vanessa Z.
Scout
ScoutOceanside Harbor - Beach Parking 11B
Oceanside Harbor
Beautiful views, cool people and great places to eat. Parking is horrible during peak hours. No slides allowed, tight parking. Absolutely beautiful!
Best Camping Near Lake Elsinore: RV Parks, Tent Sites & Cabins
Campgrounds near Lake Elsinore, California range from lakeside RV resorts to primitive sites in nearby mountain areas. Lake Elsinore campgrounds include Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park, which offers full hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping options including yurts directly on the water. El Cariso and Blue Jay campgrounds provide more rustic experiences in the Cleveland National Forest west of the lake. Lake Elsinore camping areas feature diverse options 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.
Best Camping Sites Near Lake Elsinore, California (334)
1. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
40 ReviewsMoreno Valley, CA15 miles$25 - $300 / night
"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! "
2. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
21 ReviewsTrabuco Canyon, CA8 milesWebsite+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. O'Neill Regional Park
34 ReviewsTrabuco Canyon, CA16 milesWebsite+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..."
4. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park
12 ReviewsLake Elsinore, CA3 milesWebsite+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."
5. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
17 ReviewsMenifee, CA10 milesWebsite+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. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
27 ReviewsTemecula, CA18 milesWebsite+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."
7. El Cariso Campground
9 ReviewsLake Elsinore, CA6 milesWebsite+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."
8. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
22 ReviewsCoto de Caza, CA17 milesWebsite+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
54 ReviewsSan Clemente, CA25 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsLake Elsinore, CA7 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Lake Elsinore, CA
635 Photos of 334 Lake Elsinore Campgrounds
Armando C.
Lake Elsinore Marina & RV Resort (West Marina)
Christian
El Cariso Campground
Shane S.
Zephyr Mountain Farms
Mazen S.
The Secret Place
Stephen S.
Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Jessica C.
Falcon Group Campground
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
N. H.
The Green Ravine in SoCal
Kaja D.
Riverside's Piece of Paradise
Evan V.
Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Beatriz C.
Owlbee Farm Campground
Andrew J. F.
O'Neill Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Lake Elsinore, CA
1846 Reviews of 334 Lake Elsinore Campgrounds
ChrisScoutSouth Ridge Yellow Post Sites
Nice spots
Rough road but doable in any car with decent clearance if you are careful. Nice shady spots, views of town and the valley with a table and fire ring . There seems to be 6 or more spots spread out along the road.
- WWinter T.
GuideWildomar Campground
Don’t Drink Alcohol Here
Awesome area great service good vibes but I will say that there are to many city people who come to drink and not follow the rules of the campground
- WWinter T.Guide
Dixon Lake
Awesome place to visit and Camp
Fishing, hiking, rvs, tents, boat rentals, you name it and they got it plus awesome rangers
Kelly C.GuideSouth Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Easy Win
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is a great coastal spot with spacious sites and a really clean, well-kept feel overall. There’s plenty of room between sites compared to other beach campgrounds, which makes it feel a bit more relaxed and less crowded.
It is right next to the road, so there can be some traffic noise, especially at night, but it didn’t take away too much from the experience. What really stood out was how nice and helpful everyone was, both fellow campers and staff, which made the stay even better.
Overall, a super solid beach campground if you want ocean access, clean facilities, and a friendly atmosphere.
Daniel S.GuideWoods Valley Kampground
Very Nice!
Mountains, large shade trees, full RV hookups, general store at office….and quiet! A little difficult finding your site but they also guide you in on a golf cart.
Kathy B.
LegendJojoba Hills SKP Resort
A little Pricey, but a Gem!
You must be an Escapee member to stay here. Many long term residents who stay here seasonally or year round. It's a co-op, so members do a lot of the work around the place.
If you're not a long term resident, you can rent either a full hook-up site for $45 a night or $270/week. Dry camping sites are $15 night.
The people here are lovely. I attended a holiday play while I was there. There's a gym, a pool, several hot tubs and so many activities to participate in. Also great hiking trails right inside the co-op.
Temecula is just a short drive away with all the stores you would need. I had a nice two week stay. Recommended.
- KKai A.
TravelerKeller Peak Yellow Post Campground
Yellow post
This is my first time solo camping and this was a great starter! It’s really quiet all day long and every where you look is absolutely beautiful. I drove up here in my Honda civic and I saw some truck but this is a super narrow road and my car barely fit.-.
During cold times you might need to be ready to shovel the road. There’s not enough snow for chains but I saw a Jeep wrangler in front of me get stuck.
Dog friendly as well, there’s a lot of open space.
There’s my rant
- WWinter T.Guide
Guajome Regional Park
When it gets cold trust me it gets real cold
I enjoyed the view of the stars and no to much traffic at night or at all
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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