Andrew E.
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TravelerThousand Trails Palm Springs
Staff and facility are great.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Banning, CA
19 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Banning Stagecoach KOA's dog park provides a spacious and clean area for pets to exercise, complementing the site's pet-friendly accommodations for both tent and RV campers. The campground maintains clean facilities with each site featuring picnic tables and grills. Dogs are welcome throughout the property with standard leash requirements when outside designated pet areas. The dog amenities receive positive feedback from visitors, with many noting the park is an ideal spot for pet owners seeking overnight accommodations. Several nearby options also welcome pets, including San Gorgonio Campground and Heart Bar Campground, both offering rustic camping experiences where dogs can join their owners.
Trails surrounding the Banning area campgrounds accommodate hikers with dogs, though leashes are required on most public paths. The bathrooms at Banning Stagecoach KOA include shower facilities, though some reviews mention occasional maintenance issues. The campground's location provides easy access to Interstate 10, making it convenient for travelers passing through with pets, though road noise can be noticeable at night. Summer temperatures in the area frequently exceed 90°F, requiring extra consideration for pet hydration and heat protection. Most sites have shade trees to help moderate temperatures. Cherry Valley Lakes, located a short drive away, offers additional pet-friendly camping with two catch-and-release fishing ponds where dogs on leash can accompany their owners along the shoreline.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Banning (274)
1. Yucaipa Regional Park
"The green spaces are full of stickers and mostly unusable for things like walking dogs, kids playing. I was charged junk fees. $7 to make the reservation myself online and then $1 per pet, per night."
"There’s no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids. Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around."
2. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
"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! "
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $300 / night
3. Banning Stagecoach KOA
"Very clean, dog friendly ( with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site"
"The dog park was honestly amazing, I loved it & then dogs loved it."
4. San Gorgonio Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $34 - $69 / night
5. Heart Bar Campground
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $29 - $58 / night
6. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"Lake Fulmor is 3 miles away to take pups swimming off leash. Idyllwild is a charming town for small town vibe. Nice trails close to PCT and rock climbing by Humber Park."
"Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $25 - $45 / night
7. Barton Flats Family Campground
"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. "
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $73 / night
8. Serrano
"Big Bear Lake near by, lake level appears to be receding. Bears and coyotes in the area, recommended not to let small dogs or cats roam unattended."
"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."
1 Site AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $44 - $91 / night
9. Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"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..."
"My sister, her 3 kids, and 2 dogs jumped into the car and headed out towards Idyllwild, CA."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $35 / night
10. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 39 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 54 min from San Diego, CA
- 2 hrs 8 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 26 min from Oxnard, CA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Banning, CA
224 Photos of 274 Banning Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Bogart County Park
Country Hills RV Park ResortR
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Yucaipa Regional Parkc
Limber Pine Bench Campground
East FlatsS
Barton Flats Family Campground
Barton Flats Campground
San Gorgonio Campground
Coon Creek Yellow Post Sitesw
Heart Bar Campground
Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Banning, CA
2043 Reviews of 274 Banning Campgrounds
WillTravelerRim of the World Byway (near 15 fwy south) Dispersed
You’ll hear the freeway but who cares. It’s a super easy place to pull off at and there’s a McDonalds and gas station right down the street to fill up at.
- ccarol R.
ScoutTwentynine Palms Resort
upscale Rv resort with pool, hot tub, sauna, laundry, game room.
Sleep with O.ScoutRolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
Just what I was looking for
- TTanya T.Scout
Mountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
Matthew E.ScoutBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
A Good Campground During the Week
I discovered this campground in Joshua Tree when the campground I had grown used to staying at (Ryan) went reserved only. Belle is on a first come, first serve basis, so there's no reservations involved. Roughly east of the campground is a trail that leads to the next one down, White Tank, which is popular because of the natural arch that can be found a short distance from the campsites. Belle itself has 18 campsites which are mostly empty during the week. Weekends are busy though as campers are usually jockeying for a site starting on Thursday nights. All in all, a beautiful place that offers splendid views and clear, crisp nights. Campers beware as it can get very windy at times. Vault toilets and campfire rings, but no accessible water.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
- EEric P.
LegendBelle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree. We thoroughly enjoyed this first come first serve campground. The awesome walks into the park and desert landscape make this a place we will definitely return to. Beautiful night sky and stars . The Granite boulders are beautiful!
Guide to Banning
Camping opportunities near Banning, California range from high-altitude forest sites to desert-adjacent locations, with elevations varying from 2,300 to over 8,000 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs regularly reaching triple digits in lower elevations while mountain campsites remain 15-20 degrees cooler. This diverse topography creates distinct camping zones with different vegetation, wildlife viewing opportunities, and recreation options throughout the San Bernardino National Forest.
What to do
Mountain biking access: 3 miles from Heart Bar Campground. The alpine bike path near the campground provides excellent riding opportunities without needing to drive elsewhere. "Lots of hiking and mountain biking in area. Great views," notes one visitor to Heart Bar Campground.
Fishing at Jenks Lake: 10-minute drive from Barton Flats. This small mountain lake offers trout, bass and panfish options for anglers staying nearby. "Jenks lake is just up the road. You can catch trout, bass and small little blue Gil and crappie," reports a camper from Barton Flats Family Campground.
San Gorgonio Mountain hiking: Multiple trailheads accessible. The area's highest peak offers challenging but rewarding day hikes and backpacking options. One hiker notes, "I love this campground because it is so close to San G mountain trail! We stayed here before and after hiking that enormous mountain and love the area," when describing San Gorgonio Campground.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Available at multiple sites. Even forest service campgrounds maintain good standards for comfort. "The bathrooms are flush toilets and really clean for a camp site. Also there is usually toilet paper but if you catch it at a busy time in the evening you might want to bring your own just in case," explains a visitor to San Gorgonio Campground.
Private, spacious campsites: Particularly at upper elevation campgrounds. Many sites offer substantial distance between neighbors. A camper at Stone Creek Campground reports, "This particular site extends back over a ridge and downhill. It was so private back there we strung up our camp shower next to a giant boulder for a shower without feeling like we needed to set up a privacy shade/curtain."
Pet-friendly atmosphere: Throughout the region. Most campgrounds welcome dogs with standard leash rules on trails. "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," notes a camper at Serrano who brought their pet along.
What you should know
Significant elevation changes: Affects temperature and breathing. The mountain campgrounds sit thousands of feet higher than Banning itself. "We went in January and were definitely a bit unprepared for the cold but we made it work and it was so beautiful, well maintained, and we loved all the trails near by," explains a winter visitor to Idyllwild Campground.
Fire restrictions: Check current status before arrival. Seasonal bans can impact camping plans, especially during dry periods. "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... I reserved 1 1/2 months out so when I arrived the ban was in effect," warns a Stone Creek camper.
Limited cell service: Varies by location and carrier. Some campgrounds have surprisingly good connectivity while others are completely offline. "We had full phone/wifi service here. We didn't want or need it, but if we were working from the road this would be an easy stop to set up," notes a Stone Creek Campground visitor about the unexpected coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activity options: Lakes provide multiple recreation choices. Water features keep children engaged during hot summer days. "This is a great campsite for a weekend getaway with the family. The camp amenities are nice; clean bathrooms and showers on site. This is also a closer drive from the IE valley," recommends a Barton Flats visitor.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds have road proximity issues. Traffic sounds can disrupt sleep for light sleepers, especially children. A camper at Yucaipa Regional Park observes, "it's a lot of fun for the whole family, a fun place to be if you live local, a good place to go if you like to be around other people."
Book sites away from common areas: Prevents through-traffic disturbances. Bathrooms and water spigots create steady foot traffic. One Stone Creek camper advised, "We stayed in Campsite #43 which was close to the bathroom. But it also meant everyone was cutting through our site to get to it; even in the middle of the night. Next time we will choose a spot further from the restrooms."
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling before setup: Mountain campgrounds often have uneven terrain. Many campsites require significant leveling blocks. "Your phones hot spot may not even work. One thing I can say is the community bathrooms were clean and the parking spaces were large. A lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me," notes a visitor to Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
Verify hookup condition and availability: Older campgrounds may have aging utilities. Electrical connections particularly can be problematic. "The electrical connection at my sites were old and almost unusable. The internet was non-existent," warns an RVer about an overnight stay.
Measure distances to bathrooms if not self-contained: Some loops have long walks. Not all RV sites have convenient bathroom access. "Only thing I wish is that the bathrooms were closer to the hookup spots. I know most RVs have bathrooms but most pop ups don't and from space 58 to the nearest bathroom is a 1/4 mile walk," advises a Serrano camper about pet-friendly camping near Banning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Banning, CA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Banning, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Banning, CA is Yucaipa Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Banning, CA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Banning, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 274 dog-friendly camping locations near Banning, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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