Campers looking for overnight options around Banning, California can explore several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of the city. The region includes the Banning Stagecoach KOA within city limits, offering tent and RV sites with full hookups, while San Gorgonio Campground provides a more natural setting about 20 miles northeast in the San Bernardino National Forest. The area supports both developed facilities with amenities and more rustic camping experiences, with varying levels of accessibility and services depending on location and elevation.
Road conditions and site availability fluctuate seasonally throughout the Banning area, particularly at higher elevations in the nearby mountains. The San Gorgonio area campgrounds typically operate from May through October, while lower elevation sites like the KOA remain open year-round. "This campground was small, but cozy. They have an unheated pool, water pressure was fantastic, and I got t-mobile cell service here," noted one visitor about the Banning Stagecoach KOA. Travelers should be aware of summer heat in the lower elevations, where temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, while mountain locations offer cooler temperatures. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays.
Developed campgrounds in the region feature varying amenities, with the KOA offering electric hookups, water, sewer connections, and a swimming pool, while forest service campgrounds like Heart Bar and San Gorgonio provide more basic facilities with vault toilets and drinking water. Several campers mentioned the importance of planning ahead for temperature extremes. While the Banning KOA provides convenient freeway access, reviewers note it can be noisy due to its proximity to transportation corridors. Higher elevation campgrounds receive praise for cooler temperatures and scenic surroundings but have shorter operating seasons. RV travelers particularly appreciate the level sites at lower elevation campgrounds, while tent campers often prefer the forest settings at higher elevations for their shade and natural atmosphere.
"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
$10 - $300 / night
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
"Bathrooms were clean considering there is only one location for bathrooms. Not much space for tents but lots of sites if you have a trailer or motor home."
$34 - $69 / night
"San Gorgonio, aptly named for the famed crown peak near by, is a nice mix of family friendly and weekend escape."
"If you live in Southern California and haven't climbed the highest peak, you need to get out there and experience nature."
$29 - $58 / night
"The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."
"second reason; there are many many sites to choose from. this camp ground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though"
$36 - $73 / night
"Came here for a weekend, good spot for tent camping, I went on an off trail hike, cool, fun area. Some views. Drove over to the lake but couldn’t find parking. Very quiet and clean as well."
"mountain just a short hike away from our site, #23. "
$25 - $45 / night
"Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."
"Kings Canyon is one of the coolest places I've been in a long time and Southern California"
$44 - $91 / night
"We camped just a few steps away from the lake, there were other campers there but the campgrounds are far enough away from each other."
"This camp site is located walking distance to the lake. There are bike paths and walking trails located near the camp ground."
"Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains."
"Fun off-road adventure to get to the site. Minimal sites so not much crowding."
$20 - $35 / night
"The site was nice and spacious, tall pines, great shade and star gazing, the falling egg corns were fun but the fire ban was a deal breaker..."
"Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town."
TravelerStayed one night on our way to Utah. Super quiet on Sunday night, we were able to drive right up and pick a spot pretty secluded. Bathrooms were spotless. Camp host was friendly!
ScoutPlace is ok. Quiet so far. Nice people.
GuideWe stopped in visiting Joshua Tree National Park. This is located very close to the Northwest side of park. The RV park is very easy to get to. There are not a lot of options for places to camp. The Dispersed lots have a lot of trash. This is a clean location, very very expensive though. You will pay premium price for no shade and to park in a sand lot. There is a nice little park adjacent to this but that’s the only plus.
ScoutOn the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park in an old growth Joshua Tree grove. The trees are tall and fat, very close to each other. Heftier than the trees inside the Park.
It has water and dump station, otherwise the campgrounds inside the Park are more majestic with huge rocks.
If you're a fulltime RVer or vanlifer with an efficient solar system, having water in/out and a place to stay safely for cheap is grand. It's four klicks from malls, thus ideal if you need stuff. As a fulltime RVer I book several consecutive days with the app. The grounds are empty on weekdays, thus can spend quality time organizing my rig, thoughts, and plans.
From June to autumn half the campsites are shuttered. The area has limited visitation in summer.
ScoutEasy access but away from street noise. Nothing elegant or fancy but it's a nice spot to spend the weekend. RV sites are next to the baseball fields, which is fun! Some sites have shade trees (beware of dripping pine trees). Grass and trees off the RV sites. Sites are on gravel and concrete pads. Great view of the nearby mountains. Park security patrols throughout the day. We've stayed here twice and would definitely visit again!
GuideI have some reservations about writing this review because my experience at this campground was wonderful. I enjoyed four peaceful days there, and, surprisingly, there were never more than three campers present. The other visitors were all gray-haired, which contributed to the serenity—there were no barking dogs, loud generators, music, or screaming kids. I spoke with some long-time campers who advised against visiting during holiday weekends and summer; they warned that it can turn chaotic. Marion Mountain, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, exudes character and has a relaxed atmosphere that is not geared for partying, although some attempt to make it so. This campground strictly allows only tent camping and very small teardrop trailers or camper vans; RVs and fifth-wheelers are not permitted. The upper loop(sites 1-5) is great for van or tent camping, but parking is limited to one car/van per site, with no extra parking available. This restriction minimizes the flow of day hikers and keeps the campground tranquil. The inside loop features flatter ground for pitching tents, but it does come with close campsites, reducing privacy since the road rings around sites six through ten, which require a short walk to access. On the lower loop, the outside sites are sloped, and you also need to walk to them. The interior sites here are flat but closely packed, creating a cramped environment. I rated this campground one star for weekends and holidays, but it earns five stars on weekdays and in the shoulder seasons. I would absolutely return, but definitely not on weekends! If I want to hear screaming kids and barking dogs, I can just visit my grandkids. If you value a peaceful camping experience, choose your timing wisely!
TravelerA Hidden Gem! Phenomenal Staff & Peaceful Stay My husband and I just finished a week-long stay at Indian Waters RV Resort over Memorial Day weekend, and we are absolutely blown away! We are in our late 30s/early 40s and really thrive on peace and quiet, and this place delivered exactly what we were looking for. Right from the start, the customer service was unmatched. We had booked our site back in March and ran into a small glitch with the online system recognizing our deposit and site request. After communicating with Cameron and Rachel in the weeks leading up to our trip, they assured us everything would be handled—and they delivered perfectly. Upon arrival, they proved to be the most amazing, warm, and accommodating property managers you could ever ask for. From our first greeting to random run-ins around the park to our final day, their consistency and hospitality were top-tier. They even stock those must-have amenities in the main office for when you inevitably forget or run out of something, which was incredibly convenient. As for the resort itself? Phenomenal. The grounds are meticulously kept up—the grass sites are lush and green, and the gravel sites are perfectly level. The bathrooms are amazing, and the gym is clean with great, usable equipment. We spent plenty of time enjoying the amenities: The Pool & Jacuzzis: The pool was always sparkling clean (minus a few stray flowers blowing in the desert wind) and kept at a wonderful temperature. The two jacuzzis are absolutely to die for! Outdoor Fun: They have cornhole, pickleball courts, and great lounge chairs situated around multiple firepits. We were honestly shocked that the park wasn’t more crowded for a holiday weekend. It truly feels like a hidden gem right now. There were no loud or rowdy neighbors, no annoying barking dogs, and no screaming children—just pure relaxation. We came here to celebrate our birthdays, and thanks to Cam and Rachel, it was an unforgettable trip. We will absolutely be back time and time again! Wishing you both tons of success!
GuideBut overall it worked for us. The sites have large hedges between them which is nice for privacy. It all felt a bit tired and could do with some TLC, but if we needed to stay in Palm Springs again this would work
ScoutGreat spots along this whole road. Busy on weekends though.
Camping areas near Banning, California range from desert lowlands at 2,400 feet to alpine forests above 8,000 feet in elevation. The region's varied topography creates distinct microclimates where summer temperatures can differ by 30°F between lower and higher elevation campsites. Most dispersed camping options sit within San Bernardino National Forest, with developed campgrounds clustered along Highway 38 north of Banning and around Idyllwild to the southeast.
Hiking trails access: San Gorgonio Campground connects to multiple trail systems including paths to San Gorgonio Mountain. "There is a great trail off the backside of the campground as well. It can be a bit loud and the trees are tall and skinny so there's not a ton of privacy, but it's woodsy and beautiful," notes one visitor at San Gorgonio Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Located 20 miles from Banning, several lakes provide fishing options. "Drove over to the lake but couldn't find parking. Very quiet and clean as well," reports a camper who stayed at Barton Flats Family Campground. Heart Bar Campground visitors often visit nearby waters: "Not too far from Jenks lake to do some fishing. The host are great people check they drive around and check up on people to see how they're doing," explains a Heart Bar Campground guest.
Mountain biking: Forested areas around Idyllwild offer extensive biking trails. One visitor to Serrano notes, "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly." At Heart Bar, another camper mentions, "Lots of hiking and mountain biking in area. Great views."
Privacy between sites: Many campers value secluded spots. At Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post sites, a reviewer shared, "Quiet and secluded area. Lots of room to camp. Bring bug spray for flys but other than that I'll camp here anytime." Another camper at Stone Creek Campground remarked, "This is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town. The outer ring sites are huge, and most of them are fairly private especially the loop to the right of the entry."
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. A visitor to Yucaipa Regional Park mentioned, "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice."
Cleanliness: Many campsites maintain good standards. At Stone Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "The camp hosts were super friendly, helping us with the pay machine and some park info. They kept the vault toilets clean and drove around with a golf cart full of firewood to sell for just $6 per bundle."
Wildlife precautions: Bears frequent higher elevation campgrounds. A camper at San Gorgonio advises, "Don't leave Ice chest out & Please be sure to cover your ice chest, even in your vehicle, as the bears, are all too familiar with them. My sister did not heed my warning, and we woke in the middle of the night to the local resident (a bear) tipping and subsequently going through her cooler."
Fire restrictions vary: Regulations change seasonally and by location. At Stone Creek near Idyllwild, one camper reported, "It got really cold at night, about 10 degrees colder that Idyllwild Town limits. And there was a no open flame aloud because of how dry it was—which we did not know until we arrived. Might want to check that out."
Altitude considerations: Mountain campgrounds sit at elevations that can affect comfort. "Due to the proximity to the high mountain peaks and desert, you get a very distinct feel of the Eastern Sierra. Sage brush, junipers, mixed with black oak, cedar trees, and an array of pines make this area quite well shaded, but also grow well due to the heat the area can reach. Don't be surprised by temps reaching as high as 90° in the summer and near freezing in the fall at night," explains a visitor to San Gorgonio.
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some sites offer more for children. At Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, a camper shared, "Lake Perris was a fun and clean place to camp at! We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it. There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes."
Consider group sites: Larger family gatherings need specific spaces. A visitor to Heart Bar Campground stated, "The double sites are a must when going with a group of 10 people. This specific site is very spacious with double of the parking spots (4 cars total), 2 fire pits, and 2 benches."
Shade availability: Protection from sun matters for families. At Yucaipa Regional Park, a reviewer noted, "The newer sites don't have a lot of mature trees, the older sites have a little more wear and tear but also bigger trees. Nice splash zone."
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campsites require adjustments. One visitor to Lake Perris observed, "A lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me. A cool spot but no sewage and WI-FI is kind of inconvenient."
Hookup limitations: Services vary widely between campgrounds. At Banning Stagecoach KOA, an RVer noted, "The electrical connection at my sites were old and almost unusable. The internet was non-existent." However, others had better experiences: "Very clean, dog friendly (with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site."
Access considerations: Road conditions affect larger vehicles. A camper at Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post sites advised, "Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!" Similarly, at Serrano, a reviewer mentioned, "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Banning, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Banning, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 445 campgrounds and RV parks near Banning, CA and 92 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Banning, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Banning, CA is Yucaipa Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Banning, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 92 free dispersed camping spots near Banning, CA.
What parks are near Banning, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Banning, CA that allow camping, notably San Bernardino National Forest and Mojave River Dam.
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