Camping sites near Colton, California lie at elevations between 800-1,500 feet in San Bernardino County's inland region, providing options during the extended Southern California camping season. The area sits between the San Bernardino Mountains and the inland valleys, creating varied terrain with oak woodlands, riparian zones, and mountain access points. Temperatures vary significantly between summer (90-100°F days) and winter months when higher elevation sites may experience snow.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access the popular Enchanted Loop nature trail at Dogwood Campground where hiking trails start directly from the campground. "Access to the Enchanted loop nature trail is at the back end of the camp and offers some great views," notes one camper.
Water activities for cooling off: During hot summer months, the splash pad at Rancho Jurupa RV Park provides relief. A visitor shares: "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities. Nice staff!" Several campgrounds have lakes suitable for kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Mountain biking access: The campground at Skypark Camp RV Resort is positioned directly across from mountain bike trails. A camper explains: "Perfect gateway for your adventures in the area" and another notes it's "conveniently located next to Santa's Village" with bike trails.
Disc golf courses: Regional parks often include disc golf areas alongside camping facilities. Prado Regional Park maintains a popular disc golf course accessible from campsites. "There is frisbee golf and many activities. Lots of space and very gorgeous," reports one reviewer.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area earns praise for maintenance. "The bathroom facilities were immaculate," shares one camper. Another notes, "Clean restrooms. The camp was quiet and I was able to take my dog with me."
Security features: Gated campgrounds with regular patrols provide peace of mind. One visitor to Rancho Jurupa mentioned: "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes... Ranger is on constant patrol."
Spacious campsites: Yucaipa Regional Park offers well-separated sites with ample room. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig," explains a camper. Another adds that sites are "nice tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors."
Proximity to stores: Most campgrounds in the region offer convenience to supplies. "Stores are close. Sites well maintained," shares a camper about Dogwood. Another visitor noted: "Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away" when describing North Shore Campground.
What you should know
Weekend crowding: Book well ahead for prime dates. A visitor to Lake Perris State Recreational Area advises: "We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it," though others caution it can get crowded.
Seasonal considerations: Higher elevation sites like Dogwood and Skypark offer relief from summer heat but may close during winter snow. Lower elevation sites can reach 100°F in summer.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "We were initially in a spot that was virtually unable to accommodate our 24' trailer but luckily someone had canceled and we moved to a better location," reports one Skypark camper.
Water restrictions: Check for any temporary water use restrictions. One visitor to Lake Perris mentioned: "No sewage and WI-FI is kind of inconvenient." Water access changes seasonally at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Families appreciate the water attractions at Rancho Jurupa. "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities," notes one visitor. Another mentions: "Nice park. It may not seem nice when you are passing through town to get in, but once you enter the gates it's beautiful."
Protected camping areas: Families prefer sites with controlled access. A visitor to Bonita Ranch Campground shares: "Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs. At Lake Perris, a visitor highlights: "There is a cool museum where the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes."
Playgrounds and activity areas: Yucaipa Regional Park combines camping with recreation options. "This park is small, very family friendly, clean and well managed. Lots of places to walk/hike, large sites," explains a camper.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Not all sites offer complete utilities. A Dogwood camper explains: "They have electric and water hook up for RVs in a few sites that are reservable. The majority of the sites are primitive."
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. A Lake Perris visitor notes: "A lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me."
Big rig limitations: Skypark Camp presents challenges for larger RVs. "Views are incredible although to squeeze in some sites they made the access roads a bit small. I would skip if I were a big rig, or call and ask for sites that are easy to get into," advises one camper.
