Camping spots near Norco, California offer diverse recreational options within inland Southern California's varied terrain. Located at approximately 650 feet elevation in western Riverside County, the area experiences summer temperatures that can reach triple digits during July and August, with mild winters that rarely drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region remain accessible year-round, with dirt roads that generally don't require four-wheel drive vehicles.
What to do
Fishing in stocked lakes: Lake Perris State Recreational Area provides excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. One camper noted, "Lake Perris was a fun and clean place to camp at! We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it. There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes."
Hiking through hills: At Rolling M. Ranch Campground, trails wind through the 14,000-acre Chino Hills State Park. According to one visitor, "This state park has 14,000 acres. It feels secluded, but the city is only 20 minutes away. The trails are varied, accessible by horseback, hiking, biking. Some trails are ready walking, some very strenuous."
Mini golf and water play: Rancho Jurupa RV Park offers family-friendly activities beyond standard camping. A camper shared: "Very well maintained and clean campsites! Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities. Nice staff!"
Mountain biking: The trail systems near campgrounds provide extensive routes for cycling enthusiasts. According to one visitor at O'Neill Regional Park: "The campground is located next to Oneil Park, which is huge and great for bike and running. There are many hiking trails nearby in all directions. I usually ride to Caspers from the campsite or Trabruco creak up to Holy Jim."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight. At Prado Regional Park, one visitor reported: "This the second time we've stayed here. It's always very scenic and SO quiet it's very peaceful. But lucky us this time some campers came in apparently for the wknd and played their music so loud you could hardly hear TV."
Wildlife viewing: Chino Hills State Park offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. A camper shared: "At night was treated to owls and coyotes calling. I'm looking forward to giving this park another shot when it's fully 'open' and when the poppy hikers aren't there."
Community atmosphere: Many campgrounds foster a sense of community. At Canyon RV Park, a long-term camper noted: "I have been here for a few months and I love it here. It's not only in the middle of a nature preserve but you're also in the middle of a City. You're nearby to all the stores you could ever need but you're also around a lot of wild life."
Quick getaway convenience: The proximity to urban areas makes these campgrounds ideal for short trips. One visitor at Prado Regional Park said, "Perfect to get out of the city but still be in it. Campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart. A ton of recreational things to do. Quiet at night."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer heat impacts camping comfort. At Blue Jay Campground, one camper observed: "Stayed here in late August, it's easy to get to and close enough for a short trip out of town. The trees were nice, needed some maintenance though because a large tree fell very close to our camp and the area was covered with Poison Oak."
Noise levels: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. A visitor at Canyon RV Park mentioned: "Campground is well-organized, with cabins, RV spots, a youth area, tent spots and a ropes course. A pool, flushable toilets and hot showers are available to all campers for free. The site is bordered by highways on both sides, and they create noise day and night."
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, securing spots requires planning. At Lake Perris State Recreational Area, a camper noted: "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."
Campfire regulations: Policies vary between campgrounds. At Blue Jay Campground, one camper stated: "The staff was fairly friendly and very strict about fires and check out time. The campsites were not too close together but they were smallish. The fire pit was burried in ground so it was practically level."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water features: Children particularly enjoy campgrounds with water activities. At Lake Perris, a parent shared: "Lake Perris was a fun and clean place to camp at! We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it."
Consider playgrounds and activities: O'Neill Regional Park provides excellent amenities for children. A camper reported: "If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large and private. Clean facilities, flushing toilets and hot showers, well maintained sites. Very affordable. Friendly staff and atmosphere. Recently paved streets (perfect for scootering, skating, biking). Great playground for children."
Check insect conditions: Some campgrounds have seasonal insect issues. At Blue Jay Campground, a visitor advised: "While annoying, we found the best ways to combat them were bug spray and citronella candles. They do go away once the sun sets."
Choose sites strategically: Location within campgrounds affects convenience and noise. One camper at Prado Regional Park noted: "We were at site 42 which was right across the from the bathrooms, the noise was manageable and it was convenient to be close to the facilities. The other side was the river but it was dry."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Campsites may require adjustment for comfortable RV setup. At Chino Hills State Park, an RVer observed: "Upper spots were not level, but they had a nicer view. Lower spots were more level."
Site spacing: Personal space varies between campgrounds. A visitor to Bonelli Bluffs commented: "Good camp ground if you like being 6 ft away from your neighbors. More of a group or community campground. Shared fire pit and tables. Not the place to go if you are trying to get away from people."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entry roads. An RVer at Chino Hills State Park warned: "We drove up in our 26ft motorhome and while we made it, I'm not sure that I'd want to make that drive again. It's very narrow and winding, single lane at times, lots of traffic (and so lots of backing up and negotiating around other cars in the narrower sections), and lots of pedestrians/hikers/families walking along the road."
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary. At Bonelli Bluffs, an RVer noted: "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others. Occasionally they run a special."
