Jenny L.
Scout
ScoutEast Flats
Lovely place near Big Bear
Peaceful,beautiful place to stay. Got to camp @1130 pm. I had no trouble finding a spot. No fires.
Camping near Cleveland National Forest
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Cleveland National Forest in Southern California hosts several campgrounds with varying facilities and landscapes. Temecula-Vail Lake KOA stands as one of the more developed options, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Other established campgrounds in the region include Dripping Springs, Oak Grove, and Observatory Campground, providing options for both tent and RV camping with different levels of amenities. The area encompasses a mix of desert and mountain terrain characteristic of Southern California's inland region, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 feet across the various camping areas.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact the camping experience throughout Cleveland National Forest. Observatory Campground operates seasonally from April through November, while many other campgrounds remain open year-round. Water availability varies by location, with some campgrounds like Dripping Springs offering drinking water but no hookups. Temperatures can range dramatically between seasons, with summer bringing heat to lower elevations while higher sites remain cooler. Campground roads and access points may require careful navigation, particularly after rain events. A visitor noted, "Dripping Springs Campground is a good location to get out of Temecula for a quiet night. There is hiking and horse trails, but no other draw."
Campers frequently highlight the family-friendly atmosphere of many campgrounds in this region. The Temecula-Vail Lake KOA receives consistent praise for its amenities that cater to families with children, including recreational facilities like swimming pools, mini-golf, and biking trails. Reviews indicate that while some campgrounds have more developed infrastructure, others provide a more rustic experience with fewer amenities but greater solitude. One camper shared that Vail Lake KOA is "a huge park with multiple levels, free mini golf, a restaurant and bar, and mountain biking trails right next to the park." Public lands in the region typically offer fewer amenities but provide more seclusion for those seeking a quieter outdoor experience, though most developed campgrounds maintain toilet facilities at minimum.
Best Camping Sites Near Cleveland National Forest (414)
1. Temecula-Vail Lake KOA
21 ReviewsCleveland National Forest, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (951) 303-0173"Bike trails are right next to the park. Fun trails watch out for rattle snakes. Only downside is the kids racing around in golf carts at night."
"She told me that it had been around for decades under a different name, Buttercup I think. It has an established rotation of regular guests that come for access to wine country."
2. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
27 ReviewsTemecula, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (951) 926-1541$25 - $45 / night
"This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."
"The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake. And you can’t swim or let the kids play in the lake because it’s a reservoir."
3. Dripping Springs Campground
15 ReviewsAguanga, CA0 milesWebsite+1 (760) 788-0250$25 - $50 / night
"One of the water faucets with potable water was on the outskirts of our space, not at all bothersome. The toilets and dumpster were conveniently close, but not too close to be noticed."
"It's close proximity to Temecula makes it easy to get to. Also, because it is small there were no issues with noise or traffic."
4. Palomar Mountain State Park Campground
16 ReviewsPalomar Mountain, CA9 milesWebsite+1 (760) 742-3462$40 - $130 / night
"Most of the sites are on slopes, or require walking up/down a series of steps to access."
"We drove up for an impromptu camp trip, it was only about an hour drive. I've never been up to Palomar Mountain although I've lived here for 30 years!"
5. Oak Grove Campground
21 ReviewsAguanga, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (760) 788-0250$15 - $30 / night
"We were there for the full moon last month and even though it rained in the morning as we packed up me and my motorcycle camping friends had a blast sitting around the campfire and enjoying peace and the"
"This campsite is located just a short drive from Temecula, campsites are well cared for, clean bathrooms, and some sites have great California oak tree cover."
6. Observatory Campground
16 ReviewsPalomar Mountain, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (760) 788-0250$20 - $40 / night
"Palomar Mountain Observatory Campground is one of the prettiest spots I've seen to camp close to San Diego in Southern California."
"Very pretty setting in forested valley below the famous telescope (now closed to all visitors - even to walk around outside). 30 or so sites, nice variety, some cater to astronomers, handicapped, doubles"
7. Fry Creek Campground
12 ReviewsPalomar Mountain, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (760) 788-0250$15 / night
"It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise."
"Just south of Palomar Mountain Observatory (a must visit) Fry Creek is a heavily wooded (oak, fir, pine) campground in a narrow valley surrounded by steep forested banks."
8. Pechanga RV Resort
9 ReviewsTemecula, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (951) 587-0484"Very nice facilities, newer, walking distance to casino, pool, world renown golf course, restaurants, sports park facilities… take an Uber to the amazing wineries approx 5 min drive."
"Close to freeway and golf courses. Lots of places to eat close by."
9. La Jolla Indian Campground
20 ReviewsPalomar Mountain, CA14 milesWebsite+1 (760) 742-1297$40 - $120 / night
"You can camp next to it as well and get in! It’s $35 per car they do have military discount. The total of $32 with discount. They also have porta potties every few 500 feet."
"The spot we initially reserved was located on the little river, but once we got there, we realized we were a little too packed in with the rest of the visitors, so we requested to move to a more open spot"
10. Lake Hemet Campground
40 ReviewsMountain Center, CA22 milesWebsite+1 (951) 659-2680$45 / night
"You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."
"I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."
Recent Camping Photos near Cleveland National Forest
621 Photos of 414 Cleveland National Forest Campgrounds
Marcella D.
Temecula-Vail Lake KOA
Jeff R.
Vail Lake RV Resort
Tyler B.
Dripping Springs Campground
Nicole W.
Ranch Life Getaway
Michael K.
Aguanga Property
Marcella B.
Bierbaum Pepper Farm
Michelle C.
Palomar Mountain State Park Campground
Annie G.
Fry Creek Campground
Randall G.
Lake Skinner Recreation Area
MT S.
MT SOMEWHERE
Brittany H.
Observatory Campground
The Dyrt
Baileys on Palomar
Recent Reviews near Cleveland National Forest
2033 Reviews of 414 Cleveland National Forest Campgrounds
Josh S.ScoutPaso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Large Shaded Campsite
Site 52 is great! Two parking spots with a large flat space. You could easily place three tents on the flats and another two tents on the slight incline. There are three trees perfectly set up for hammocks. There is decent shade but still gets sun. Bushes and shrubs create a little gulf to give you great privacy. Site 51 is downhill of the site and the fire pit is a bit close to your neighbors. Bathrooms and camp host are just around the corner. Bathrooms were very clean and water taps and sewer grates were convent for dishwater. Squirrels are confident here so they will only runaway if you are nearby them. We loved this site and would suggest it for big groups or someone looking for a flat campsite!
- TTeresa W.Scout
Thompson Palms Campground
Summer Time Tranquility
While every where else is booked up and charging crazy rates. You can come out and enjoy the sounds of the animals and look at the amazingly big birds flying in the sky.
Hans V.
GuideSouth Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Beautiful cliffs, noisy road
Two long rows of spots, one beautiful ocean facing on top of the cliffs, the other with the back to the quite noisy road. We were exactly in the middle of the stairs to the beach so quite a walk for a swim. We had a large sandy spot. Pretty good and cleaner toilets than most other state parks we visited
Jeff R.
TravelerVail Lake RV Resort
Great KOA
Great camp spots, clean campground with good ammenities.
- GGEORGEScout
Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Beach an bike fun
Plenty of room at the beach an lots of bike riding areas.cold showers are free an nice in the summer,however there are no shower curtains ,be advised this might not be for you or shower after dark,is an option .fyi .nice entry staff,restrooms cleaned daily.
- ZZarinah T.Scout
Oceanside Harbor - Beach Parking 11B
Beautiful but loud
Loved the beach and loved the wildlife and shops. The bathroom got dirty around closing time and people were loud and shooting fireworks late at night….its cool they have water sports and felt safe. However, for camping it was not easy to sleep cars playing loud noise and people fishing and running around…weather was great
Trash M.GuideLake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
A CRAP HOLE
If you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
Rebecca C.TravelerThomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Wow!! The views
This is not for most RVs. It probably wasn't even for mine but I didn't do enough research and just jumped in. That being said, I lost my stairs and took a lot of the paint off. You'd think that I would hate this spot given how much damage I did. I love it. It was amazing. Totally worth the stairs. This place can keep it. The views. Oh my goodness the views. You can enjoy the view, taking an off-road vehicle or hiking. This was just so amazing! It was totally worth the difficult road in and all the damage. Two thumbs up!!
Guide to Cleveland National Forest
Cleveland National Forest camping options span elevations from 1,000 to 6,000 feet across a diverse landscape combining chaparral, oak woodlands, and pine forests. Campgrounds in this region range from basic primitive sites to those with more extensive facilities. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F at lower elevations, while higher sites remain 10-15 degrees cooler and may see snow in winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Oak Grove Campground serves as a convenient base for nearby trails. "This campground is located just a short drive from Temecula, campsites are well cared for, clean bathrooms, and some sites have great California oak tree cover. Highly recommend for testing gear before going somewhere more secluded or for kids still learning the ropes," notes Blaine W. about Oak Grove Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevation campgrounds offer exceptional dark sky viewing. At Observatory Campground, the proximity to Palomar Observatory enhances the experience. "It's a short hike (maybe 1.5 miles) and an even shorter drive to the observatory. They give free tours or you have the option to pay $10 to do a tour inside," explains Mandy.
Wildlife watching: The forest hosts diverse bird species and small mammals. At Fry Creek Campground, one camper shared, "We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more." Early morning and dusk offer the best viewing times across most campgrounds.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Many campers appreciate the relative privacy at certain sites. At Dripping Springs Campground, "Site #8 was large, flat, had nice shade from large trees, but also offered lots of sunshine. It really was one of the biggest and, to me, best sites, compared to others there," according to Jessica M.
Temperature variation: The elevation changes throughout Cleveland National Forest create multiple climate zones. At Palomar Mountain State Park Campground, visitors enjoy moderate temperatures even during summer. "Nice weather not too hot in the summer. Palomar park just a quick drive is closed weekdays. The observatory was unfortunately closed during our visit," one camper noted.
Water features: Several campgrounds offer access to seasonal creeks or small ponds. According to Ben S., Dripping Springs Campground has "a great little stream running through the edge of the campground that is perfect for little kids to be able to play in." Water levels are typically highest in spring and early summer.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campground availability changes throughout the year. One camper at Observatory Campground warned, "Choose time of year carefully, and campsite. We had never been and ended up in full sun which made the experience a HOT and buggy. Some sites were much better, 34,35 especially."
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "This campground has semi-private sites which are nice, but they are overrun with ants. It's the most I've seen at any campground," notes Amy G. about Lake Skinner Recreation Area.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. For Observatory Campground, one reviewer advised, "I booked this site 2 months in advance, which to me would mean my choice of sites. Not the case at all. Summer camping is very different than winter camping."
Insect preparation: Several campgrounds report significant insect activity. A Fry Creek camper mentioned, "One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don't think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella."
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads and playgrounds: Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers child-friendly water features. "We love this campground. It's local to us but a great place to getaway with family. It's family friendly, great flat biking for kids, large dirt area used for parking during the Balloon and Wine festival that kids can play on and ride bikes in. Splash pad open during the summer which is great for kids and adults alike," shares Erin & Travis M.
Beginner-friendly sites: Some campgrounds are particularly suitable for introducing children to camping. Geoffrey R. notes that Temecula-Vail Lake KOA is "great all around campground. If you are new to tent camping this place is great for getting familiar with your gear before you go out and 'rough it'. Bathrooms, showers, swimming pools, activities for the kids, general store, etc."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer proximity to educational attractions. "The campground is beautiful with lots of trees so there is shade. Camping and picnic areas are clean and well kept. The bathrooms are well kept and include flush toilets and showers, but make sure to bring quarters for the showers. There are several trails nearby with a great mix of easy and moderate hikes that are easily accessible and clearly marked. Palomar Observatory is only 5 miles up the road," describes Michelle C.
Tips from RVers
Casino campground options: For RVers seeking full hookups, casino campgrounds offer high-end facilities. "The Pala RV Park is located on the premises of the Pala Casino. The RV park is well maintained and has all the enmities of any RV park; including a pool. Park guests have full access to everything the casino has to offer, including its pool too," explains Berton M. about Pala Casino Spa Resort.
Site access considerations: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. "Many of the campsites require you to park and walk your stuff down a path to get to your spot. So if you carry a lot of items, especially bulky items, this will definitely suck. Choose your spot wisely," advises a camper at Observatory Campground.
Elevation driving challenges: RVers should prepare for winding mountain roads to reach higher elevation campgrounds. When accessing Palomar Mountain campgrounds, drivers encounter numerous switchbacks with significant grade changes, requiring careful navigation for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV camping options available in Cleveland National Forest?
Are there RV camping options available in Cleveland National Forest?
Yes, Cleveland National Forest does accommodate RV camping at select locations. Pechanga RV Resort offers premium facilities for RVers near the forest, featuring newer amenities, access to a casino, pool, golf course, and restaurants. Temecula-Vail Lake KOA provides another RV-friendly option with full hookups, reservable sites, and big-rig-friendly spaces. When camping within the forest boundaries, be aware that many campgrounds have limited facilities for larger rigs and may not offer hookups. It's advisable to check site specifications before arrival as some forest campgrounds have length restrictions and uneven terrain that may not accommodate larger RVs.
Where are the best campgrounds in Cleveland National Forest?
Where are the best campgrounds in Cleveland National Forest?
Cleveland National Forest offers several excellent campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. El Prado Campground stands out with beautiful hiking trails and access to a scenic lake perfect for exploration. El Cariso Campground provides a convenient and affordable option at $15/night with 24 sites nestled in the woods, no reservations required, and basic amenities including water faucets and bathrooms. Other notable options include Observatory Campground near Palomar Mountain and Dripping Springs Campground, both offering unique experiences within the forest. The best campgrounds typically feature a combination of natural beauty, hiking access, and basic facilities while maintaining the serene forest atmosphere.
Are dogs allowed at Cleveland National Forest campgrounds?
Are dogs allowed at Cleveland National Forest campgrounds?
Dogs are generally allowed at Cleveland National Forest campgrounds, but must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times. O'Neill Regional Park near the forest is pet-friendly and offers clean facilities with hiking trails suitable for dogs. Dripping Springs Campground also welcomes pets while camping. Pet owners should always clean up after their dogs and be aware that some trails within the forest may have pet restrictions, particularly in sensitive wildlife areas. During hot weather, be especially cautious with pets as shade can be limited at some sites and ground surfaces can become extremely hot. Always bring plenty of water for your dog and check specific campground regulations before your visit.
Can I find camping near water in Cleveland National Forest?
Can I find camping near water in Cleveland National Forest?
Cleveland National Forest offers several camping options near water features. Green Valley Campground in nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park stands out for its proximity to waterfalls accessible via a short trail from the campsites. Lake Hemet Campground provides lakeside camping with water activities in the vicinity of the forest. El Prado Campground also features access to a beautiful lake worth hiking to. For those willing to venture slightly outside forest boundaries, San Mateo Campground offers proximity to beach access. Water availability can vary seasonally, especially in smaller streams and falls, so checking current conditions before your trip is recommended.
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