Camping near Bloomington, California offers sites at elevations ranging from 900 to 4,000 feet, creating diverse temperature conditions even within short distances. The region sits at the intersection of coastal and desert climate patterns, resulting in significant day-to-night temperature swings of 30-40 degrees during spring and fall seasons. Most campgrounds maintain water restrictions throughout late summer and early fall due to drought conditions.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Perris: The lake provides multiple recreation options with clear water for swimming, fishing, and boating. "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 where the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," notes a visitor at Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
Hiking trails for all levels: Campgrounds throughout San Bernardino offer trail access for various skill levels. At Dogwood Campground, "Access to the Enchanted loop nature trail is at the back end of the camp and offers some great views," according to one camper. Trails often connect between camping areas, creating opportunities for longer excursions.
Local exploration: The proximity to historic districts provides opportunities for day trips. A camper at Rancho Jurupa Park shared, "We drove over to the Mission Inn (8 min drive) enjoyed lunch. Their is a pedestrian only shopping area with a Saturday farmer's market plus lots of restaurants."
What campers like
Shade coverage and temperature relief: Many campers appreciate tree cover during hot months. One camper at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area noted, "Each campsite here is pretty private and has a lot of shade. Close to the lake but we had to walk down a bit to go swimming."
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance varies significantly by campground but receives frequent mentions in reviews. "The bathrooms are clean with flush toilets, along with soap and water sinks. There are many areas with water stations to fill up your containers," explained a camper at Dogwood Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Water features and playgrounds get high marks from family campers. A visitor to Yucaipa Regional Park shared, "This is your typical regional park Campground. There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer."
What you should know
Noise levels vary dramatically: Some campgrounds struggle with noise control, particularly on weekends. "Noisiest camp site I've ever been to. People yelling until 5am, noisy generators going all day into the night, and chainsaws starting early in the morning," reported one camper at Applewhite Campground.
Space between sites differs by location: Campsite density varies significantly, affecting privacy. A camper at Prado Regional Park observed, "The sites here are pretty nice and far enough apart to have some privacy. With the local dairies are more insects than many campgrounds."
Holiday planning required: Most campgrounds fill completely during summer weekends and holidays. Reservation windows typically open 6 months ahead. "When we were there 3 times and it always ends up being loud. Fellow campers play music loud and it's more of a low class party area then camping," noted one camper about Lake Perris.
Tips for camping with families
Water park options: Several campgrounds feature water play areas for children. "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Spaces are one of the cleanest I seen. Ranger is on constant patrol," reports a camper at Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Wildlife education: Local animal species provide learning opportunities. At Silverwood Lake, one visitor mentioned, "Rangers are eager to answer questions and I learned a bit about the bald eagles in the area from one of them."
Group camping areas: Some parks offer dedicated areas for larger family gatherings. "Took Girl Scouts here for group camping. Rocky and sand. The family camping was fine! Girls used Porta Potties," noted one visitor about Rancho Jurupa Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling. "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," mentioned an RVer at Lake Perris.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. At Bonita Ranch Campground, a visitor noted, "We picked this place because it is close to home so it makes for a quick get away. The staff was really nice and when I hadn't realized the spot I had picked was a little small they moved us to a 'better' one."
Length restrictions: Vehicle size limitations differ significantly between facilities. "The camp was quiet and I was able to take my dog with me," noted a visitor at Dogwood Campground, which can accommodate rigs up to 32 feet long at certain sites but has limited pullthrough availability.
