Best Campgrounds near Loma Linda, CA
The city of Loma Linda puts campers within easy reach of many Southern California camping spots. You can drive to Joshua Tree National Park in about an hour and a half, where the desert landscape includes unusual rock formations that make for interesting camping backdrops. Lake Hemet Campground sits at a higher elevation, giving campers cooler temperatures and good fishing spots around the water. If you want to camp by the ocean instead, Doheny State Beach Campground is about an hour west, with sites close enough to hear the waves. Horse owners often head to Large Horse Camp, which has corrals and trails designed for riders. Weather around Loma Linda changes throughout the year - winter nights can get cold while summer days regularly hit 100°F, so most people camp in April-May or September-October. The roads to most campgrounds are paved, though some Joshua Tree backcountry spots need higher clearance vehicles. Watch for wildlife like coyotes and desert tortoises when camping in this area, and always secure your food properly. Most established campgrounds have bathrooms and water, but it's smart to check what's available before you go. You should make reservations well ahead of time if you're camping on weekends or holidays, as the better sites fill up quickly. The camping areas around Loma Linda range from hot desert landscapes to mountain forests and beaches, giving you lots of different options.
