Lake Hemet and its surrounding area sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures in higher elevation campgrounds can drop below freezing, while summer days at lower elevations often exceed 100°F. Campground closures due to fire restrictions are common during peak summer months when regional drought conditions worsen.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers stocked fishing, though permits cost extra. "The lake is stocked with fish, so if you're a fisherman you're going to love this campground," notes one visitor to Lake Skinner.
Hiking trails: Marion Mountain Campground provides direct access to mountain trails. "Great area to explore and hike around right off the campground! The trails were relatively quiet so I would recommend taking a hike if you are looking for quiet and solitude," according to a Marion Mountain reviewer.
Observatory visit: Palomar Mountain State Park Campground offers proximity to space science. "Palomar Observatory is only 5 miles up the road. Do not expect cell service of any kind, for us that was a wonderful escape," writes a camper who stayed at Palomar's Doane Valley area.
Water activities: When weather permits, Launch Pointe Recreation Destination includes water recreation beyond standard camping. "We spent 4 nights here. The lake was closed due to algae bloom. They have a great area of vintage trailers that can be rented, as well as some super nice yurts," reports a recent visitor.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Marion Mountain offers more secluded spots than many area campgrounds. "We stayed in spot number 24 and it had a nice secluded feel to it. After walking around the entire campground, most spots were very nice," notes a visitor to Palomar Mountain State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Family activities dominate many regional campgrounds. "We love this campground. It's local to us but a great place to getaway with family. It's family friendly, great flat biking for kids, large dirt area used for parking during the Balloon and Wine festival that kids can play on," shares a family who visited Lake Skinner.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking Hemet area glamping alternatives, yurt camping near Lake Elsinore provides solid structures with amenities. A Launch Pointe visitor mentioned, "They have a great area of vintage trailers that can be rented, as well as some super nice yurts."
Swimming facilities: Multiple campgrounds offer water play features for hot summer days. "They have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost! There are lots of walking trails," writes a Lake Skinner camper.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Marion Mountain campground operates May through mid-November, unlike lower elevation sites. "Water only turned on during weekends while we were there, though water available down the road in another campground," reports a visitor.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Most sites are reserved but there is a chart at the pay area. Number 16 was such a great spot but horrible for getting your stuff up that hill," notes a Marion Mountain camper.
Site conditions: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Sites are not level even for a tent, but 506 worked for our large rented RV. Lake is lovely!" shares a Lake Hemet camper.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies drastically between campgrounds. "We had site 338 and had absolutely no cell coverage for our Verizon phones. The Bathrooms and showers take a code to get in. Not sure what that's all about, they were clean," reports a Wilderness Lakes visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Multiple facilities offer swimming options beyond lake activities. "We enjoyed the pool, watching the ducks in the pond, and the kids loved the basketball court. Some parts closed on certain days- store, jacuzzi, community room," shares a Wilderness Lakes visitor.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning at several locations. "Palomar Observatory is relatively near and can drive for some space exploration," notes a Doane Valley camper.
Splash pads: Water play areas provide safe alternatives to lake swimming. "Great place to camp with the family. Super quiet at night and bathrooms/showers were clean!" writes a Lake Skinner camper.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer bird and animal watching opportunities. "We did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" reports a Lake Hemet visitor discussing their fishing experience.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Power capacity varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," explains a Wilderness Lakes RVer.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial leveling equipment. "We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension. Side to side level took one board under left side," reports an Idyllwild visitor.
Water restrictions: Freezing conditions affect water systems at higher elevations. "Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night," warns a Lake Hemet RVer.
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted access for larger rigs. "Windy (paved) road to get in so could be tricky for rigs >25 feet," cautions a Marion Mountain visitor.
