Vehicle traffic to the marina creates dust clouds along the main access road, but campers willing to navigate the rough entry find a sprawling lakeside facility with sites ranging from basic tent spots to full-hookup RV accommodations. The campground spreads across multiple loops around Lake Hemet, with premium waterfront sites offering direct views of the water and lagoon areas.
Ray G. secured site 267 in the Raccoon Loop, noting "my site faced the lagoon area of the lake by the marina" with easy RV access despite the steady stream of boat launch traffic. The residential section houses long-term campers, while seasonal visitors cluster in loops closer to the shoreline. Water levels fluctuate with drought conditions, affecting how close sites actually sit to the lake edge.
Rainbow trout, bass, and catfish draw anglers to the stocked waters, with the area near Hemet Dam producing consistent catches. Kayak rentals provide access to fishing spots beyond the lagoon, and the on-site marina handles boat launches for larger watercraft. Disc golf, mini-golf, and bike rentals occupy families between fishing sessions, while the camp store stocks essentials and hand-scooped ice cream.
RVs up to 40 feet fit on full-hookup sites, though Pablo L. recommends bringing "your own shade for this campsite, your own water too" for interior locations. Water spigots and trash collection serve each camping zone. Winter visitors should insulate water hoses against freezing temperatures. The no-contact lake policy prohibits swimming or wading. Cell service varies by carrier, with T-Mobile showing no coverage.
Large group gatherings and holiday crowds generate noise that carries across the open terrain, making weekday visits notably quieter than weekend stays. For campers seeking fishing access with full amenities in a family-oriented setting, Lake Hemet accommodates both tent campers and big rigs year-round.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Hemet Campground is located in California near Mountain Center
Address
56570 Highway 74
Mountain Center, CA 92561
Coordinates
33.66897569 N
116.67813718 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/24/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/24/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 39 usersLast on 6/24/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/24/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/24/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 39 usersLast on 6/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
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
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 4 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 15 min from El Centro, CA
- 3 hrs 13 min from Yuma, AZ















































