Best Campgrounds near Mountain Center, CA

Mountain Center, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Mountain Center is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Mountain Center, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Mountain Center, California (397)

    1. Lake Hemet Campground

    39 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2680

    $45 / night

    "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."

    "I've been camping at Lake Hemet since I was a kid, and absolutely love it there."

    2. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    29 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Kinda close to main road. But, store close by. Around the corner next to the village."

    "We like coming here because it’s close to us and a nice little getaway to relax and make sure all our gear is good to go for our longer camping trips."

    3. Hurkey Creek Park

    21 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2050

    $30 - $35 / night

    "This is one of our family's favorite campgrounds because it's a quick drive from San Diego (and OC) and it gives us our "mountain fix" when we don't have time to drive to the Sierra Mountains."

    "It's a lovely campground, and our spot wasn't too far away from the restrooms or the creek. Once Friday afternoon hit though, it did fill up to what felt like near full capacity. "

    4. Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    15 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Located near Idyllwild, this is the smaller, less rowdy campground associated with the tourist town."

    "I was really excited to head out to this campground/ site because it was a close drive from my home, but far enough away to get up in the mountains."

    5. Thousand Trails Idyllwild

    10 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Plus, there are a lot of open spaces in the campground and some small trails with cool views and lots of amenities."

    "We really enjoyed the drive up Idylwild, beautiful scenery. I think the sites are a bit too close to each other, I would prefer more space between sites."

    6. Marion Mountain

    9 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2922

    $10 - $34 / night

    "Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, within the San Jacinto District, Marion Mt. Campground is one of the best camping sites in Southern California."

    "It was close to Idyllwild, which was convenient when we ran out of ice. There are no bear boxes, not sure if it was needed though. For the best spots, make sure to reserve."

    7. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground

    9 Reviews
    Anza, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    "I had service up there, not to crowded and the spots are a good ways away from each other!"

    "This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site. Nothing else much around to do other than hang out at the campground or hike."

    8. Boulder Basin

    7 Reviews
    Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2922

    $10 - $34 / night

    "The bumpy six mile drive up a dirt road to reach this campground is well worth it. The campground has garbage cans and pit toilets."

    "The Campground is set off the main highway about 5 miles and only accessible if have a suv or truck as it is a switchback dirt road. Trailers would not be able to make this trek."

    9. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Temecula, CA
    20 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."

    10. Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    4 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2607

    "A very moderate hike from the aerial tram that put us in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountain just hours away from the peak!"

    "it is a well traveled trail year round but weather is unpredictable."

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Recent Reviews near Mountain Center, CA

1960 Reviews of 397 Mountain Center Campgrounds



Guide to Mountain Center

Camping near Mountain Center, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, perfect for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, "The hills around the campsite are fun to hike around on," highlighting the accessibility of trails from places like Black Rock Campground.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Hemet Campground is a great spot. A visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time," making it a solid choice for anglers.
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in this area provide excellent stargazing opportunities. One camper at San Gorgonio Campground noted, "The campgrounds were really quiet... beautiful views of San Gorgonio," perfect for a night under the stars.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Hurkey Creek Park stated, "The grounds are well maintained... showers, flushing toilets even have 2-ply toilet paper."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Idyllwild Campground mentioned, "The sites were clean and nice... easy access to water and toilets."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One review for Catalina Spa and RV Resort said, "Staff were very friendly and accommodating," making for a welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Skinner Recreation Area noted, "It's a very nice park-like setting... but it is super busy, a lot of people around."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, which might not suit everyone. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground mentioned, "The reason I gave it only three stars is the lack of rangers... large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Black Rock Campground advised, "Just remember to tie down your tent well," especially during windy nights.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A review for Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "Great place for family and kids... there's restrooms you can use."
  • Space for Kids to Play: Choose sites that offer open areas for kids to run around. One camper at Yucaipa Regional Park said, "Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around."
  • Plan for Noise: Be ready for some noise from neighboring sites. A visitor at Lake Skinner Recreation Area noted, "If you don't like sharing the site with your neighbor, kids and partying until the wee hours, this place may not be for you."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites before booking. A camper at Catalina Spa and RV Resort mentioned, "Sites really vary in size and quality."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. One visitor at Lake Hemet Campground appreciated, "Full hookups were available too."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some RV sites can be tight. A review for San Gorgonio Campground stated, "The sites are well spaced and most are level," which is a plus for RVers.

Camping near Mountain Center, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mountain Center, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mountain Center, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 397 campgrounds and RV parks near Mountain Center, CA and 39 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mountain Center, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mountain Center, CA is Lake Hemet Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 39 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mountain Center, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 39 free dispersed camping spots near Mountain Center, CA.

What parks are near Mountain Center, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Mountain Center, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.