Lake Elsinore sits at 1,250 feet elevation with the surrounding Cleveland National Forest mountains rising to over 4,000 feet. This elevation change creates diverse camping environments within a small geographic area. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below 40°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for pet owners and their four-legged companions.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Blue Jay Campground provides excellent trail access with varying difficulty levels. "When I lived in San Clemente, this was a great campground just to get away! This campground can get rowdy because it is so easily accessible but nothing too crazy! Great views especially at sunset!" reports Morgan F.
Water recreation: While Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground offers fishing access, note water quality concerns. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun. Camping is ok, some days the sites are good some days they aren't," shares John H.
Seasonal wildflower viewing: March-May brings colorful displays along trails. "I loved this campground but wasn't a fan of the extra fees. The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake... We happened to be there during the poppy super bloom and the butterfly migration so that was also really cool!" notes Jennifer D. about Lake Skinner.
What campers like
Private camping areas: The Secret Place offers secluded sites with panoramic views. "Although we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore!" reports Michael W.
Accessible getaways: O'Neill Regional Park provides a nearby escape despite urban surroundings. "ONeil is a great little park that's tucked away among the urban sprawl of Orange County. Once in the park you feel like you're far out in the wilderness. It makes for a great weekend great away," explains Berton M.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. "Campground has at least 2 water taps and very clean bathrooms. There are over 20 spots, designed for tents but we fit in our pop up camper. Anything longer will be hard to get in," notes one reviewer about El Cariso Campground.
What you should know
Insect considerations: Prepare for seasonal insect activity. "We read a lot of reviews on this park - many of them mixed. Overall, this park did not disappoint - too much... Water pressure is a bit low too but nothing terrible," shares Bryan H. about Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park.
Road noise: Several campgrounds near major roads experience traffic sounds. "The campgrounds are small with small sites. But there is few people there. Road noise is a problem but if you are just looking to get out locally and cheap it's a go for me," explains Kelly M. about El Cariso.
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary seasonally and by location. "The staff was fairly friendly and very strict about fires and check out time. The campsites were not too close together but they were smallish. The fire pit was buried in ground so it was practically level," reports Kittie B. about Blue Jay Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: San Mateo Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Lots of kids riding bikes and having fun! I suggest to follow their lead. Bring a bike to explore the loops and trail to beach. Walking the one mile each way to the beach was nice with our dog on leash because the terrain has snake potential," advises Jeannie B.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature programs. "My family and I came here for a quick end of year camping trip. We wanted something close to home, but able to get away. In this, the campground excels. It's literally five minutes away from civilization," shares Andrew J.F. about O'Neill Regional Park.
Pet-friendly camping with children: Many sites accommodate both kids and pets. "If you're looking for primitive dispersed camping, this is probably not your spot. If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large and private," notes Johnny G.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites in some locations. "The sites are relatively tight. We reserved a spot for a rig with slide outs on both sides to accommodate our 39'er but it took some creative parking to get the rig into the spot in a way that we could actually open both sides," advises Bryan H. about Launch Pointe.
Seasonal considerations: Lake Elsinore Marina & RV Resort offers year-round camping. "This is an alright place, decently priced, relatively safe, easy access to the lake, but quite close to neighbors, mostly uneven dirt in the spaces, hardly any grass or shade. Close to town," explains Maegan.
Hookup availability: Electricity and water connections vary widely. "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. Now don't get me wrong, we have been there 5 times in the last 2 years and will go some more," says David N. about Wilderness Lakes.
