Best Campgrounds near Lake Elsinore, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Lake Elsinore, CA has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Lake Elsinore, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Lake Elsinore, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Elsinore, California (315)

    1. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    50 Reviews
    92 Photos
    534 Saves
    San Clemente, California

    Details here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/647/files/SanMateo082609.pdf San Mateo Campground lies a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, a world class surfing site. San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include an RV sanitation station, hot, coin-operated indoor showers, and flush toilets. Below are listed a few park rules that will assist you in having a fun and save visit. San Onofre - San Mateo Campground is at 830 Cristianitos, San Clemente, CA, 92672 a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach. A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the San Mateo camping site to “Trestles Beach,” the world class surfing site. Surfers using redwood boards have visited San Onofre since at least the 1940s; San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. RV Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities includes a dump-station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $250 / night

    2. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    32 Reviews
    56 Photos
    9 Saves
    Moreno Valley, California

    Owl Loop (sites 203-220, 283-317)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Picnic Table
    • WiFi

    $300 / night

    3. O'Neill Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    70 Photos
    458 Saves
    Trabuco Canyon, California

    The Arroyo campground offers 79 campsites varying in size to accommodate RVs or tent camping for up to eight people per site. Reservations for individual sites can be made online, by phone or in person. The park offers eight large group campsites for parties of 17 or more and five equestrian campsites, each equipped with horse corrals, barbeques and fire pits. Reservations for groups of 17 or more can be made by calling the park office at (949) 923-2260.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

    4. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    36 Reviews
    146 Photos
    768 Saves
    San Clemente, California

    CAMPING AND PICNICKING The family campground sits high atop the bluffs. Each of 160 sites has a fire ring and picnic table. Water faucets are nearby. The family campground has 72 RV spots, with electric and water hookups.

    ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • Restrooms, showers, seven campsites, the visitor center, the Butterfly and Multi-Use Trails, and picnic sites near parking are accessible. Assistance may be needed on the steep trails to the beach. • Accessibility in state parks is continually improving. For recent updates, visit

    Two group-camping areas can each hold 50 people. Each campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks. Group camp #1 holds up to 20 RVs; Group camp #2 takes tent-only campers with a maximum of 10 vehicles. A picnic area displays sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean from bluffs 150 feet above the beach. Two group picnic areas are also available. The visitor center adjoins the 200-space parking area.

    San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location.

    San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $45 - $300 / night

    5. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    67 Photos
    429 Saves
    Trabuco Canyon, California

    Cal Trans continues to perform highway-widening work on SR-74 Ortega Highway with periodic nightly closures.

    Located approximately 4 miles off Hwy 74 (Ortega) on the North Main Divide Road, this campsite has 50 available sites with a varying distance apart for a true "wilderness" feel. Amenities include trash cans, fire pits, grills, vaulted toilets, and plenty of local trails for hiking, biking and equestrian. For information regarding local and connecting trails, please see our Trail Guide under the Trabuco District.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 / night

    6. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    47 Photos
    366 Saves
    Temecula, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $45 / night

    7. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    118 Photos
    38 Saves
    Capistrano Beach, California

    North Loop (sites 1-59, 120, 122)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $50 - $350 / night

    8. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    75 Reviews
    164 Photos
    1028 Saves
    Carlsbad, California

    For many, once the sun comes out and summer rolls around, it can be hard to resist the urge to get outside and soak up some fun. If you relate, and you just need to unplug for a minute, Carlsbad camping offers some of the state’s best camping sites around. When your work has stacked up and you’re overloaded, it’s time to gather your camping gear, and head to Carlsbad State Beach camping for solitude and relaxation.

    This San Diego beach and campground feature camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The campground is especially popular in the summer, thanks to its scenic location which overlooks the picturesque Carlsbad Beach below. Even better, the campground offers direct access to the beach via a set of well-kept stairs. As a result of the popularity, the campground is reservation only, so don’t show up without one or you’ll likely be unable to stay.

    When you’re done with the beach, check out the nearby California geography and some of the trails within the park. If the ocean isn’t your thing, a number of Campfire Programs, Junior Ranger Programs, and Nature Walks may be offered. That said, program availability changes with the season, so be sure to check signs posted on the restrooms and at the entrance station regarding park information during your visit.

    At night, campers are gently caressed to sleep by the nearby ocean tide, lapping upon its secluded shoreline. There is plenty of privacy throughout, thanks to the large selection of flora and fauna throughout the campground. The campsites themselves are also spacious, with roughly half of them featuring electric hookups. Additionally, All restrooms and shower buildings have accessible facilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the unit Supervising Ranger.

    South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is perfect for campers and individuals who love the ocean and the outdoors. Whether you’re looking surf the rolling waves, or paddle board out and take part in all that the north county coastline has to offer, you’re sure to have fun here.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $50 - $650 / night

    9. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    20 Reviews
    86 Photos
    389 Saves
    Coto de Caza, California

    While the park does now have water, the showers remain closed. Water is limited, though, so please plan accordingly.

    Caspers Wilderness Park is an 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park's many fertile valleys are overtly complemented by specimen groves of native Coastal Live Oak and magnificent stands of California Sycamore. These areas are further accentuated by seasonal wildflower displays and running streams. Wildlife is abundant and can be readily viewed from any of the park's numerous trails.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $20 - $25 / night

    10. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    34 Reviews
    67 Photos
    1371 Saves
    Laguna Beach, California

    The Moro campground, which is located on a bluff top with unparalleled ocean views, features 27 hookup sites, 30 non-hookup tent sites, both of which include 3 ADA-accessible sites each. We also feature primitive hike-in camping in our backcountry, which has 32 sites spread out across 3 areas. Although it does require a strenuous hike, it provides a peaceful refuge from the urban surroundings.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $75 / night

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Recent Reviews near Lake Elsinore, CA

1712 Reviews of 315 Lake Elsinore Campgrounds



Guide to Lake Elsinore

Camping near Lake Elsinore offers a great escape into nature, with beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. Campers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Biking and Running: The area has excellent bike lanes and running paths. A camper noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing: Lake Hemet is nearby and offers fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like William Heise County Park are praised for their beautiful surroundings. One camper said, "The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for San Mateo Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Hemet Campground are great for families. One visitor mentioned, "Great place for family and kids. Affordable."

What you should know

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."
  • Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Black Rock Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor noted, "The roads could use some work and if you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level."
  • Check-in Times: Many campgrounds have strict check-in times. One camper at Moro Campground mentioned, "Check-in is at 3pm. They are hard on this."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like San Elijo State Beach Campground, which has nearby restaurants and shops. A reviewer said, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or plan beach days to keep kids entertained. A camper noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Black Rock Campground advised, "The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, "Music way too loud."
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: Many campgrounds don’t offer Wi-Fi, so RVers should come prepared. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "NO WIFI IF YOU NEED THAT YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN."

Camping around Lake Elsinore has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Lake Elsinore, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Elsinore, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 315 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Elsinore, CA and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Lake Elsinore, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Elsinore, CA is San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 50 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Elsinore, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Elsinore, CA.

  • What parks are near Lake Elsinore, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Lake Elsinore, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.