The mountain camping areas surrounding Calimesa offer both high-elevation pine forests and lower-elevation desert landscapes. With elevations ranging from 2,400 feet in Calimesa to over 6,000 feet at higher campgrounds, temperature differences of 15-20 degrees between locations aren't uncommon. During summer months, campers should prepare for daytime temperatures above 90°F at lower elevations while higher campgrounds maintain more moderate conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 5-7 miles from Calimesa. Yucaipa Regional Park offers three lakes stocked with fish where families can spend the day. As one visitor notes, "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff" (Bryan H. at Yucaipa Regional Park). Fishing licenses required for ages 16+.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: 25 minutes from town. Hanna Flat Campground provides access to numerous biking trails through the forest. "Campsite 49/51 is right by the trail to hike and bike," reports Bryan S. at Hanna Flat Campground. Most trails are intermediate difficulty with some technical sections.
Hiking the San Gorgonio Wilderness: 45-minute drive. San Gorgonio Campground serves as a gateway to numerous wilderness trails. A camper describes, "There's 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" (Kate W. at San Gorgonio Campground). Most trails require wilderness permits for day hikes.
What campers like
Free camping with seclusion: 25 miles east. The yellow post sites at Thomas Hunting Grounds offer dispersed camping without fees. "The campsites are wonderful- fair warning only a few campsites have a fire pit. A fire pit is a must in the winter - chilled winds, come prepared. Beautiful hiking trails and wildlife," advises Katie S. from Thomas Hunting Grounds. High-clearance vehicles recommended.
Family-friendly amenities: 10 minutes from Calimesa. Yucaipa Regional Park combines camping with recreational facilities. "Park is small, very family friendly, clean and well managed. Lots of places to walk/hike, large sites," shares Christine. Summer water park access costs $5-10 additional per person depending on age.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: 30 miles east. Heart Bar Campground borders a meadow where wildlife regularly grazes. "The campground is away from town enough to feel secluded. There are spigots throughout the area with trash and recycling bins. Bathrooms are clean, they provide toilet paper, and also has air fresheners inside," notes Chrystal M. at Heart Bar Campground. Best wildlife viewing occurs at dawn and dusk.
What you should know
Water access varies between campgrounds. While Yucaipa Regional Park offers full hookups, Lake Perris State Recreation Area has limited facilities. "I'd say come here if you're looking to enjoy outside and not be in your rig much. If your one that needs WI-FI this isn't the spot for you. Your phones hot spot may not even work," warns Troy A. at Lake Perris.
Road conditions to remote sites require preparation. Thomas Hunting Grounds yellow post sites require appropriate vehicles. "Need high clearance or 4wd vehicle for a rough road but once you get to the top, the sites are great!" explains Steve. The final 3-5 miles to remote sites can take 30+ minutes to navigate.
Reservation systems differ between locations. Most San Bernardino National Forest campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations are needed. My Family and I have been coming here for over a decade every year," explains Jennifer D. about San Gorgonio Campground. Some campgrounds hold first-come, first-served sites, but these fill by Friday morning on most summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: 20-minute drive. Lake Perris offers swimming and boating activities perfect 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. There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," reports Lauren R.
Choose campgrounds with dedicated child activities. Several locations near Calimesa feature special recreational options. "We're usually full-time boondockers, and this was the first time we've paid for an RV park, so we don't have a lot to compare it to. But overall it's been a pleasant stay. Lots of shade, a pond, and reasonable rates," notes Jason O. at Yucaipa Regional Park. The splash pad operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11am-6pm.
Consider noise levels when selecting sites. Some campgrounds experience more ambient noise than others. "The first two things I noticed with this camp were 1) lots of over flow parking near the entrance of the camp, and 2) showers. That being said, this makes the camp ground a great place for those not so attune to roughing it while searching for a good outdoor experience," explains Nick L. about Barton Flats.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: 15-60 miles from Calimesa. The area offers various levels of RV amenities. "Very clean, dog friendly (with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site," says Kelly N. about Banning Stagecoach KOA, located 15 miles east of Calimesa.
Site leveling challenges at several campgrounds. Many mountain sites require leveling equipment. "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," reports Troy A. about Lake Perris State Recreation Area. Most RV sites accommodate vehicles up to 32 feet, though some can handle larger rigs.
Water conservation measures affect amenities. Shower facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Great campground. The host was friendly and very helpful. There is clean water, clean restrooms and showers. The showers go hot and cold in a second but this is a water conservation area so no big deal and they are free," explains Steve R. about San Gorgonio Campground. Most campgrounds with showers impose 5-minute limits per person.
