at 129 feet, just 6 feet from being full, water district General Manager Tom Wagoner said.

PREVIOUSLY:Dry spell leaves area lakes low and dry

“In October of 2016, the depth of water at the dam was 116 feet, so with last season’s rains the lake has come up 13 feet,” he said.

By adding a number of amenities in recent years — including 10 new cabins and an in-lakewater park with inflatable obstacles —Lake Hemet is starting to get noticed by outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Southern Californiaregion.

There were 100,000 visitors last year, Purcell said.

Approximately 13,000 customers paid to use the water feature with expectations that number will grow to 20,000 over the next few seasons, Wagoner said.

RELATED:Rain provides much-needed refill for Inland lakes

The water park, which has grown from 11 to 20 obstacles, is next to a swimming area and new grill that sells beach-style food.

“It gets pretty crazy on weekends,” Purcell said, adding it’s common for campsites to sell out.

Lake Hemet is almost like the sassy little cousin to other lakes in the region. Diamond Valley Lake is massive but only offers fishing and hiking, with no body contact, while Lake Perris is often full of watercraft, although it too now offers a water park.

Purcell said Lake Hemet is aimed at families with the average visitor staying two days.

“This is really a great place if you’re a novice camper,” she said. “It’s a great place to reconnect with nature.”

RELATED:Lake Perris shows off new water park

Its setting makes the area unique in the region.

“What’s reallyfantastic about Lake Hemetis we’re in the mountains,” Purcell said. “We have trees.”

The lake campgrounds offer RV hookups, cabins, camping, fishing, boating and swimming.

Another improvement brought by the rising water is more fish. The lake is regularly stocked by the Department of Fish and Game.

Hemet fisherman Steve Latino said Lake Hemet is quiet and peaceful, and offers cooler temperatures than other lakes in the area.

“While it doesn’t fish the same as its larger sister, Diamond Valley, it has a healthy bass population as well as other

species such as rainbow trout and bluegills,” Latino said. “There have been days when fishing that you can just watch the deer wandering around the backside of the lake.”

The new cabins offer heating and electricity for those who prefer “glamping” to camping. For the more adventurous who want to sleep outside without too much hassle, the lake offers a package in which a tent will be set up for visitors and taken down when they leave.

RELATED: Go glamping: camping for VIP’s

The upgrades have come after a change of management at the facility. It is operated byCalifornia Parks Company, which also oversees DVL, Lake Perris, Vail Lake and Lake Gregory.

“The district had formerly maintained the lake itself as a camping and recreational area for many years,” Wagoner said. “We now have a professional concessionaire maintaining, operating, and marketing the campground facilities.”

Not everyone is pleased with the changes, some of which have a hefty price tag.

“Ever since the new company took over, it’s impossible to get a decent group rate for Boy Scouts,” said Kevin Morningstar, who leads a Hemet Cub Scout pack. “I miss the small town feel where you could just call, laugh and talk with the onsite manager and they would help you with a small group. Now it’s a corporation and we don’t matter.”

Prices range from $10 per day to swim and $15 to use the water park up to cabin packages starting at $175 per night. There also are day-use fees starting at $15 per vehicle.

Purcell said Lake Hemet has advantages over other recreation areas.

“It’s not just a water park, there’s so much more,” she said. “The experience is a lot more enriching because you’re out in nature.”

Lake Hemet facts

Where:56570 Highway 74,Mountain Center. It is 8 miles from Idyllwild, 24 miles from Hemet and 36 miles from Temeculain the San Jacinto Mountains.

How much: Day use fees start at $15 per car. Amenities cost include $10 to swim; $15 for the water park; $10 to launch a boat; rental boats and kayaks starting at $20 per hour; camping fees starting at $30 per night; and RV hookups starting at $35/night.

Info:951-659-2680 or lakehemetrecreation.com