Lake Skinner Temecula CA

For several years Steve and I had been hearing that Temecula was a gorgeous place to visit. We finally got to experience it for ourselves with a week stay at Lake Skinner Campgrounds just outside of  Temecula CA.

Temecula first came on our radar when friends from the Wellington Art Society started their full time RV journey. When they reached southern California they landed in Temecula, spending several months there as camp hosts. They kept talking about the beauty of the area so much that we finally booked a week where they’d stayed. How could it not be wonderful when the area is filled with one winery after another?

Ironically, after already having Temecula on our itinerary, we met a cute young couple at Jackson Square in New Orleans. They were trying so hard to get a selfie with the Cathedral St. Louis behind them. So, of course, we offered to take the photo for them. When we began chatting we learned that they had just moved to Temecula from the San Francisco area. They raved on about how beautiful the area was, which made us even more excited to go!

Then about a month before we were due to arrive, our dear friend and fashion stylist extraordinaire Bonnie Roseman, texted to say hi. When I asked what she was up to, she said she was going to California to help her sister celebrate her 80th Birthday.

I replied that we were headed to California as well.

Bonnie said she was getting to Temecula, early morning on April 10.

To which I exclaimed: “we’re getting to Temecula in the afternoon on April 9!!!”

So, naturally, we had to meet for breakfast on the 10th. We chose a cute little place called EAT Marketplace in downtown Temecula.

It was so wonderful to be able to catch up with such a wonderful friend, from the east coast, on the west coast. Our breakfast was delicious and plentiful, and the unending conversation was lively.

Everything at this local farm to table eatery was as fresh as fresh can be. They obsess over sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local farmers who grow top of the line, organic, sustainable agriculture exclusively. It seemed very California to us and epitomized what The Traveling Locavores stand for.

EAT Marketplace also has a wonderful selection of local artisan goods that fit everyone’s dietary needs and budget. This really cool establishment has everything in one place. It’s a café, grocery store and home goods shop all rolled into one.

When we returned to Lake Skinner we took a drive down to the boat launch at the lake before returning to Ladybug. It was so picturesque. Steve noticed that they had boat rentals there, so he went to inquire what the cost would be. A two hour boat rental of a little motorboat was only $40.

So a couple of days later, we packed up a nice picnic lunch and drinks and went down to the boat rental. We walked down the pier to the boat we had rented and I immediately worried about getting into such a small boat with an even tinier motor. I don’t know if the boat rental guy saw my face or merely sensed my chagrin. But just at that same moment he asked if we’d like one of the larger, much more expensive boat rentals for the same price. He did not have to ask us twice!

What a fabulous couple hours we had checking out every inch of Lake Skinner. There were plenty of other boats out, many with anglers aboard. We passed a lagoon and sandy beach, saw lots of birds and could even spot our RV from the water. It was two hours of heaven!

Lake Skinner Recreation Area is actually just outside of Temecula, nestled in the rolling hills of Winchester CA. There are expansive natural vistas and extensive recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, splash pad, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing. If you are just visiting for the day, Lake Skinner offers two shade shelters, picnic benches and barbecues throughout the park for picnics etc. At our camping site we had a picnic bench and fire ring and a stunning view of snow-capped mountains. And just in case you forgot something, there’s a well stocked camp store.

Steve and I both wish we had been able to spend more time at Lake Skinner Temecula CA. But that just means we will have to return next year and stay at least 2 weeks or more!