Lake Murray Visitors Enjoying Concessions, Boat Rentals

More and more outdoor enthusiasts are taking advantage of the concessions and boat rentals at Lake Murray, which reopened in April after the City of San Diego shut down operations in September 2007.

City lakes were without concession stands after a county grand jury report that year showed that San Diego water ratepayers footed a $3.2 million tab for the city Park and Recreation Department to run the concessions for three years for the Water Department.

Now the concession stand at Lake Murray is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with the possibility of another afternoon or two being added for the busy summer months. In addition to rods, tackle and bait for the fishing fanatics, food and drink, beach toys and other items are stocked. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The aluminum boats are available either as a rowboat or power vessel, with a small outboard motor. Rowboats rent for $20 for a full day or $12.50 for a half day (normally noon to closing) A $25 deposit is required.

Motor boats rent for $25 for a two-hour minimum, plus $7 for each additional hour, with a $53 maximum for the full day and a $60 deposit.

A single kayak can be rented for $6.50 per hour (with a $13.00 deposit) and a  double kayak for $10 an hour ($20.00 deposit). You must be at least 16 years old to rent any boat.

The best deal going is still to bring your own vessel. To launch a private boat, canoe or double kayak, the fee is $7, and a single kayak launch is just $2 for a full day on the water.

Credit cards can be used for boat rentals and other concession purchases, but only cash is accepted for fishing permits. When the concession is closed, permits can be secured through the iron ranger exact-cash-and-envelope system.