Camping near Bryn Mawr, California offers locations across diverse elevations ranging from 1,000 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between sites. During summer months, lower elevation campgrounds can reach daytime temperatures of 90-100°F while higher mountain sites remain 15-20 degrees cooler. The area experiences pronounced seasonal changes with oak woodland and chaparral environments at lower elevations and pine forest settings at higher points.
What to do
Mountain biking across from SkyPark Camp RV Resort: Located near Lake Arrowhead, the campground sits directly opposite SkyPark, making it convenient for cycling enthusiasts. "Perfect gateway for your adventures in the area," notes one camper, highlighting the accessibility to mountain biking trails just across the street.
Fishing at Lake Perris State Recreation Area: The lake offers reliable fishing opportunities throughout the year. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," reports a visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground. The campground provides direct lake access for anglers.
Hiking from Yellow Post sites: The free Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post sites provide access to scenic trails with elevation gains. "Listen to great horned owls while taking in the views," mentions one camper about the Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites. The sites connect to multiple hiking routes with varying difficulty levels.
What campers like
Private, spacious campsites at Dogwood: Campers consistently mention the size and privacy of sites. "Dogwood is gorgeous. Beautiful, large, private campsites... even the bad sites are great," writes a visitor to Dogwood. The campground features well-spaced sites with natural barriers between them.
Clean facilities at Yucaipa Regional Park: The maintained grounds and facilities receive high marks from visitors. "This park is beautifully maintained. I'm so happy!" notes a camper at Yucaipa Regional Park. The park offers full hookup RV sites with concrete pads plus tent camping options.
Views from mountain campgrounds: Higher elevation sites provide panoramic vistas of valleys below. "Beautiful clean new, the view is worth the price of admission," writes a visitor about SkyPark Camp RV Resort. These viewpoints offer sunset watching opportunities with visibility stretching for miles on clear days.
What you should know
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Restrictions may differ between campgrounds, with some allowing fires while others enforce bans. "No wood fires but they do offer gas fire pits in the community area," notes a camper at SkyPark Camp RV Resort. Always check current fire regulations before arrival.
Weekend crowds vs. midweek tranquility: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends while offering more solitude midweek. "We went from Sunday through Wednesday and not only was it not crowded but it was nearly empty. Apparently the weekends are quite full," reports a visitor at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.
Wildlife encounters vary by elevation: Higher sites may require bear-resistant food storage, while all areas have small wildlife. "We just had the best weekend even with the 3 bears that decided to come by," mentions a camper at Silverwood Lake, highlighting the importance of proper food storage at mountain sites.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds offer water features specifically designed for children. "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," shares a visitor about their Lake Perris experience.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds provide learning experiences alongside recreation. "There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," notes a Lake Perris camper, describing the educational amenities available.
Playgrounds and dedicated activity areas: Family-focused campgrounds offer structured play spaces. "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer," explains a camper at Rancho Jurupa RV Park. The park includes mini-golf and a splash pad specifically for younger visitors.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven spots requiring preparation. "Large concrete pads that can handle any rig," notes a visitor about Yucaipa Regional Park, while another mentions at Lake Perris that "a lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me."
Hookup variations between campgrounds: Facilities differ significantly across the area's campgrounds. "I'd say come here if you're looking to enjoy outside and not be in your rig much. If you're one that needs WI-FI this isn't the spot for you," advises a Lake Perris camper, noting limited connectivity options.
Access road considerations: Mountain campgrounds often require navigating challenging roads. "The dirt road that leads up to the first spots is a doozy, and very long. When arriving at night, we felt like it would never end," warns a visitor to Thomas Hunting Grounds about the access road conditions for larger vehicles.
