Vail Lake is a large reservoir in western Riverside County, California, located in Temecula on the Temecula Creek and Santa Margarita River watershed approximately 10 miles from Old Town Temecula. It was created in 1948 when the owners of Vail Ranch constructed the 132 foot high Vail Lake Dam, which has been owned and operated by the Rancho California Water District since 1978. The 11,000+ acre property surrounding Vail Lake is privately owned, and recreational access to the lake is privately controlled.
The Butterfield Country Recreational Park (now Vail Lake Resort) was established in 1968 to provide public access to the lake and its marina, but closed by its owners in 1989. In 1995, a members-only resort facility was opened at the location of the former park; and in 2000, the water activities area was re-opened to the public on an annual fee basis. Today, boating rights on the lake are reserved for annual members only but RV access is open to the public with paid nightly reservation or a day use pass.
In addition to numerous affordable and comfortable campsites, Vail Lake Resort offers fun activities and attractions for the whole family, including fishing, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, miniature golf, swimming, and waterslides — although just plain relaxing under the oaks is fine too!
Offering both privacy and security, Vail Lake Resort is the perfect spot for a family weekend getaway. Vail Lake Resort offers the perfect setting for those longing to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of nature with over 9,000 acres of ancient, shady oaks in a natural California chaparral setting. Melt your stress away while enjoying our scenic views, abundant wildlife, numerous recreational opportunities, and fantastic weather.
Plans are in the works for a professional golf course, new restaurant and winery sites on the property.
Vail Lake’s Main Festival Site
The main festival site can accommodate up to 25,000 people with parking for 10,000 vehicles within 1 mile. Shuttles are available to take people from parking areas to festival site location.
The Restaurant Venue
The restaurant venue at Vail Lake’s main festival site is steps away from the main festival area. It is currently only available to annual lake members and VIPs. During major events, this area serves as our Host/VIP/Hospitality Suite. In the restaurant there are 3 main rooms, restrooms, a kitchen area, full bathtub & shower, and a gated pool area with upper and lower decks. Additionally, parking is available right outside the restaurant. This venue even has a helicopter pad for shuttling in VIPs and for emergency use. The outside five acre lawn has ample space for additional tenting structures.
Vail Lake Village
The Vail Lake Village is the main hub of the RV Resort. It is located 2 miles west of the Vail Lake. The RV Campground is open to the public with paid RV site or day use pass. On most holiday weekends, nightly entertainment and homemade Mexican grill are available on the stage. This venue is available for private events during certain times of the year. It comes complete with a built in stage (32′x16′ approx), stage trussing, basic lighting, power and parking for about 350 cars. The dancing/seating area can hold about 550 guests with room to expand the area to the east parking lot. There are plenty of restrooms with a cantina, lounge, and arcade areas available.
The Slab in the Village
The Slab in the Village is a perfect area for those wanting a small private area to hold their gatherings. This area is available with a 50′ x 100′ tent. Restrooms must be brought onto the property but there are plenty of parking spaces available within 1/3 of a mile. Directly behind the slab there are 2 separate grass areas available for anything from a wedding ceremony to cocktail receptions. This area could also be perfect for those companies or churches looking to do private meetings and teambuilding activities.
The Pond at Vail Lake Resort
For events and festivals up to 4,000, The Pond at Vail Lake Resort is a great option! The pond offers shade (created by hundred year old Oak trees!) during most parts of the day. The Pond offers a tiki bar with palapa surrounded by 6 acres of lush green hybrid Bermuda grass. There are 3 pools with cement decks all gated in with restrooms onsite.