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Best Campgrounds near Lake Elsinore, CA

1,792 Reviews

Campgrounds near Lake Elsinore, California range from lakeside RV resorts to primitive sites in nearby mountain areas. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park offers premium lakeside camping with full hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping options including yurts. El Cariso and Blue Jay campgrounds provide more rustic experiences in the Cleveland National Forest west of the lake. Camping options accommodate various preferences with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals throughout the region, with most developed facilities concentrated along the lakeshore or in nearby recreation areas.

Many campgrounds in the Lake Elsinore region operate year-round, though summer brings higher temperatures and increased demand for waterfront sites. Facilities vary significantly, with lakeside resorts offering full amenities including electric hookups, water, sewer connections, and shower facilities, while forest service campgrounds typically provide more basic services. Permits and reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak season from late spring through early fall. Access to most developed campgrounds requires no special vehicles, though some forest service sites may have rougher roads. A camper noted, "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."

Waterfront camping experiences receive considerable attention in visitor reviews, with Launch Pointe Recreation Destination earning consistent praise for its cleanliness and family-friendly amenities. Campers frequently mention the splash pad, playground, and swimming pool as highlights for families with children. Several visitors commented on the well-maintained grounds and facilities. One review described Launch Pointe as "a great stay for our family and dog! Check in was very speedy. The campground was clean as can be- no overflowing garbages, all utilities tastefully hidden." Forest service campgrounds typically offer more solitude but fewer amenities. Noise from nearby roadways affects some camping areas, particularly at El Cariso Campground, where proximity to the highway creates ambient sound that some campers find disruptive.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Elsinore, California (330)

    1. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    39 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    15 miles

    $25 - $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."

    2. 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."

    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. O'Neill Regional Park

    32 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..."

    5. 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."

    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

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

    $45 - $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

634 Photos of 330 Lake Elsinore Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Elsinore, CA

1792 Reviews of 330 Lake Elsinore Campgrounds

  • Elden A.
    Nov. 16, 2025

    Boulder Basin

    All your problems fade away here

    Our stay here was quite the adventure. We went on a Sunday and left Monday night, the camp ground was empty. We made it up the mountain in our VW golf🤦🏼 and got stuck right before the top, as there had been heavy rains the prior week that had eroded much of the soft earth in some areas. The trek was incredibly bumpy but the car handled it great until that one point. Many kind people stopped to assist us, and an hour n a half later we were free and thankful. The process for reserving our site was simple. Many of the sites are sloped subtly so next time I would spend more time picking a more flat one so the tent could be more comfortable, but it wasn't bad. Bathrooms were clean but had bees and such. The forest was exceptionally beautiful, with pinecones as big as your head, and a great excess of firewood, although it was no fire season, so if you were to camp in the off season you wouldn't even need to buy wood. I was worried about bears but we never saw or heard any sign, only squirrels and ravens visited us. It was cold at night, low 40s, and by late morning it was back into the high 70s. Getting down the mountain was still bumpy and nerve wracking but with gravity on our side we experienced no issues. Overall an incredibly beautiful place that we'll never forget!

  • Sabrina V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Marion Mountain

    Only $10.00

    First come first serve with plenty of views and hiking trails

    • Pit toilets
    • Water
    • No shower houses
    • No power
  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    Busy beach camping

    This is a busy area for atv's and dirt bikes. No official camping areas, just find a spot in the sand. There was loud music around but it ended at a respectful time and staff was friendly. Very windy.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Campsite with playground

    Pretty average campsites with playground and clean bathrooms. Very windy roads in and out.

  • April H.
    Nov. 3, 2025

    South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    Quintessential SoCal Beach

    My upfront disclaimer is I knew what to expect.  It's easy to reserve these sites online at reservecalifornia.com but they go very quickly.  After waiting in line on the northbound PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) it was slow going driving in as any RV in front of you typically has some maneuvering to do to get settled in its site.  There is almost no privacy as the campground is situated on a bluff over looking the ocean and so any growth is scrub.  They have all the standard amenities including showers which cost extra.  You must buy tokens at a machine so be sure to buy enough as each token is only worth a very few minutes. (I still have a couple leftover from this trip)  The camp sites are dirt.  There is a camp store along with a restaurant with a limited menu.  They have tables with umbrellas at the edge of the bluff with an unbeatable view of the ocean.  They also have live entertainment-you'll need to check to see what & when.  The fire rings are tall, about 3' tall, which I didn't care for.  Hard to sit around that kind of fire.  There was also a sign posted warning campers of the hot items for theft.  The campground is arranged in 2 rows-one at the edge of the bluff and one inland.  The inland row is very close to the PCH so there's noise.   As far as camping experiences go, this is not the best.  But I didn't go there for a great "camping" experience; I went there to be in walking distance of a beautiful beach.  That did not disappoint!  Be advised-the walk to the beach is down a cliff and involves a lot of steps.

  • Vin W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Still a wonderful spot close to Orange County

    I have gone to long term RV and took a chance here. I came at night, and was frustrated with the traffic to just enter the park. It wasn't until the next morning that I began to appreciate the surroundings. The freeway noise became soothing. The showers clean, the grass maintained. Easy to access dump stations, fairly modern electrical hookups. Lots of families, people in golf carts, bicycles on trails. Wildlife including Blue Herons eating gophers, squirrels and coyotes. I would return here.

  • s
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Great Trails & Views

    The site was nice and spacious, tall pines, great shade and star gazing, the falling egg corns were fun but the fire ban was a deal breaker... I reserved 1 1/2 months out so when I arrived the ban was in effect, stayed one night out of two. The trails were nice with plenty of great views, quiet walks and natural woodland creatures: woodpeckers, squirrels and birds. I'll stay again only if there's no fire ban.... Whats camping without a fire?

  • Frank M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Nice campground

    It's a very nice campground about an hours drive from the beach and other tourist attractions. Usually sold out every weekend. The road to get there can be dangerous. Some wannabe race drivers and commuters avoiding crowded freeways will NOT tolerate anyone doing the speed limit and will pass regardless of the danger.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pathfinder Dispersed Camping

    Free!

    No amenities. 14 day stay. Mostly secluded, except for some cow visitors. Road leading in is rough. Skill is needed to venture back.

Guide to Lake Elsinore

Lake Elsinore camping options extend beyond the lakeshore into nearby mountain areas where temperatures often range 5-10 degrees cooler than in the valley. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 feet at the lake to over 2,800 feet in the surrounding Cleveland National Forest. This creates microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year, with mountain sites offering relief during summer when lake temperatures regularly exceed 95°F.

What to do

Hike to nearby waterfalls: Blue Jay Campground provides access to trails leading to seasonal waterfalls. "Went on two great hikes, both to the nearby waterfalls. Each hike was beautiful," notes a camper from Blue Jay Campground. The trailheads start within 2 miles of the campsite and are accessible for most ability levels.

Visit educational facilities: Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers educational resources. "There is a cool museum where the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," mentions a camper from Lake Perris State Recreation Area Campground. The museum is open weekends and holidays, with free admission.

Explore mountain biking routes: Trails suitable for mountain biking connect several campgrounds. "The campground is located next to Oneil Park, which is huge and great for bike and running. I usually ride to Caspers from the campsite or Trabruco creek up to Holy Jim," shares a visitor to O'Neill Regional Park. Many trails feature intermediate difficulty with some technical sections.

What campers like

Private mountain views: Some locations offer elevated perspectives. "Essentially a private mountain top with views above the clouds — seeing the clouds roll in was unreal," describes a guest at The Secret Place. Campsites on the eastern ridges provide panoramic vistas of both the lake and surrounding mountains.

Spacious campsites: El Cariso provides more room than expected. "Plenty of clean space! We would come back!" notes a visitor to El Cariso Campground. Sites average 30-40 feet between neighbors with natural vegetation creating privacy barriers.

Beach proximity: San Mateo Campground offers coastal access. "Clean campground, most of the spots are super private! A fun little hike (1.5 miles) to the walk until tresels beach," shares a camper from San Mateo Campground. The trail to the beach crosses protected habitat areas and takes approximately 30-45 minutes each way.

What you should know

Seasonal insect concerns: Several campgrounds report significant insect activity during warmer months. "Stayed here in late August, it's easy to get to and close enough for a short trip out of town. The bugs were not enjoyable at all, there were meat bees/wasps swarming all the water faucets and the gnats were so bad we spent most our time hiding in the tent," warns a visitor to Blue Jay Campground.

Road noise impacts: Highway proximity affects some camping locations. "Traffic noise was a little rough for those looking for a quiet getaway," notes a camper at El Cariso. Sites closest to Ortega Highway experience the most noise, particularly during weekends when motorcycle traffic increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go tent camping at Lake Elsinore?

Yes, tent camping is available in the Lake Elsinore area. Blue Jay Campground (when open) is a popular choice for tent campers, located in the mountains above Lake Elsinore. This campground offers beautiful sites that are well-spaced, providing privacy between campers. Another excellent option is Dripping Springs Campground, which welcomes tent campers and offers a more natural setting. It's conveniently located for those wanting to explore both Lake Elsinore and the Temecula wine country. Both campgrounds provide basic amenities and serve as great bases for hiking and outdoor activities in the area.

Where are the designated campgrounds at Lake Elsinore?

Lake Elsinore offers several designated campgrounds in the surrounding area. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park is located directly on Lake Elsinore, providing excellent lake access and amenities including a pool and splash pad. For those seeking a more natural setting, El Cariso Campground is located in the mountains above Lake Elsinore with basic amenities and serves as a good base for exploring the area. Other nearby options include Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort and The Secret Place, which offers private camping with beautiful views overlooking the lake.

Are there glamping options at Lake Elsinore?

While traditional glamping accommodations like yurts or safari tents are limited around Lake Elsinore, there are some elevated camping experiences available. The Secret Place offers a private camping experience with spectacular views overlooking Lake Elsinore and personalized service from the host, Mazen, creating a more upscale camping atmosphere. For those seeking comfort while still enjoying the outdoors, RV resorts like Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort provide amenities that bridge the gap between camping and resort stays. True glamping enthusiasts might need to venture a bit further to coastal areas where more dedicated glamping operations can be found.

Is RV camping available at Lake Elsinore?

Yes, Lake Elsinore offers excellent RV camping options. Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort provides RV sites for both short-term and long-term stays, with amenities including full utility hookups, patios, privacy fences, storage sheds, and individual mailboxes. Their lakefront sites are particularly desirable. Another popular option is Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park, which caters well to RVers with good facilities, including a restaurant, pool, and splash pad for families. This city-run campground is considered one of the nicer attractions in Lake Elsinore and is suitable for digital nomads and families.

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