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Best Campgrounds near Lake Elsinore, CA

1,719 Reviews

Lake Elsinore in Southern California draws many campers throughout the year. You can reach it easily from Interstate 15, with options for both tent and RV camping nearby. San Elijo State Beach Campground sits along the coastline, giving you direct access to the beach and great views of the ocean. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground has larger campsites and is just a short walk from the water. Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park lets you camp in the desert landscape with several hiking trails right from your site. Fire rules are strict here, particularly in summer when everything gets very dry. Most of these places fill up fast, so you'll want to book ahead. The facilities range from basic (just bathrooms and showers) to full RV hookups, depending on which campground you choose. Around Lake Elsinore, you'll find good hiking, fishing spots, and nice views. Make sure to follow all the posted rules when visiting. Most campgrounds have good roads leading to them, though a few spots might need a truck or SUV with higher clearance. Always check road and weather conditions before heading out. Lake Elsinore has camping options that work well whether you want to be by the beach or out in the desert.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Elsinore, California (316)

    1. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 673-6180

    $20 / night

    "clean restrooms and sites. large campground with paved roads was nice for strolling through. pretty far off the beaten path above lake elsinore. the views near by were fantastic. the staff was fairly friendly"

    "A nice little campground just a few minutes off the 74 just before Lake Elsinore."

    2. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    34 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    15 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."

    3. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 471-1212

    $55 - $140 / night

    "This is probably the nicest thing in lake elsinore along with the bowling alley. We stayed there for a weekend and had a great time taking the kids to the pool, and slaps pad."

    "Canopy Court area has easy and close access to the splash pad, the playground, a large grass area, and even the pool. The boat launch is very near by too but we had no use for that."

    4. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    Menifee, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    5. O'Neill Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2260

    $20 / night

    "It's tucked back in the canyon, but you will still hear all the traffic from the road. Since it is a canyon, many loud cars and motorcycles zoom past at high speeds. 

    Free dump station.  "

    "Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical..."

    6. El Cariso Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 736-1811

    $15 / night

    "The campground was right off the highway, cost affective ($15/night), and there were no reservations needed. There were 24 sites tucked in the woods. A few water faucets & bathrooms throughout."

    "Albeit it’s just off the road and Ortega highway is fairly busy at all hours of the night, so road noise was a little annoying but not bad. Self pay was easy and quick."

    7. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Temecula, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 926-1541

    $25 - $45 / night

    "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."

    8. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2210

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees.  "

    "Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want. Technically not allowed to bring in outside wood."

    9. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $250 / night

    "San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."

    "Another beautiful gem along the California Coast. Although not on or too near the beach, this campground is truly a lovely spot. All or most of the campsites boast a bit of privacy."

    10. The Secret Place

    5 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    7 miles
    +1 (949) 280-6373

    "I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!"

    "A/C in the house is great for cooling off from heat. 5 min drive to Ortega Falls, which creates a magical hike when the waterfall is running, and it’s an easy outing in the area."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Elsinore, CA

605 Photos of 316 Lake Elsinore Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Elsinore, CA

1719 Reviews of 316 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 316 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Elsinore, CA and 15 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 Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED with a 3.8-star rating from 21 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 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.

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