$45 / night

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Established Camping

Lake Hemet Campground

38 Reviews

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About

Lake Hemet is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, in Mountain Center, near the charming town of Idyllwild. The scenery is splendid no matter which direction you look. Tall pines, manzanitas, sage, and giant oaks abound!

Lake Hemet is one of the most popular spots in Southern California for camping and fishing. The recent additions of the Soaring Pines Cafe serving delicious food and Splashing Eagle Swim Zone have made Lake Hemet the vacation spot to be during the spring and summer months.

Remember to pack a camera and binoculars, and keep a watchful eye as majestic eagles, hawks, and other wildlife are often seen soaring throughout the forest and campground. Come and enjoy camping, fishing, boating and the breathtaking scenery all year round.

DAY USE: In addition to camping, Lake Hemet offers public access to the campground for day use guests daily (hours vary by season). Day use is $25 per vehicle and affords guests with the opportunity to picnic, shoreline fish, launch personal boats or kayaks (additional fees apply) and rent boats or kayaks from our marina. If you are visiting other guests who are overnight camping with us, the $25 fee still applies. NOTE: DAY USE WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL SUMMER HOLIDAY WEEKENDS FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. Only guests with previously purchased annual day use or launch passes will be allowed as our campground will be fully booked and activities are planned for our guests.

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Location

Lake Hemet Campground is located in California

Address

56570 Highway 74
Mountain Center, CA 92561

Coordinates

33.668975973388285 N
116.67813786363553 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Poor
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Available

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

$45

/ night

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Reservations

Joachim M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2023

Busy

We booked a few days here on our 2 month trip to be able to relax in a nice campground, but we were a bit disappointed.

Toilets and shower were not very nice, you do not get much privacy as the sites are quite close to each other, and it is super busy, a lot of people around. Even during the day it is quite noisy.

Location is good though, and it is nice to be up here in summer as the temperature is a bit better.

Month of VisitOctober

Pablo L.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2023

Great Time!

Visited the last 2 weeks of August. Great place for family and kids. Affordable. Campsite #295. You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit. Different campgrounds for all chosen methods (Tent, RV, Glamping, etc..) There's restrooms you can use. There's showers you can pay per use. The swim zone isn't too far from this campsite, 5-10 min walk w/ no accessories. If you have little ones, you can take them with a wagon but I'd recommend just driving your car with a few items to the zone. Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too. The marketplace is near the entrance BUT they only sell individual waters (No 48 pack types). You'll definitely hear your neighbors snore at night after a long day LOL.. quiet hours are from 10pm - 8am. Overall, this is a great spot. If you're lucky to snag other spots with trees covering you then great but this is still a good campsite. Happy camping! ... Oh yeah, T-Mobile no service up there (apparently Verizon, AT&T do)

SiteSquirrel Camp #295 - Tents

Month of VisitSeptember

Ryan

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2023

No Day use areas but still $25

The day use areas were under water and we weren’t told we were allowed to be anywhere else so we just drove around and checked it out then left.

It looked like a nice lake to fish in and I know they don’t control the water levels but $25 is a lot for day use

SiteDay Use

Month of VisitAugust

Joe A.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2023

Good for a weekend out of the city

I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout, even from the shore.

It can get a little loud on the weekends with drunk party-goers. There's not a lot of campground etiquette either. Not the campgrounds fault. Just uncaring people stomping through your site on their way to and from where ever.

There's a water park for playing in the lake but, the lake is off limits to pets. If you forget something there's a store at the entrance. You can even get a fishing license there if needed.

The staff are friendly and helpful most of the time. But, like anywhere people get out of hand they can get surly too.

A lot of sites have some shade but you have to look for them. Full hookups are available too.

Ray G.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 26, 2023

First Time Visit

My two brothers and their families called me at the last minute and said they were camping at Lake Hemet (the weekend of May 12, 2023). They invited me as a spur-of-the-moment thing (because they knew I liked to fish). I have often driven by the lake, but I have never taken the time to fish the water.

Since I was planning to drive my Class-A motorhome to the campgrounds, my choices of full hookup sites were limited. I ended up at Site #267 (Racoon Loop) which is in the residential area of the park. My site faced the lagoon area of the lake by the marina. The site was nice and easy to access. The view from my motorhome was fantastic.

The only thing that was a bummer was the amount of vehicle traffic to and from the marina and boat launch. It was bearable but I wish the drivers would pay attention to speed limits (a lot of dust was flying).

Since I was too lazy to hunt for a fishing hole, I fished the lagoon area in front of my site. There was life in the lagoon as I constantly saw fish jumping out of the water. I later learned from a camp resident that I was seeing Carp leaping (bummer). I managed to land a 10-inch Rainbow Trout over my three-day stay.

My nephew rented a kayak and fished the region just outside the lagoon. He limited out in Rainbow Trout by catching and releasing five average-sized prey. All of the fish were caught with barbless lures.

The staff at the campgrounds were polite and helpful when I arrived. The roving staff members were not so friendly, but they did respond when I stopped them and asked some questions. Honestly, an occasional smile will go a long way.

I plan to visit the lake again, but I hope to find another site. There is a strong possibility that I will find a lakeside site with partial utilities.

Site267

Month of VisitJune

(10) View All

Christina R.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2022

Always a great time!

My friends and I have been camping here for New Years and other random summer/ holiday weekends for about 5 years now. It’s only 45min. Away from home, so we can drive back if needed for any reason as well as just a quick and peaceful get away. We have just camped to relax, Kayak, fish, and play Disk Golf. They always keep their bathrooms and porta potties clean! Their campsites are well maintained and clean as well! When the water level is way up, it’s even prettier!

SiteBass Section

Month of VisitJanuary

(20) View All

Brenda

Traveler

Reviewed May. 2, 2022

Nice lake

No one was here end of April during the week. So glad for that.

All sites are WAY close together, price is expensive! With a Sr discount and the booking fee waived (since we were just passing thru for 1 night) we paid $59 for a dry site. Most sites are not level even for a tent, but 506 worked for our large rented RV.

Lake is lovely!

Site506

Month of VisitMay

(6) View All

Ricky S.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 23, 2022

Good place to camp

Really a fun lake to actually catch some fish. Kayaking, biking & boat rentals. Busy on weekends and empty during the week; it’s a great place to bring a tent or RV. No hookups unless you want to park in the full time resident area. Lots of water spigots/trash cans located throughout each zone. Friendly staff host & 25min. from idyllwild

Site538

Month of VisitApril

(5) View All

Amber R.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 17, 2022

Great and fun camping spot

While it was ridiculously hot, the swimming area was a great place to cool off. Clean campground with great, friendly staff. We’ll be back I’m sure!

Site480

Month of VisitAugust

(7) View All

Megan H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jan. 3, 2022

very pretty

great campground. quiet and pretty views in every direction

Site340

Month of VisitFebruary

(4) View All

Cristina G.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 22, 2021

The best fishing around

This lake is free outside camp ground Fishing at first driveway/ turn out when you enter id the best

Month of VisitJuly

William V.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 13, 2021

Peaceful

We love this site...... no hook-ups but can park the trailer in a way that you forget your at a campsit and just enjoy the views

Site319

Month of VisitDecember

Ed Gonsalves G.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2021

Great get away

Nice park, pricey, dry camp on lake with water $65.00 and $85.00 for full hook ups but shoved into one area with some lake views. The great thing that rang my bell was the camp host, Bill, who actually came to every site and introduced himself to everyone and instead of running down a bunch of rules he just asked what ever you may need or concern let him know, and with a smile when thru the camp ground 5 stars!

Site282

Month of VisitNovember

Eddie M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2021

Love this place

This is always my go to for camping. Now ill be using this app to tell others, just as long as this app does good.😎

Sitelake

Month of VisitNovember

(6) View All

Erick

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

Cool Place

Have been coming up here over summer for the past couple years. Cool place, love fishing out here and spending time with family.

Month of VisitAugust

Andrew M.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2021

Family Friendly

Nice sites with connections surrounding pretty lake.

Month of VisitJuly

Amber R.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2021

Lake Hemet is awesome

We had such a great time at Lake Hemet Campground! The staff are so helpful and friendly and really wanted to make sure we had the best time. The views are just amazing and the lake is beautiful!

Site480

Month of VisitAugust

Ametra J.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2021

Nice Camp Ground but very strict rules

My family stayed at lake Hemet camping 7/3 -7/5

We thought that we would be able to have a great holiday weekend but our camp spots were in the middle of All of the people that lives on the property and that is 90% of the camping spots. We were unable to enjoy our holiday because All of the camping residents were complaining that we were loud they have a quiet time of 10pm - 8am we were quite during those hours but the hours they complained about our music that was not even loud and they also complained about the kids playing and being loud all in the middle of the day and not during the posted quiet time. I would not recommend camping here if you are camping with family and children because the residents complain entirely too and they were very unfair. They need to consider letting campers know that they will not be able enjoy camping here if they want a full hookup spot because it’s full of permanent residents that are unwilling to let people enjoy their stay because they want it absolutely quite at all times because it’s their Home. It was very unsatisfactory for me and my family and friends

Site75.76 74 and 111

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Donovan

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 1, 2021

Nice Family Getaway

We Stayed at the Premium Full Hook Up campsite called “Bear Camp” spot 340.

Highly recommend the premium hook up sites, great views of the lake even though the water level was low. Site is clean and fellow campers were polite. Every campsite had a fire pit which was nice.

Hemet Lake itself is beautiful and the view while fishing was amazing. I was able to catch one trout during our four night stay..good eatin lol.

The small market had any essentials you may need. Hand scooped ice cream was pretty good..great for the kids.

Weather was cold and windy but not too bad. Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night.

I definitely recommend this campsite for families and all who want to have a great time outdoors. This will definitely be a place we will visit often. Can’t wait to go back!

(17) View All

Danielle D.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 16, 2021

Great place

We had a great family weekend at this place. So beautiful staff was very friendly

Kate W.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 4, 2021

Amazing but not level

This campground was a great unexpected surprise! The kid at the check-in station is just the sweetest! We were told to go look around and pick out a site and just go back and tell them... Well the campground is HUGE and it took a while in the RV to go all the way to the end (Catfish) where they suggested, back to let them know, and then back to set up camp. But after all that we got to sit back and relax and watch the beautiful sunset!

there are a couple oddities here though - for an RV campground there is a ton of ground that is not level. Pretty much only the sites right along the water are level because you're basically on the beach. We lucked out with one of those and no one else around because of the holiday/covid.

The lake is no-touch, so no dipping your toes in, no letting the dog splash, nothing. But a couple people were fishing.

It was so quiet and peaceful that I couldn't imaging a better last night to our vacation! I would think in normal circumstances, though, this place must be crazy and a site on the water means sharing your beautiful spot with anyone who wants to walk right by. Although you may feel like you get your own beach, you don't.

There are two dump stations but for some reason there is a plastic ring that prevents the hose from going in the ground so its a bit gross. There's propane at the market where the front entrance is.

It felt like this is a family-run campground and I mean that in the best way!

Site522

Month of VisitJanuary

(12) View All

Taylor

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Nice

This location is very nice however it’s always crowded. If you’re a friendly person who doesn’t mind mingling, you’ll love it here!!

Doreen K.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2020

Beautiful

Beautiful view. Clean campground. Extra nice staff. Restrooms clean. Quite. Only problems were bees and no shade. Had a great time.

Jenny S.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020

Expensive and not the best location

Tried going this weekend with my husband and dog and was amazed on the amount of people camping on this site. Spaces are way to close together, with very little shade from trees. After learning that there is no access to the lake for swimming due to algae and other safety reasons and no spaces were open even after we paid we decided to leave. Site lists that the alega is harmful to humans and dogs, this should be a red flag.

Location did have tables, fire pits and other activities like volleyball, basketball and frisbee golf. It’s a park where you should picnic.

Marcella D.

Guide

Reviewed May. 25, 2020

Nice Views!!

We were in squirrel camp which is on a peninsula, we were surrounded by water it was nice. Only complaint super close to your neighbors! Your neighbors sewer line is by your front door 😂🤷🏻‍♀️.. coming back for sure!

Chasee L.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2019

As seen on keeping up with the Kardashians

Where Kim and the girls took their daughters to camp in tents, make a fire went boating

Sarah L.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2019

One of the best

Great views, nice and helpful employee's. Convenient little store at entry. Checked out the new cabins back in fall 2018 and was very pleased with cleanliness and access, happy to say we have reservations for the cabins again for the end of the month!

Jennifer D.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 31, 2019

Fun Lake to camp at!

We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! The section we were in only had a volt potty but there were showers there in another section. Every site has a picnic table and fire ring. We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn’t catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!

(8) View All

Ken B.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 13, 2019

Good all around campground.

Campsites arent the biggest, and fairly close together. Lake is easy to get to from anywhere. Rental boats on the lake. Free showers, and good bathrooms.

Rebecca W.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 10, 2019

A m a z I n g

This was the first place I went camping after moving from Maine. It was a tiny taste of home. The mountains and trees are so so beautiful. It was per friendly and we had so much fun. Can’t wait to go back

Month of VisitOctober

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Lake Hemet Campground?

Camping at Lake Hemet Campground can starts at $45.00.

Does Lake Hemet Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Hemet Campground has water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Lake Hemet Campground?

Lake Hemet Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

Are fires allowed at Lake Hemet Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Lake Hemet Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Lake Hemet Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lake Hemet Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Lake Hemet Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.