Camping spots near Quail Valley, California range from mountain retreats to lakeside destinations, all within a short drive from this Riverside County community. The elevation changes from 1,400 feet in Quail Valley to over 2,500 feet in nearby Cleveland National Forest create diverse camping microclimates. Summer temperatures in this region often range between 75-90°F with overnight lows dropping to 55-65°F, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for tent campers.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Perris: Fishing yields consistent catches at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, where multiple anglers report success. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," notes John H., who frequently fishes the area.
Mountain biking trails: The trail system at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park provides routes for various skill levels. "If you like hiking or mountain biking this is a great park for you!" shares a visitor who appreciates the 8,000 acres of wilderness within a short drive from Orange County.
Visit Ortega Falls: Located 5 minutes from The Secret Place, this waterfall creates a refreshing hiking destination when flowing. "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," explains Kathryn S., highlighting its accessibility for casual hikers.
What campers like
Elevated views: Campers consistently praise the panoramic vistas from hilltop sites at The Secret Place. "Absolutely book your trip here, we had a life changing experience here! Essentially a private mountain top with views above the clouds — seeing the clouds roll in was unreal," writes Kathryn S. about the unique perspective over Lake Elsinore.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high on camper priorities at Lake Skinner Recreation Area. "Great park staff at check in, and at the camp store. Park is beautifully landscaped with trees and lush grass. We had a great time exploring the lake and hiking, well worth visiting," shares a camper identified as WereHere, noting the well-maintained grounds.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Super quiet at night and bathrooms/showers were clean! Great place to camp with the family," reports Stephanie S. about her experience at Lake Skinner, where multiple reviewers mentioned family-oriented facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: During summer, temperatures regularly climb above 90°F, making shade a premium commodity. "Shade is sparse, fellow campers aren't the most considerate," notes Paul C. about Lake Perris, suggesting spring or fall visits might provide more comfortable conditions.
Water restrictions: Some campgrounds have turned off water hookups due to drought conditions. At Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, a camper noted: "I had electric hookup but no water because of the drought," highlighting the need to arrive with filled tanks during dry periods.
Road noise: Campgrounds near highways experience traffic sounds. At El Cariso Campground, campers report mixed experiences with ambient noise. "You can hear traffic from the road, but not bad," notes one reviewer, while another mentions: "Road noise was a little rough for those looking for a quiet getaway."
Tips for camping with families
Story trails for children: O'Neill Regional Park offers unique educational hiking options for children. "Great playground for children and fun 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail," explains Johnny G., detailing this unique feature.
Splash pads for hot days: When lake swimming isn't an option, water play areas provide relief from the heat. "They have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost!" notes Jennifer D. about Lake Skinner, providing an alternative water activity when reservoir swimming is restricted.
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to view or interact with animals. At Palm View RV Park, campers enjoy the "most interesting walkabout garden with little kickbacks where u can chill... If you don't have anybody walk on over next to the garden to find some nice goats and sheep," shares Sara H., describing the pet-friendly farm animals.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require significant leveling. At Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, experienced campers suggest bringing extra leveling blocks. "Most sites are near level on gravel and close together," mentions one RVer, while another notes at Launch Pointe: "The sites are all uneven. Every camper we saw had to do major leveling efforts."
Internet connectivity: Digital nomads should plan accordingly for variable service. "Internet was great but it had bandwidth restraints that would turn your internet off after very small amounts of data used. There was no option to upgrade so you had to use your own hotspots," warns Brian C. about Launch Pointe Recreation Destination.
Reservation timing: For RV sites with 50-amp service, early reservations are essential. "They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working. This park is first come / first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site," advises david N. regarding Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort.
