Camping near Cleveland National Forest

Camping near Cleveland National Forest, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes that start right from their campsites. One reviewer from William Heise County Park mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Hemet is a great spot. A visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout."
• Beach Access: For those who want to hit the beach, San Elijo State Beach Campground is right by the ocean. A camper noted, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway… great beach and surfing possibilities for the entire family."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at San Mateo Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
• Privacy: Many campgrounds offer good spacing between sites. A reviewer at Dos Picos County Park mentioned, "This park seemed to attract family groups… it was great to see so many kids around the campground not on their devices!"
• Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground stated, "The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky."

What you should know:

• Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "It can get a little loud on the weekends with drunk party-goers."
• Check-in Times: Many campgrounds have strict check-in times. A visitor at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground advised, "Don't try to get there earlier; they usually won't let you in before check-in."
• Limited Cell Service: Depending on where you camp, cell service can be spotty. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "Verizon is basically a dead zone in that area."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that have amenities for kids. A parent at Lake Hemet Campground said, "Great place for family and kids. Affordable."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of fun activities. A camper at William Heise County Park suggested, "Bring your bikes. There’s also a trailhead to the oasis right in the campground."
• Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, "There’s a mixed recycling bin here as well as a bin for food compost."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at San Clemente State Beach Campground noted, "We camped here no problem in our sprinter van."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "Full hookups are available too."
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area shared, "There was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."

Camping near Cleveland National Forest, California, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!