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Camping near Quail Valley, CA
20 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Camping near Quail Valley, California ranges from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks, with options spread across the surrounding Riverside County area. Nearby options include Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, which offers both tent and RV sites with electric hookups and water connections, and Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort in Menifee, which provides year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping opportunities. The area between Lake Elsinore and Temecula contains multiple camping destinations with varying levels of development, from primitive sites to full-service RV parks with amenities like showers, electric hookups, and dump stations.
Campgrounds in the region typically require reservations, especially during peak seasons and holidays when facilities like Lake Perris State Recreation Area and Lake Skinner Recreation Area fill quickly. Most established sites provide drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, while hookup availability varies significantly between locations. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making shade a valuable commodity at many sites. Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, particularly in the adjacent Cleveland National Forest areas. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to urban areas, though coverage may be spotty in some canyon locations. As one camper noted about nearby Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, "Most sites are near level on gravel and close together... Menifee is central to the southern California mountains of north south and east in addition to the beaches 1-2hrs west."
Water access represents a significant draw for many campers in the area, with Lake Perris and Lake Skinner offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating directly from campgrounds. Campers frequently mention the convenient location relative to Southern California attractions, with many sites serving as bases for day trips to nearby destinations. The Secret Place campground and Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park earn praise for their natural settings despite proximity to urban development. Several visitors highlighted the quality of facilities at Lake Perris State Recreational Area, noting that "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!" Many campgrounds in the region balance natural surroundings with accessibility to urban amenities, allowing for diverse camping experiences within short driving distances.
Best Campgrounds near Quail Valley (428)
1. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"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! "
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $300 / night
2. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
"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."
3. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
4. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
"We were able to find a spot tucked away off one of the loops to the left after a small hill. Neighbors played loud music but we didn’t mind at all."
"clean restrooms and sites. large campground with paved roads was nice for strolling through. pretty far off the beaten path above lake elsinore. the views near by were fantastic. the staff was fairly friendly"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
5. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park
"Canopy Court area has easy and close access to the splash pad, the playground, a large grass area, and even the pool. The boat launch is very near by too but we had no use for that."
"I had site 126 in the fields, corner site and lake view. This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights."
Check Availabilityfrom $55 - $140 / night
6. O'Neill Regional Park
"Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical..."
"This is a nice little campground tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of South Orange County."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
7. El Cariso Campground
"The campground was right off the highway, cost affective ($15/night), and there were no reservations needed. There were 24 sites tucked in the woods. A few water faucets & bathrooms throughout."
"Albeit it’s just off the road and Ortega highway is fairly busy at all hours of the night, so road noise was a little annoying but not bad. Self pay was easy and quick."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
8. Lake Elsinore Marina & RV Resort (West Marina)
"Excellent quick little overnighter lake side. Much fun. Met many friends. Can’t wait to have another day off"
"Jack’s Bbq on Lakeside Drive"
9. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
"San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."
"Another beautiful gem along the California Coast. Although not on or too near the beach, this campground is truly a lovely spot. All or most of the campsites boast a bit of privacy."
24 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 - $250 / night
10. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
"Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees. "
"Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want. Technically not allowed to bring in outside wood."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $25 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 14 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 21 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 11 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 31 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Quail Valley, CA
651 Photos of 428 Quail Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
Lake Elsinore Marina & RV Resort (West Marina)
Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove
El Cariso CampgroundC
Owlbee Farm Campground
The Secret Place
Lake Perris State Recreational Area CampgroundE
Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSEDS
Falcon Group Campground
Lake Skinner Recreation Area
Riverside's Piece of ParadiseK
The Green Ravine in SoCal
Recent Reviews near Quail Valley, CA
2040 Reviews of 428 Quail Valley Campgrounds
- H
Harold W.ScoutSeabreeze At Seal Beach
Beautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
- DDouglas E.
TravelerDel Mar RV Park and Marina
Great military camp site
Very clean. Right in the beach. Good managers. It has been fantastic
- TTanya T.Scout
Mountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
- DDouglas E.Traveler
Guajome Regional Park
Nice place
Clean, beautiful, hookups work, bathrooms/showers are clean. The lake is serene. Professional photographers are abound to take wedding and/or family pics here. Really wonderful. I almost don’t want to recommend it to keep others from flooding this gem.
David S.ScoutEscondido RV Resort
Nice, clean, accommodating RV Park with everything. Heated pool, Jacuzzi, laundry room, pet friendly and very nice people who went out of their way to hook us up with a spot . 😁Was going to stay for the 1 night ended up 3 days great atmosphere with everything close by . Highly recommended. 💯
- HHope H.
GuideSan Clemente State Beach Campground
Sites Near RR Tracks are Ocean View
I didn't book very early but was able to get a site right across from the lifeguard station. The sunset view was quintessential California and maybe even worth the price of admission, which is pretty steep at $53 for tent camping and freeway noise.
The restrooms vary, so if one is particularly distasteful, head to a quieter area of the campground.
RR noise isn't bad, as the crossing is far enough away that the horn blast seems quite distant. I-5 is very noisy however. There are lots of on/off ramps in that area, and with hills to climb it just makes for a lot of engine noise.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Kimberly E.ScoutBear Lake
Exceptional camping experience. Beautiful, secluded, but not far from town. Would recommend a vehicle you feel comfortable with off roading terrain.
Guide to Quail Valley
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Quail Valley, CA?
What camping is available near Quail Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Quail Valley, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 428 campgrounds and RV parks near Quail Valley, CA and 81 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Quail Valley, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Quail Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Quail Valley, CA is Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Quail Valley, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Quail Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 81 free dispersed camping spots near Quail Valley, CA.
What parks are near Quail Valley, CA?
What parks are near Quail Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Quail Valley, CA that allow camping, notably Cleveland National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest.
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