Campgrounds near Colton, California range from mountain retreats to lakeside destinations across San Bernardino County. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200-7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations throughout the year. Summer daytime temperatures often reach 100°F in lower elevations while mountain campgrounds remain 15-20 degrees cooler. Winter camping typically requires cold-weather gear as nighttime temperatures drop below freezing in higher elevations from November through March.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Bonita Ranch Campground, campers can access trails leading to Bonita Falls. "It's definitely not that far away from the city roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment... The falls are located fairly close unfortunately people suck and have managed to turn it into a tagging area but if you can see past that it's quite enjoyable," notes one visitor. The waterfall trail involves moderate difficulty with some rocky terrain.
Mountain biking: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites connects to numerous biking trails. "I really dig these spots because they are well spaced out. It's right around the corner from my cabin so it's a great spot to get outside for the weekend without an epic drive," reports one camper. The area features both technical and beginner-friendly routes through pine forest terrain.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access, with varying catch rates by season. A visitor to Lake Elsinore noted: "My family loves this place we were here before the remodeling and we are still faithful returners every year for the past 20 + years we absolutely love it here." Bass and catfish are common catches in area lakes, with fishing licenses required for ages 16+.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Skypark Camp RV Resort provides well-designed spaces. According to one visitor, "We had an amazing view and lucked out for plenty of privacy (our section was just us all weekend)." Sites include concrete pads with enough room for slide-outs and outdoor seating.
Convenient bathrooms: Several campgrounds feature individual bathroom units. "Bathrooms are incredibly clean and a combo of a toilet and shower to a room. So, no randos," notes a Skypark camper. This setup offers greater privacy than traditional campground bathhouses.
Proximity to attractions: The location of several rv parks near Colton, California appeals to many campers. "We used the campground as a base camp to spend time in LA and San Diego as well as a day in Joshua Tree National Park. 1-2 hours from everything," writes one visitor to Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park. Most camping areas provide access to regional attractions within a 30-90 minute drive.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Mountain campgrounds often have limited winter accessibility. "Weather is definitely colder than in the valley, got snow overnight in mid May," reports a Keller Peak visitor. Always check road conditions before heading to higher elevation campsites during winter months.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, particularly on weekends. "Get there earlier to find a spot, people seem to stay for awhile," advises one camper about yellow post sites. For established rv parks around Colton, California, reservations are recommended 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends.
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary significantly by location and season. "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," notes a camper. Always verify current fire rules before your trip, as violations can result in significant fines.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Rancho Jurupa RV Park offers numerous activities for children. "Took Girl Scouts here for group camping... However, there are some great kid friendly activities," one reviewer mentions. The park includes playgrounds, splash pads, and miniature golf at reasonable rates.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds provide enhanced security measures. A Rancho Jurupa visitor notes, "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes... Ranger is on constant patrol." Gated campgrounds typically close access between 10PM-6AM, requiring entry codes after hours.
Family-specific sites: Select areas cater specifically to groups with children. "Great park for family camping," writes a Launch Pointe visitor about their experience. The campground features "lots of activities for the kids to do, like smores by the fire, art, splash pad, and play ground."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require significant leveling adjustments. At Holloway's Marina & RV Park, "The sites are very small and close and I don't know how some of the larger coaches got into their spaces." Pack extra leveling blocks and stabilizers for uneven terrain.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs rather than general availability. "The sites were all uneven. Every camper we saw had to do major leveling efforts," notes a Launch Pointe visitor. When making reservations, request information about site dimensions, shade coverage, and proximity to bathrooms.
Internet reliability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. One digital nomad family reported: "Internet was great but it had bandwidth restraints that would turn your internet off after very small amounts of data used. There was no option to upgrade so you had to use your own hotspots." Bring alternative connectivity options when staying at RV parks around Colton where reliable internet is essential.
