Camping opportunities near Calimesa, California range from lakeside sites to mountain retreats, with elevations spanning from 2,500 to over 5,000 feet across the region. The area experiences mild winters in the valley locations and occasional snow at higher elevations during winter months. The San Bernardino National Forest provides a backdrop for many camping destinations within an hour's drive of Calimesa.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Lake Hemet Campground stocks its waters regularly for anglers. According to one camper, "We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" Fisherman's Retreat also offers dedicated fishing areas with a visitor noting, "There are 3 lakes that are stocked weekly or bi-weekly. It's fun to watch the ducks & the pelicans flying around and landing & swimming on the water."
Biking on designated trails: Lake Skinner Recreation Area provides family-friendly cycling paths throughout the property. "Great place to camp with the family. We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly," reports a visitor. Many trails are relatively flat, making them suitable for younger riders.
Splash pads for hot days: When temperatures climb, Lake Skinner offers water recreation alternatives. "They have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost! There are lots of walking trails," reports a reviewer. This amenity provides water entertainment when swimming in the reservoir isn't permitted.
What campers like
Private sites with nature access: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites offers dispersed camping with distance between neighbors. "There are only 9 sites stretched across 5 miles so you will have no neighbors. Each site is decent size and tucked away into the rocks," notes a camper. This provides a quieter alternative to more developed campgrounds.
Year-round availability: Cherry Valley Lakes maintains open camping throughout all seasons. The campground features "bathrooms, showers, a laundry facility, a heated pool and spa, a playground, two catch and release fishing ponds (no license required, but only barbless hooks are allowed), and a youth center," reports a visitor. This makes it viable for glamping close to Calimesa, California even during winter months.
Accessible amenities: Serrano Campground combines natural settings with practical facilities. A visitor explains, "Clean flush toilets, clean restrooms, well stocked. Didn't use the showers. Good location. Close to Big Bear Lake. Not much road noise for being located between two roads. Access to Cougar Crest Trail is super easy and safely cross under the road via tunnel."
What you should know
Membership requirements: Some local campgrounds operate on membership models. At Fisherman's Retreat, "Fisherman's is a nice, quiet getaway if you are a member. The members lake & camping spots are nice & quiet. Great place to relax & fish. Get a spot up against the lake. The non-members lakes & camping spots can be a little ghetto."
Highway noise considerations: Several campgrounds sit near major roadways. Cherry Valley Lakes has reviewers noting, "It's a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to the first few days." When selecting glamping near Calimesa, check site maps to determine proximity to highways.
Fire restrictions vary: Fire policies fluctuate based on season and location. At Keller Peak, a camper notes, "There are fire rings but fires are not always permitted so be sure to check with the station just at the bottom of Keller Peak road." Always verify current fire regulations before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shaded sites: North Shore Campground provides tree coverage for summer comfort. "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land," mentions a visitor. This natural shade helps maintain reasonable temperatures during hot summer days.
Water features for recreation: Lake Hemet offers dedicated water play areas. "The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! Every site has a picnic table and fire ring," reports an enthusiastic visitor, making this an appealing option for glamping with children close to Calimesa.
Easy access bathroom facilities: Consider site proximity to restrooms when camping with children. At Serrano, one camper warns, "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. Not horrible but at night when it's PITCH black it can be a bit scary!"
Tips from RVers
Electrical system limitations: Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort requires planning for power needs. "They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working. This park is first come/first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site," explains an experienced RVer. Call ahead to confirm appropriate hookups for your specific rig requirements.
Weather preparation for winter camping: Temperature swings affect equipment even in southern California. At Serrano Campground, "Our sewer outlet was frozen in the morning, so we had to dump when we got out of the mountains. Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night."
