Best Campgrounds near Fontana, CA

Several good camping options sit within driving distance of Fontana, California. Lake Hemet Campground draws families with its water views and kid-friendly setup. If you head to Joshua Tree National Park, Black Rock Campground puts you in the desert with night skies worth staying up for and trails starting right from camp. Those wanting ocean air can try Crystal Cove State Park, where you can camp near beaches and coastal trails. Spring and fall bring the best weather to camp around Fontana - summer gets hot, especially at Joshua Tree, while winter might bring rain to coastal spots. You'll likely see birds throughout the area, maybe deer, and sometimes coyotes wandering through, so keep your food locked up. Hiking, fishing, and lookout points are all close by. Many campers like using Fontana as their starting point since it's not far from Los Angeles but gets you to mountains, desert, or coast pretty quickly. Always check if campgrounds are open before you go, especially during off-seasons. The camping style varies a lot - Lake Hemet has hookups for RVs, while Black Rock keeps things more basic. This gives you choices based on how comfortable you want to be.

Best Camping Sites Near Fontana, California (318)

    1. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "Our site was at the edge of a loop, so just wilderness to explore behind us!

    Restrooms close"

    2. Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Riverside, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2281

    $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."

    4. Bonelli Bluffs

    37 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

    "The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"

    5. Bonita Ranch Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 887-3643

    $30 - $36 / 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"

    6. Prado Regional Park

    21 Reviews
    Chino, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +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 ."

    7. Manker Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "Close by Hobit trails clear and inviting trails .rivers and in the winter snow....lots of campsites.... seen deer..rabbits and a multitude of squirrels. ..."

    "Top of mt Baldy road.. almost as far as you can drive. Not many sites, about 20. One giant loop. No reservations needed."

    8. Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    11 miles
    +1 (909) 382-2716

    $15 - $20 / night

    "I had a positive impression of this small campground, located just 5-7 miles away from the 215 highway, amidst natural surroundings."

    "In the busy season, you’d be no more than 12-16 feet away from your neighbors.

    However, my dog and I had a lovely stay. Neighbors were very few, quiet, and the restrooms were more than adequate."

    9. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    34 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    23 miles

    $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."

    10. Mountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 887-7038

    $150 - $375 / night

    "they have several different kinds of cabins Little ones and then really big ones just suit your family size they have full hookups you can also purchase cable TV if you wish you can park right on the lake"

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Showing results 1-10 of 318 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fontana, CA

1567 Reviews of 318 Fontana Campgrounds



Guide to Fontana

Camping near Fontana, California, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beachside spots to serene mountain retreats, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. Campers appreciate the "good access to walking and biking trails," making it easy to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Fishing: At Lake Hemet Campground, fishing is a popular activity. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."
  • Beach Access: San Clemente State Beach Campground is just a short walk from the beach. A reviewer noted, "The walk to the beach was close, seemed maybe about 10 minutes till we reached the beach from our site."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "There's not a lot of campground etiquette either," which can lead to disturbances.
  • Limited Amenities: At Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park, amenities like electric hookups are not available. A reviewer noted, "No electric hookups," so be prepared if you rely on them.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds, like Doheny State Beach Campground, can get packed. One visitor said, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Hemet Campground, which is described as "great for family and kids" by a camper who enjoyed the spaciousness and amenities.
  • Bring Your Own Shade: At San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, one reviewer suggested, "Bring your own shade for this campsite," which can be helpful during hot days.
  • Plan for Activities: Campers at Bonelli Bluffs enjoyed the beautiful views and activities nearby. One family mentioned, "The park is clean and well maintained," making it a good choice for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park recommend checking site sizes before booking. One camper noted, "The roads in are narrow and absolutely terrible," which can be a challenge for larger rigs.
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: At Lake Hemet Campground, RVers found that "you may want some blocks to help get you level," especially if the sites are uneven.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Campers at Serrano mentioned that while the campground is beautiful, "cell service was very good," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Camping in Fontana, CA, and the surrounding areas offers a mix of experiences, from beach fun to mountain adventures. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's plenty to explore and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fontana, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fontana, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 318 campgrounds and RV parks near Fontana, CA and 18 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fontana, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fontana, CA is Dogwood with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fontana, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Fontana, CA.

What parks are near Fontana, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Fontana, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.