Best Campgrounds near Moreno Valley, CA

Campgrounds near Moreno Valley, California range from developed sites to waterfront recreation areas across several regional parks. Lake Perris State Recreational Area, located about 7 miles southeast of Moreno Valley, serves as the region's primary camping destination with both tent and RV campsites featuring water and electrical hookups. Other nearby options include Rancho Jurupa RV Park in Riverside and Yucaipa Regional Park, both offering cabin accommodations in addition to traditional camping sites. Most campgrounds in this area provide amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and picnic tables.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences in this region, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F, especially at lower elevations. Many campgrounds remain open year-round but experience peak crowding during summer weekends and holidays. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays at Lake Perris, where sites with shade trees are in high demand during hot months. Facilities at most developed campgrounds include drinking water, shower buildings, and sanitary dump stations for RVs. According to one visitor, "Clean campsites, clean showers and toilets. Lots of biking and hiking trails. Primitive camping and RV camping available."

The camping experience in this region varies significantly between weekdays and weekends. Lake Perris State Recreational Area features numerous waterfront recreational opportunities, including swimming beaches, boating access, and fishing areas. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere during weekdays, though weekend crowds can significantly change the experience. A recent review noted, "It can get very hot during the summer with little shade but you can go to the lake, get wet and cool off." Noise levels at Lake Perris campgrounds can be substantial on weekends, with multiple reviewers mentioning late-night activities. Campers seeking quieter experiences might prefer weekday visits or exploring the more remote Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campsites near Big Bear Lake, which offers free primitive camping with fewer amenities but a more secluded atmosphere.

Best Camping Sites Near Moreno Valley, California (379)

    1. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    39 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    4 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. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."

    "Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"

    3. Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Riverside, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 684-7032

    $40 - $55 / night

    "The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."

    "Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping."

    4. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."

    "The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."

    5. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    Menifee, CA
    18 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. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    Angelus Oaks, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains."

    "Fun off-road adventure to get to the site. Minimal sites so not much crowding."

    7. March Air Reserve Base

    2 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 655-3983

    $25 - $35 / night

    8. Mission RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Bryn Mawr, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 796-7570

    "Although the park doesn't offer much of entertainment and don't remember seeing a pool (can get pretty hot) I was able to enjoy all the shopping stores and restaurants near by."

    9. Fisherman's Retreat

    2 Reviews
    Calimesa, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 795-0171

    "The members lake & camping spots are nice & quiet. Great place to relax & fish. Get a spot up against the lake. The non members lakes & camping spots can be a little ghetto."

    10. Olive Dell Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Bryn Mawr, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 825-6619
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Recent Reviews near Moreno Valley, CA

1800 Reviews of 379 Moreno Valley Campgrounds


  • 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.

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

    Pathfinder Dispersed Camping

    Free!!!!

    Mostly secluded, and you get a few bovine visitors. No amenities. 14 day stays. The only important note is that the road leading up is rough, careful skill is needed.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Great spots, great views

    Great location! Beautiful views from every spot! Will definitely stay here again. Road is a little rough in sections coming up, so plan vehicle choice accordingly!

  • L
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Deer loop

    Had an amazing time, unbeknownst to us deer loop was closed after we booked it in June. We ended up having the whole loop to ourselves. We come here about 5 times a year and never have issues.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Thomas Mountain Road

    No frills

    Close to the road. 14 day limit cool backdrop. Road to the sites has a few bumps.

  • Emily L.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort

    Horrible experience!

    Came to this park to relax, and was was kept awake all night by the sound of several cats fighting outside. Why wouldn't management do something about the stray cats? Just to see this many cats makes this park feel urban or ghetto. Great park if you don't need to sleep...

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pine Knot Campground

    Nice Campground Close to Town

    This campground is located pretty much in town right off Summit Blvd, on a side street right next to Snow Summit. We stayed here a couple nights with our pop-up camper in site #17. Cost was $34 a night. We pulled in a little later than planned, around 7:30, there were about 10 other sites occupied with a few more reserved. There are 48 sites throughout the campground. All primitive sites. Generators are allowed, but must stay on paved areas, and not run during quiet hours, 10:00 PM- 6:00 AM. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, grill and bear box provided. There are 4 bathroom houses around the campground with flush toilets and sinks, they were pretty clean and well kept. Potable water was available. We did hear the coyotes at night and even had one or two come through our site. Campfires are allowed at this campground as of Oct. 9, 2025. We had great T-Mobile and AT&T cell service. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Oak Grove Campground

    Quiet, small and dark... simple camping.

    A great little hidden site with not much to offer but stargazing, fresh air and nice campers. My 2nd trailer camping trip was 1 night and it was awesome, plenty of stars and the Milky Way was so clear... years since I've seen it. Non hook ups but there is water throughout the grounds, plenty of wildlife birds, I had a bluejay sing for me all day. Clean restrooms... and red ants. Loved my space so I'll be getting it again.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.


Guide to Moreno Valley

Camping near Moreno Valley, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beach vibe or a desert adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean," making it a perfect spot for beach lovers.
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Head to Lake Hemet Campground for fishing. One visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Indian Cove Campground mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. For example, Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park has no electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Noise Levels: Campers at San Clemente State Beach Campground reported noise from nearby highways. One camper said, "You can try to imagine it’s the sound of the water, but it doesn’t really work out when it’s off sync with the sound of the waves."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for spots like Lake Hemet Campground that offer fishing and swimming. A family camper shared, "The swim zone isn't too far from this campsite."
  • Plan for Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites close together. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "The campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Campgrounds like Serrano may not have markets nearby. One camper 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 reviewer at Black Rock Campground advised, "The roads in are narrow and absolutely terrible."
  • Bring Dollar Bills for Showers: At places like San Mateo Campground, showers require tokens. One camper said, "A couple tokens (one dollar) is enough for a decent shower."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, expect more people. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "The weekdays are really quiet, maybe 15 to 20 RVs in the F area, but weekends fill up completely."

Camping around Moreno Valley, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a desert adventure. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Moreno Valley?

For camping near Moreno Valley, Applewhite Campground in San Bernardino National Forest offers a small, natural setting just 5-7 miles from Highway 215. For a more adventurous option, Heart Bar Campground provides spectacular mountain views and a secluded atmosphere with beautiful California sunsets. Both campgrounds are within a reasonable drive from Moreno Valley. If you prefer more developed facilities, Yucaipa Regional Park and Rancho Jurupa Park offer family-friendly options with amenities like showers, picnic areas, and nearby hiking trails. Always check seasonal availability and reservation requirements before planning your trip.

What fishing and camping opportunities are available near Moreno Valley?

Moreno Valley offers excellent fishing and camping combinations within a short drive. Serrano Campground provides lakeside camping with easy fishing access and friendly staff who keep campers informed about local wildlife. Fisherman's Retreat near Redlands lives up to its name with dedicated fishing facilities alongside camping options. Other notable fishing spots include Lake Perris State Recreation Area, which offers both shoreline and boat fishing for bass, trout, and catfish. For a more rustic experience, the San Bernardino National Forest has several campgrounds near streams with seasonal fishing opportunities. Most fishing locations require a California fishing license, and some charge additional day-use or entrance fees.

Are there campsites with electricity and water hookups in Moreno Valley?

Yes, several campgrounds near Moreno Valley offer electricity and water hookups. Pechanga RV Resort features modern hookups with additional amenities like a pool and proximity to restaurants and golf. Bonelli Bluffs also provides quality utility hookups, though some campers note it lacks playground facilities for children. Other options with full hookups include Rancho Jurupa RV Park in Riverside and Mission RV Park in Redlands, both offering convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere. Most of these sites require reservations, especially during peak seasons. Hookup amperage varies by campground, so RVers should confirm their specific electrical needs when booking. Rates typically range from $45-75 per night for sites with utilities.

How do I make reservations for Lake Perris camping near Moreno Valley?

To reserve a campsite at Lake Perris near Moreno Valley, visit ReserveCalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and it's recommended to book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays. O'Neill Regional Park follows a similar reservation system and can be an alternative if Lake Perris is full. Lake Perris offers over 400 campsites with various amenities, including some with lake views. When making reservations, be prepared with alternative dates and site numbers. Reservation fees apply in addition to camping fees, and cancellation policies vary based on how far in advance you cancel. Always check for any fire restrictions or park alerts before your stay.