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ScoutRolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
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Dog-Friendly Camping near Hemet, CA
16 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Lake Hemet Campground welcomes dogs at its sites across all accommodation types—tent areas, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping facilities. The pet-friendly grounds feature spacious sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Pets must remain leashed throughout the camping area with cleanup mandatory. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort offers another pet-accommodating option near Hemet, with full hookup sites available to dogs of all breeds. The geese wandering the property provide unexpected entertainment for visiting pets. Golden Village Palms RV Resort maintains clean, dedicated dog parks at opposite corners of the property with 24/7 security staff monitoring the grounds, creating a safe environment for pets and owners alike.
Dog-friendly hiking trails surround the Hemet area campgrounds, with Mount San Jacinto State Park providing access to pet-accessible paths when leashed. Weather considerations impact pet camping experiences seasonally, with summer heat requiring extra water and shade for dogs. Many local campgrounds maintain restrictions on leaving pets unattended in RVs or tents, even with air conditioning running. Nearby shopping includes Target and other major retailers where campers can purchase pet supplies if needed. Lake access varies by campground, with some properties allowing supervised water activities for dogs while others maintain strict on-leash policies near shorelines. Dogs at Wilderness Lakes particularly enjoy watching the resident waterfowl from a distance, though reviews note the goose droppings can be problematic on walking paths.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Hemet (271)
1. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
"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! "
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $300 / night
2. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
"Clean, pet friendly and good for kids."
"This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
3. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
"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."
"When you enter the park, they give you a map and you drive around and choose the site you like and park."
4. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $45 / night
5. Lake Hemet Campground
"I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."
"I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
6. Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
"My sister, her 3 kids, and 2 dogs jumped into the car and headed out towards Idyllwild, CA."
"Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $35 / night
7. Temecula-Vail Lake KOA
"This campsite is definitely kid and dog friendly! My kind of campsite. Pool was clean and open. My son loved the bmx bike trails."
"We enjoyed a 6 night stay at the Temecula/Vail Lake KOA over New Years. "
8. Hurkey Creek Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $35 / night
9. Banning Stagecoach KOA
"Very clean, dog friendly ( with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site"
"The dog park was honestly amazing, I loved it & then dogs loved it."
10. Marion Mountain
"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."
"After walking around the entire campground well most spots were very nice. We did find that the spots in the center lacked privacy."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 34 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 21 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 23 min from Oxnard, CA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Hemet, CA
208 Photos of 271 Hemet Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Down To Earth Echoshire
Bierbaum Pepper Farm
Country Hills RV Park ResortR
Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Wandering Caboose RanchM
Fern Basin Campground
Marion Mountain
Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Vail Lake RV Resort
Bogart County Park
Hurkey Creek Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hemet, CA
2036 Reviews of 271 Hemet Campgrounds
- D
Douglas E.
TravelerDel Mar RV Park and Marina
Great military camp site
Very clean. Right in the beach. Good managers. It has been fantastic
- TTanya T.Scout
Mountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
- DDouglas E.Traveler
Guajome Regional Park
Nice place
Clean, beautiful, hookups work, bathrooms/showers are clean. The lake is serene. Professional photographers are abound to take wedding and/or family pics here. Really wonderful. I almost don’t want to recommend it to keep others from flooding this gem.
David S.ScoutEscondido RV Resort
Nice, clean, accommodating RV Park with everything. Heated pool, Jacuzzi, laundry room, pet friendly and very nice people who went out of their way to hook us up with a spot . 😁Was going to stay for the 1 night ended up 3 days great atmosphere with everything close by . Highly recommended. 💯
- HHope H.
GuideSan Clemente State Beach Campground
Sites Near RR Tracks are Ocean View
I didn't book very early but was able to get a site right across from the lifeguard station. The sunset view was quintessential California and maybe even worth the price of admission, which is pretty steep at $53 for tent camping and freeway noise.
The restrooms vary, so if one is particularly distasteful, head to a quieter area of the campground.
RR noise isn't bad, as the crossing is far enough away that the horn blast seems quite distant. I-5 is very noisy however. There are lots of on/off ramps in that area, and with hills to climb it just makes for a lot of engine noise.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
Hans V.RangerSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
The first two spots are close together. First one a bit small but better cover from Santa Anna winds. Nicely in the forest and close to the village.
Guide to Hemet
Stone Creek Campground in Mount San Jacinto State Park offers camping at 4,000 feet elevation with distinct seasonal temperature variations. Located within minutes of Idyllwild, the campground features spacious sites surrounded by pine and manzanita trees. Winter temperatures can drop significantly at night while summer brings warmer days with cool evenings, creating ideal conditions for year-round outdoor activities.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: 3 miles from town: Lake Skinner Recreation Area provides multiple trails for biking enthusiasts. "There are 3 different camping loops that seem to have their own personality. They have a kids playground, and a splash pad for the warmer months," explains david N., noting that many visitors bring bikes to enjoy the terrain.
Fishing at local reservoirs: Daily permits required: Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground offers productive fishing opportunities. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," reports John H., who regularly fishes there. Note that fishing requires a California state license plus a daily use fee.
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Multiple difficulty levels: The area's elevation provides unique hiking experiences. "There is a nice mile hike around the perimeter of the park," shares Tom W. about exploring the trails. Many campgrounds connect directly to trailheads, allowing campers to access nature walks straight from their sites.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance: Idyllwild Campground receives praise for its upkeep. "Great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild. Plus less than 2 hours from drive to Palm Spring Tram up to Mt. San Jacinto and a great way to cool off in the summer or see snow in the winter. Showers and clean bathrooms!" notes Michael K.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening: Campers report seeing diverse wildlife including deer and birds. "We keep coming back here. Great little campground with clean air, starry skies and big trees," says Jeannie B., who enjoys the natural setting and animal spotting opportunities.
Family-friendly activities: Playgrounds and water features: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Hemet include dedicated recreation areas. "The pool seemed very nice & clean. The dog park was honestly amazing, I loved it & then dogs loved it," shares Alysa R. about her experience at a local campground.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds: Marion Mountain offers more secluded options. "Sites are nice and spacious but doesn't seem to have a whole lot of privacy. We got lucky and went on a week day were the only ones camping there," reports Shannon L. Weekday visits typically mean fewer neighbors.
Reservation systems differ by location: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come-first-served. "Was able to get a first come first serve site on a Saturday in October. Most sites were reserved but not everyone showed up. For first come first serve you must pay via cash or check using the drop box - no option for credit cards," explains Isabelle S.
Water availability is seasonal: Water access changes throughout the year at several locations. "It got really cold at night, about 10 degrees colder that Idyllwild Town limits. And there was a no open flame aloud because of how dry it was—which we did not know until we arrived. Might want to check that out," cautions Christian M.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Hurkey Creek Park offers family-oriented facilities. "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," explains Renea B., who visits with her family.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations cause significant day-to-night temperature changes. "Weather was cold and windy but not too bad. 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," shares Donovan about his experience.
Consider site location within campgrounds: Some sites offer more privacy than others. "We decided 4 stars because the forest service failed to post our reservation for site #06 (which has the best view but not much shade). We were here mid July on a Thursday and there were only 2 other sites occupied. Beware the unreal amount of mosquitos," warns Collier T.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup availability before booking: Several pet-friendly camping areas near Hemet offer various hookup options. "Last minute booking... we got a site with no electricity just water and sewer. Got a bit warm but it was manageable," notes Raf A. about his experience at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort.
Consider site levelness for larger rigs: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Campsites arent the biggest, and fairly close together. Lake is easy to get to from anywhere. Rental boats on the lake. Free showers, and good bathrooms," explains Ken B., noting that site selection impacts comfort.
Research generator policies: Rules vary 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, so you can see the problem," warns david N., suggesting early arrival to secure appropriate hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Hemet, CA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hemet, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hemet, CA is Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 45 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Hemet, CA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hemet, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 271 dog-friendly camping locations near Hemet, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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