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Dog-Friendly Camping near Quail Valley, CA
18 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort accommodates pets at all RV, tent, cabin, and glamping sites throughout the 120-acre property. Dogs are welcome to explore the resort's walking paths along canals populated with waterfowl, though owners report geese and ducks are plentiful and leave droppings throughout the grounds. The resort provides designated pet waste stations and requires all dogs to be leashed when outside camping units. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground also permits pets in both tent and RV sites, featuring standard hookups and picnic tables at each location. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park extends its pet-friendly policy to not only traditional camping options but also cabin rentals and yurts, giving pet owners diverse accommodation choices. Sites remain well-maintained with concrete pads and picnic tables at each spot, though the park's bright corner lighting may disturb light-sensitive pets.
Several hiking trails surrounding these dog-friendly campgrounds near Quail Valley welcome leashed dogs, providing exercise opportunities beyond the immediate camping areas. During summer months, pet owners should be mindful of hot ground surfaces and provide adequate shade and water, as daytime temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in this region. The Secret Place (formerly Hidden Hill Ranch Retreat) offers a more intimate option with just 12 pet-friendly sites featuring electric hookups and potable water. Many campers note the abundance of waterfowl at Wilderness Lakes makes for interesting walks with pets, though the birds can be quite vocal throughout the night. Most campgrounds enforce standard quiet hours from 10pm to 7am, which includes expectations for controlling pet noise. None of the reviewed facilities mentioned breed or size restrictions, but all require pets to remain under owner control at all times and proper cleanup of pet waste.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Quail Valley (256)
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."
"When you enter the park, they give you a map and you drive around and choose the site you like and park."
3. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
"Clean, pet friendly and good for kids."
"This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."
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
"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."
"Launch Pointe was a great stay for our family and dog! Check in was very speedy. The campground was clean as can be- no overflowing garbages, all utilities tastefully hidden."
Check Availabilityfrom $55 - $140 / night
6. O'Neill Regional Park
"I found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open."
"For our purposes:
- Dog Friendly: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Kid Friendly: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pros:
- Clean facilities, flushing toilets and hot showers, well maintained sites.
- Very affordable"
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."
"Good trails nearby, but only 2 in Onofre Beach that allow dogs. Close to the ocean, restaurants and shopping. The trail between the campground and beach is~1.5 miles."
25 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 - $250 / night
10. The Secret Place
"I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!"
"A/C in the house is great for cooling off from heat. 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."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
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 Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Quail Valley, CA
200 Photos of 256 Quail Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV ParkK
Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove
The Secret Place
Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSEDG
Vanlife Campground Community In Coastal MountainsA
Down To Earth Echoshire
MT SOMEWHERE
Van Life Campgrounds: Fallbrook
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Country Hills RV Park ResortR
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Quail Valley, CA
2040 Reviews of 256 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
Lake Perris State Recreation Area forms the primary camping destination in the Quail Valley region, with elevations ranging between 1,400-2,200 feet across surrounding campgrounds. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90-100°F between June and September, while winter nights can drop to the low 40s. Most campgrounds in this region experience significant temperature fluctuations between day and night regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Perris: The lake offers good catch rates for various fish species. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun. Camping is ok, some days the sites are good some days they aren't," notes John H. from Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground.
Hiking to waterfalls: Two accessible waterfall trails are located near Blue Jay Campground. "Went on two great hikes, both to the nearby waterfalls. Each hike was beautiful. Stopped off at a small Candy Store & Deli on Ortega Highway on the way that we loved!" reports Chad M. who camped at Blue Jay.
Mountain biking trails: The area surrounding O'Neill Regional Park provides excellent terrain for cycling. "This site is great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running. It is very clean, and the showers are free and clean as well. I usually ride to Caspers from the campsite or Trabruco creak up to Holy Jim," shares Mike G.
What campers like
Elevated campsites with views: The Secret Place offers spectacular vantage points above Lake Elsinore. "Well secluded sites each with an incredible view!" writes Ben M. about The Secret Place, which offers only 12 sites total with electric hookups.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain good standards for restrooms and common areas. "Clean campground, most of the spots are super private! A fun little hike (1.5 miles) to the walk until tresels beach. The beach is beautiful, great for surfing!" says Brianne S. about San Mateo Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated recreation areas for children. "Great family campground. Super quiet at night and bathrooms/showers were clean!" mentions Stephanie S., who appreciates the family atmosphere at San Mateo Campground.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Road noise affects campgrounds near highways, particularly El Cariso. "Just a turn off of Ortega makes the campground very easy to have access to. Unfortunately because of how close it is to the highway there is some car noise that comes along with it," writes Christopher M. about El Cariso Campground.
Cell service varies: Coverage can be inconsistent across different campgrounds. "WiFi 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," notes Brian C. regarding Launch Pointe.
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require significant leveling equipment. "The sites were all uneven. Every camper we saw had to do major leveling efforts," reports another camper at Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Lake Skinner provides water features for kids during hot months. "They have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost! There are lots of walking trails. The park is well maintained, big open grassy area for activities," shares Jennifer D. about Lake Skinner Recreation Area.
Playground facilities: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Quail Valley include play structures. "If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! Great playground for children. Easy 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," recommends Johnny G. about O'Neill Regional Park.
Bike-friendly pathways: Paved roads in many campgrounds create safe cycling areas for children. "Lots of kids riding bikes and having fun! I suggest to follow their lead. Bring a bike to explore the loops and trail to beach," advises Jeannie B. about San Mateo Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity limits: For larger rigs, check availability of 50-amp service. "This park is first come/first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site, so you can see the problem. We have been there 5 times in the last 2 years and will go some more, but we have never been able to get in a 50amp site," explains david N. about Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort.
Site selection strategy: Corner sites often provide more space and better views. "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," suggests Marcella D. about Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park.
Space constraints: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Quail Valley have tight spacing between sites. "We reserved a spot for a rig with slide outs on both sides to accommodate our 39'er but it took some creative parking to get the rig into the spot in a way that we could actually open both sides," notes Bryan H. who stayed at Launch Pointe.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Quail Valley, CA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Quail Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Quail Valley, CA is Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 45 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Quail Valley, CA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Quail Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 256 dog-friendly camping locations near Quail Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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