Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve

The Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve is a 544-acre property situated along the coast of Southern California. Habitat types here include open water/subtidal, intertidal mudflats, southern coastal salt marsh, coastal brackish marsh, nesting areas, transitional zones, and southern arroyo willow riparian forest.

Dominant flora in and around the lagoon includes eelgrass, pickleweed, alkali health, and white sage. Dominant fauna includes striped mullet, great egret, horn snail, raccoon, woodrat, skunk and ground squirrel.

Facilities

The primary improvements to this property include hiking trails and a nearby nature center maintained by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation. Public parking at the reserve is very limited.

Accessibility

There are no accessibility improvements on this property.

Connectivity

There is cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.

Learn more about Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve and its history, wildlife and habitat.

History

Past land use in the area of Batiquitos Lagoon included ranching and, more recently, recreation. Batiquitos Lagoon was acquired to preserve, protect and maintain the improved coastal wetland habitat and associated species. The property was designated as an Ecological Reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1983.

Learning About the Land

Photos and Media

Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of CDFW-managed lands.

Refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

Hunting

There is no hunting permitted at Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve.

Fishing

Fishing is only permitted in Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve west of Interstate 5. There is no fishing allowed elsewhere in the Reserve.

A valid CDFW fishing license is required. Check fishing regulations for current licensing fees. Licenses are not available at Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve and must be purchased before arrival.

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve:

• No horses allowed
• Dogs must be under owner's control at all times
• No bikes allowed
• No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
• No fishing allowed east of Interstate 5

In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve.

This ecological reserve is adjacent to or shares marine habitat with a Marine Protected Area (MPA). For the public use regulations for MPAs, see Section 632, Title 14, CCR.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the South Coast Region San Diego office at (858) 467-4201.