Best Campgrounds near Colton, CA
The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Colton. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Colton. Discover great camping spots near Colton, reviewed by campers like you.
Best Camping Sites Near Colton, California (363)
1. Dogwood
33 ReviewsRimforest, CA14 milesWebsite+1 (909) 336-6717$40 - $81 / night
"The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."
"The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."
2. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
38 ReviewsMoreno Valley, CA15 miles$25 - $300 / night
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
"Paved full hookup sites right next to each other but quiet neighbors. Campground is just 5minutes from busy town."
3. Rancho Jurupa RV Park
17 ReviewsRiverside, CA7 milesWebsite+1 (951) 684-7032$40 - $55 / night
"The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."
"Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping."
4. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
25 ReviewsCedarpines Park, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (760) 389-2281$45 - $350 / night
"Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""
"ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."
5. Yucaipa Regional Park
20 ReviewsYucaipa, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (909) 790-3127"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
6. Skypark Camp RV Resort
11 ReviewsSkyforest, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (909) 744-9927$50 - $100 / night
"Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food. "
"Views are worth it and this is so conveniently located next to Santa's Village.
Will definitely be coming back again sooner than later!"
7. Bonita Ranch Campground
12 ReviewsLytle Creek, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (909) 887-3643$35 - $45 / night
"Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers. I stayed in my van and had my cat and dog with me."
"It's definitely not that far away from the city roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment awesome staff very home like feel you're literally a box throw away from the creek if"
8. Mission RV Park
5 ReviewsBryn Mawr, CA5 milesWebsite+1 (909) 796-7570"Although the park doesn't offer much of entertainment and don't remember seeing a pool (can get pretty hot) I was able to enjoy all the shopping stores and restaurants near by."
9. Prado Regional Park
21 ReviewsChino, CA20 milesWebsite+1 (909) 597-4260$47 - $120 / night
"I grew up around in the area so I have been to this park quite a few times for a few different reasons. It is a very expansive and versatile area."
"It's a nice park great for long walks and trail riding on bikes great for the dog 🐕 also a bit windy so you need to keep a eye on your awning, great cell service with at&t ."
10. North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor
14 ReviewsCedar Glen, CA17 milesWebsite+1 (909) 866-8550$29 - $58 / night
"Spaces are pretty close together and small, but we got lucky and didn’t have anyone around us (likely due to bad air quality). If you kayak this is a great place to camp, it’s right next to the lake."
"Lake arrowhead isn't a public lake so it's a bit of a drive to do any water activities, but there was a close offroad trail."
Recent Camping Photos near Colton, CA
683 Photos of 363 Colton Campgrounds
Kaja D.
Riverside's Piece of Paradise
Troy L.
Dogwood
Walter K.
Skypark Camp RV Resort
Sook C.
Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Bradley W.
Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area
Mary F.
Yucaipa Regional Park
Andi W.
Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Janae P.
North Shore Campground - Lake Almanor
Mike M.
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campground
Lynn C.
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
OldskoolEG6 X.
Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
Manny D.
San Bernardino National Forest Crab Flats Campground
Recent Reviews near Colton, CA
1719 Reviews of 363 Colton Campgrounds
- C
Chuck B.
Scoutserrano camp grounds
Great place
I stayed for one night Wednesday just to try the showers. The showers were perfect! Hot water even! So clean and beautiful. Recommend!
- BBruce R.Scout
Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites
Stunning but Safety Concerns
I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot.
Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care.
My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals. I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet.
It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.
Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel
Cons - Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark
I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.
- AAndres V.
TravelerEast Flats
Nice Peaceful Area
Wasn’t hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan. Couldn’t find too much to do but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to relax it’s a nice spot.
Nickchris G.ScoutHorsemen's Center
Horseman's center!
Beautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.
DeWayne G.TravelerMarch Air Reserve Base
Nice spot on March ARB
Nice and clean with hookups
JulieTravelerBogart County Park
Bogart Regional park
It was okay for a last minute camping idea.
- JulieTraveler
Bogart County Park
Yucaipa Regional park
Great customer service, easy access, restrooms, fishing, swimming and paddle boats.
Wayne S.TravelerApplewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest
Nice little park
Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.
ROCKSTAR C.TravelerHare School Park
It’s the sports fields parking lot
I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.
Guide to Colton
Camping near Colton, California, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, provide access to scenic trails. One reviewer mentioned, "Good access to walking and biking trails," making it a great spot for outdoor activities.
- Beach Access: If you love the ocean, San Clemente State Beach Campground is just a short walk from the beach. A visitor noted, "The walk to the beach was close, seemed maybe about 10 minutes."
- Fishing: For those who enjoy fishing, Lake Hemet Campground is known for its stocked lake. One camper shared, "The fishing is good, most of the time."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park stated, "Bathrooms are extremely clean," which is a big plus for many.
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Dogwood Campground mentioned, "Our camp site was very spacious," making it comfortable for families and groups.
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Serrano said, "The staff were friendly and helpful," which can enhance the camping experience.
What you should know:
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground noted, "Multiple other campers had music blasting and were yelling and screaming."
- Crowded Sites: Popular campgrounds can feel packed. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for California Lake Hemet pointed out, "Toilets and shower were not very nice," so be prepared for basic facilities.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, where one camper noted, "Lots of room for a couple of vehicles and tents."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A family at Lake Hemet Campground enjoyed the swimming zone, which is just a short walk from the campsite.
- Bring Your Own Shade: Some sites may not have enough natural shade. A camper at California Lake Hemet suggested, "Bring your own shade for this campsite."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park advised, "The roads in are narrow and absolutely terrible," so be cautious when backing in.
- Bring Blocks for Leveling: Some sites may not be level. A camper at California Serrano mentioned, "If you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
- Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park noted, "Wi-Fi works fair," so plan accordingly.
With these insights, you can make the most of your camping experience near Colton, CA. Whether you're looking for the best camping near Colton or just a weekend getaway, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Colton, CA?
What camping is available near Colton, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Colton, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 363 campgrounds and RV parks near Colton, CA and 26 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Colton, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Colton, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Colton, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Colton, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Colton, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Colton, CA.
What parks are near Colton, CA?
What parks are near Colton, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Colton, CA that allow camping, notably Mojave River Dam and San Bernardino National Forest.
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