Hot air balloons drift overhead in the early morning hours while coyotes call across the water at dusk. Lake Skinner Recreation Area sits within a 256-site campground that draws families and anglers to its reservoir setting in Riverside County. The sites face each other across internal roads, with full hookups available for RVs and close spacing that puts neighbors within easy conversation distance.
Campers find clean facilities throughout the campground, with bathrooms and showers maintained regularly by county staff. "Camp sites and bathrooms are clean," reports Keith S., who returns annually for Thanksgiving trips. The on-site camp store stocks basics from food to fishing gear, becoming a social hub where visitors frequently gather. A playground and splash pad provide alternatives for families, since swimming in the reservoir itself is prohibited.
Fishing requires a daily Riverside County permit at $10 per person beyond the standard California license. The lake gets stocked regularly throughout the year, drawing anglers to its shoreline and boat launches. Multiple biking and hiking trails wind through the area, though some paths around the lake can be overgrown. Time4Dirt suggests visitors "check out the camp store and walk down to the lake" during their stay.
Weekend crowds can bring noise levels up significantly, with some campers noting parties lasting past 1 AM and unleashed dogs roaming between sites. Cell service proves spotty for most carriers, though WiFi is available with limited streaming capability. The campground stays open year-round with reservations recommended, particularly for the full-hookup sites near grassy areas. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds near Temecula provide additional options within the wine country corridor.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLake Skinner Recreation Area is located in California
Directions
Located 10 miles east of Temecula, 50 miles north of San Diego & 50 miles south of Riverside. From I-15 Northbound: exit at Rancho California Road, turn right (east) and travel 10 miles to Lake Skinner Recreation Area on the right. From I-215 Southbound: exit at Rancho California Road, turn left (east) and travel 10 miles to Lake Skinner Recreation Area on the right.
Address
37701 Warren Road
Temecula, CA 92592
Coordinates
33.58940851 N
117.0349424 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/25/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 users
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/25/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/25/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 users
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 36 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 15 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 26 min from Oxnard, CA








































