Campgrounds near Anza provide a diverse mountain landscape ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet elevation. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, sometimes dropping below freezing even during summer months at higher elevations. The transition zone between desert and mountain ecosystems creates unique camping conditions with distinctive vegetation zones throughout the region.
What to do
Hiking the Ramona Trail: At Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground, campers can access hiking directly from the site. "The Romona trail starts/ends directly behind the washhouse," notes one visitor, making it convenient for morning explorations without driving to a trailhead.
Mountain biking: Oak Grove Campground offers excellent access to surrounding terrain. "This campsite is located just a short drive from Temecula, campsites are well cared for, clean bathrooms, and some sites have great California oak tree cover. Highly recommend for testing gear before going somewhere more secluded," shares a reviewer who appreciated the accessibility.
Stargazing: The higher elevation campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "We perched up on a rock watched the sun set over the city and then watched the shooting stars!" reports a Marion Mountain camper, highlighting the benefit of the area's reduced light pollution.
Wildlife viewing: The mountain ecosystem supports diverse animal species. "Lots of wildlife. Raccoons in the night, gray squirrel, other squirrels, many birds," notes a Tool Box Springs visitor, while another camper mentions, "Each night we heard coyotes howling like crazy, it was very cool!"
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: Thousand Trails Idyllwild offers relief from summer heat. "When I first got to Idyllwild, a little heat wave was hanging around, but by the 2nd week, the weather was beautiful. Surrounded by spruce trees, pine trees, and scotch pines reminded me of being Back East," explains a camper who appreciated the climate.
Privacy at certain sites: Campgrounds vary significantly in site spacing. "Oak Grove has semi-private sites which are nice," mentions one reviewer, while another at Marion Mountain notes, "We stayed in camp spot number 24 and it had a nice secluded feel to it."
Evening breezes: Natural cooling can make camping more comfortable. "We had a Great breeze every evening starting around 4pm that lasted a couple hours," shares a Thousand Trails Idyllwild camper, describing the regular pattern that made summer camping more enjoyable.
Clean facilities: Stone Creek Campground maintains good standards. "The vault toilets were clean, and well stocked with TP and antibacterial soap. There were three on-site," reports a camper who appreciated the maintenance level.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Tool Box Springs requires planning. "Need high clearance vehicle!! I loved the site! It has a bathroom at the very start, but can be a little ways from the sites. The only downfall is without a high clearance vehicle, it took me an hour and a half to go six miles up, and still scraped and almost got stuck," warns one visitor.
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds operate limited schedules. Marion Mountain is typically open "May 23 to Nov 16," according to campground information, while other areas may close during winter storms or fire season.
Insect activity: Marion Mountain has seasonal bug issues. "Beware the unreal amount of mosquitos," cautions a mid-July camper, while at Tool Box Springs, another notes "This site would've been perfect, and I mean perfect, but the flies were unbearable."
Fire restrictions: Regulations change seasonally. "Not able to use fire pits due to fire restrictions," reports a Marion Mountain visitor from October, showing how even fall camping can be affected by dry conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Lake Skinner Recreation Area provides water recreation beyond swimming. "I loved this campground but wasn't a fan of the extra fees. The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake. And you can't swim or let the kids play in the lake because it's a reservoir. On the flip side they have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost!" shares a family camper.
Flat biking areas: Some campgrounds offer kid-friendly cycling. "It's family friendly, great flat biking for kids, large dirt area used for parking during the Balloon and Wine festival that kids can play on and ride bikes in. Splash pad open during the summer which is great for kids and adults alike," notes a Lake Skinner visitor.
Testing grounds for new campers: Campgrounds with amenities can ease children into camping. "This campground is right by the town. You can walk there within minutes. Good hiking spots within a few minutes of driving," explains a Stone Creek camper, highlighting the convenience of being close to services.
Wildlife education opportunities: Natural encounters create learning moments. "We got lucky and went on a week day were the only ones camping there. Lots of hiking trails with great views. Lake fulmor is just a short drive and so worth it!" shares a Marion Mountain visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Hurkey Creek Park accommodates various vehicles. "Spots were relatively large. We had a decent sized group and many BBQ's. We all fit and had a great time," notes an RVer about the spaciousness.
Elevation challenges: Higher campgrounds require preparation. "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," advises a Lake Hemet camper, highlighting winter concerns.
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between sites. "Our Site was not level at all. We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension. Side to side level took one board under left side," explains a Thousand Trails Idyllwild visitor.
Service availability: Cell coverage varies widely. "Site 414 Had No cell coverage for our Verizon phones. After a drive through the park we found Cell coverage only works in lower part of the park," shares an Idyllwild RV Resort camper, providing specific information about connectivity limitations.
