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Campgrounds near Hemet, California range from developed facilities to primitive sites across several recreation areas. Lake Hemet Campground and Hurkey Creek Park offer tent, RV, and cabin camping options with lakefront access, fishing, and shaded sites backed by San Jacinto Mountain views. The San Jacinto Mountains provide a backdrop for camping at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet, with most developed campgrounds concentrated along Highway 74 and in the mountain communities surrounding Idyllwild.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations affect camping accessibility in the region. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though higher elevation sites like Stone Creek Campground operate seasonally from mid-May to mid-September. A camper noted, "Due to severe wildfire risk at times this campground will not allow wood fires (only propane). Check website or call to confirm before heading up." Summer temperatures can reach the 90s at lower elevations, while winter brings occasional snow to higher campgrounds. Lake Hemet and surrounding areas experience significant temperature drops at night even during summer months, requiring appropriate gear. Cell service varies throughout the region, with most coverage limited to areas near towns.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Lake Hemet and Hurkey Creek Park. Several visitors highlighted the fishing opportunities and mountain views as key attractions. According to one review, "Hurkey Creek Park is located on the other side of Lake Hemet. Campsites are well shaded in some areas and if you reserve a spot at the back of the park you will have an amazing view of The San Jacinto mountain range." For those seeking more solitude, the Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Sites provide free primitive camping with minimal amenities but spectacular views overlooking Lake Hemet. These first-come, first-served sites require high-clearance vehicles to access via rough dirt roads. Campgrounds closer to Idyllwild tend to be quieter and cooler than those at lower elevations, though weekend crowding is common throughout the region during summer months.
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"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! "
from $25 - $300 / night
Check Availability"This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."
"The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake. And you can’t swim or let the kids play in the lake because it’s a reservoir."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"In the back of a small town 2 miles behind a stater brother's. Most sites are near level on gravel and close together. Laundry uses quarters or a third party app to pay."
"I had a reservation at Wilderness Lakes, and I was a day early, so they let me in! Off to a good start! Full hook-ups, laundry and showers about 50 yards away, no matter which way you go."
"Lake Fulmor is 3 miles away to take pups swimming off leash. Idyllwild is a charming town for small town vibe. Nice trails close to PCT and rock climbing by Humber Park."
"Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."
"We had such a great time at Lake Hemet Campground! The staff are so helpful and friendly and really wanted to make sure we had the best time. The views are just amazing and the lake is beautiful!"
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town."
"I was really excited to head out to this campground/ site because it was a close drive from my home, but far enough away to get up in the mountains."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Bike trails are right next to the park. Fun trails watch out for rattle snakes. Only downside is the kids racing around in golf carts at night."
"She told me that it had been around for decades under a different name, Buttercup I think. It has an established rotation of regular guests that come for access to wine country."
"A lovely campground located a mile away from Hemet lake. The creek is fun for the little ones to play.. hiking and relaxing area.. the views are great and it's never to over crowded."
"This is one of our family's favorite campgrounds because it's a quick drive from San Diego (and OC) and it gives us our "mountain fix" when we don't have time to drive to the Sierra Mountains."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms were clean considering there is only one location for bathrooms. Not much space for tents but lots of sites if you have a trailer or motor home."
"Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, within the San Jacinto District, Marion Mt. Campground is one of the best camping sites in Southern California."
"It was close to Idyllwild, which was convenient when we ran out of ice. There are no bear boxes, not sure if it was needed though. For the best spots, make sure to reserve."
from $20 / night
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ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
GuideThis is my go-to campground. I live in the San Diego area. It's designed for your season camper that prefers tranquility over business. It's not recommended during the weekend.
TravelerCamped with two people and had tons of space in our site. The car parking is a slightly away from the site, which we liked but maybe not other peoples’ preference
ScoutHas a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
TravelerWe reserved and paid for a regular RV site specifically advertised for a 36–40 ft motorhome. We were assigned Site#28, which was so sloped and unsuitable that we could not safely extend either our living-room slide-out or bedroom slide-out. While using our leveling system, two front hydraulic jack rods broke and one rear jack became severely bent and could not retract. Our motorhome was left unsafe to drive or move. The exact mechanical cause still requires professional inspection, but the condition and slope of the assigned site are serious concerns. We immediately notified the campground by email, provided photographs, and went to the office seeking help with an incident report, emergency assistance, and a safe plan for the stranded motorhome. Unfortunately, management refused to take meaningful responsibility or help us resolve the emergency. The most disappointing part was not only the unsuitable site, but the lack of concern and assistance after a guest’s large motorhome became immobilized on the property. We had to return to work on Monday and were left trying to arrange emergency service, towing, transportation, and accommodation on our own. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Holloway’s RV Park to owners of large Class A motorhomes. If you have a 36–40 ft RV, carefully inspect the assigned site’s slope, space, and leveling conditions before parking or deploying your jacks.
ScoutThe scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
TravelerNice campground, clean and well maintained - would pick a different spot a bit further from street. If you want to go to lake, its a bit away so need car.
ScoutEasy to get to. I have an AWD sprinter no problem. Son has an Acura TLX made it up no issue had a few spin outs on steeper parts. Higher sites are nice and spaced.
RangerNo lake view, which was a bit disappointing. Nice wooded area though with tree climbing. A bit loud music from the neighbors, not until very late so was OK. Limited amount of toilets for the amount of spots
Camping opportunities near Hemet, California range from high mountain forests to desert lowlands, with elevations spanning from 1,500 to 6,000 feet across the region. The San Bernardino National Forest campgrounds near Hemet typically record 20-30 degree temperature drops at night throughout the year, requiring appropriate clothing layers even during summer camping trips. Seasonal fire restrictions often limit campfire use during high-risk months.
Hiking trails access: Stone Creek Campground features multiple trail connections directly from the campground. "There's a nice trail in the back of camp!" reports one camper, while another notes, "Multiple hiking trails led out of camp including one right from next to our site that led to multiple other trails heading up San Jacinto Mountain."
Mountain biking routes: Several campgrounds in the Idyllwild area offer access to popular mountain biking trails. At Idyllwild Campground, campers mention "lots of trails close to PCT and rock climbing by Humber Park" and note its convenience to biking terrain, with one camper specifically pointing out the "great little nature loop" around the campground.
Fishing options: Lake Perris and Lake Hemet provide different fishing experiences. According to a Lake Perris camper, "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun." Lake Skinner Recreation Area also offers fishing with special permit requirements, though one visitor notes "they charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake."
High elevation cooling: Marion Mountain Campground sits at a higher elevation than many nearby options, providing relief from summer heat. One visitor notes, "It got really cold at night, about 10 degrees colder than Idyllwild Town limits," while another camper appreciated how "this site provides all the peace and tranquility a soul longs for."
Lake access and activities: Lake Hemet Campground offers water-based recreation beyond just fishing. A camper describes, "The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!"
Proximity to town amenities: Several campgrounds offer easy access to nearby towns. One camper at Stone Creek describes it as "close to town but far enough to get away," while another notes that Idyllwild Campground is "within 5 minute walk of downtown Idyllwild" and provides a "great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild."
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Due to wildfire danger, restrictions change throughout the year. A visitor at Hurkey Creek Park noted, "Fires are allowed in the fire pits, of course," but campers should always check current restrictions before arrival.
Water levels fluctuate: Several lakes experience significant level changes. One Lake Hemet camper observed, "The premium lakefront sites are no longer lakefront due to the drought," while another mentioned, "When the water level is way up, it's even prettier!"
Weekend crowds vs. weekday solitude: Occupancy varies dramatically by day of week. A Marion Mountain camper reported, "We got lucky and went on a week day were the only ones camping there," while Lake Perris visitors noted weekend crowding with "lots of families with kids."
Water recreation options: Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers family-friendly water features beyond the main lake. One camper highlights, "They have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost!" Another mentions, "Nice relaxing weekend get away, most of the full hook up spots are next to nice grass areas."
Dedicated play spaces: Several campgrounds offer designated children's areas. At Hurkey Creek Park, a camper notes "a private children's area" among the amenities, while another highlights "a large dirt area used for parking during the Balloon and Wine festival that kids can play on and ride bikes in."
Educational opportunities: Look for nature programs and learning activities. A Lake Skinner visitor mentioned, "There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," providing educational value for young campers.
Hookup availability: Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort offers varied electrical options but with some limitations. One RVer cautions, "They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working. This park is first come / first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site, so you can see the problem."
Leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Marion Mountain, visitors note that "some sites are not flat" and "some of the sites are not level," with another camper observing that "most had a flat spot for a tent in for the picnic bench."
Seasonal road conditions: Mountain access roads can be challenging in winter months. One Idyllwild visitor advised, "It's a windy, windy road up into the mountains, and people travel too fast," while another noted that "higher elevation sites like Stone Creek Campground operate seasonally" due to road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Hemet, CA?
The Hemet area offers several excellent camping options. Hurkey Creek Park is a favorite among families, featuring 130 sites under ponderosa pines and oaks, with clean facilities including flush toilets and showers. For those seeking free, more primitive camping, South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offers secluded tent sites tucked in the forest with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Both locations provide beautiful mountain views and outdoor recreation opportunities, making them perfect basecamps for exploring the Hemet region.
What amenities are available at Lake Hemet campground?
Lake Hemet Campground offers a range of amenities for campers. The campground features water and electric hookups at select sites, restroom facilities with showers, and picnic tables. For recreation, the lake is stocked with bass, trout, catfish, and bluegill, making it excellent for fishing enthusiasts. The campground provides beautiful mountain views and is staffed with helpful personnel to enhance your stay. Some sites offer meadow views, though site sizes vary. For those seeking more rustic options nearby, Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites offers minimal amenities but incredible views overlooking the area.
Are there RV parks available in Hemet, California?
Yes, Hemet offers several RV-friendly options. Golden Village Palms RV Resort is located directly in Hemet and provides full-service amenities for RVers. For those willing to drive a short distance, Lake Hemet Campground accommodates RVs with hookup sites, though some campers note challenges with site layouts including uphill sewer connections and awkwardly positioned water hookups. For additional options within driving distance, Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort near Menifee and Temecula-Vail Lake KOA provide big-rig-friendly facilities with full amenities.
How much does it cost to camp at Lake Hemet?
Camping fees at Lake Hemet Campground vary based on site type and amenities. Premium "meadow view" sites cost around $53 per night, while standard sites may be less expensive. The campground offers various hookup options that affect pricing. For budget-conscious campers seeking alternatives near Hemet, consider the free Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites, which requires no fee but offers minimal amenities. Always check the official Lake Hemet website for current pricing as rates may change seasonally.
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