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Best Campgrounds near Rancho Cucamonga, CA

1,512 Reviews

Rancho Cucamonga has good camping options within driving distance. Mount San Jacinto State Park draws many campers with its mountain views and hiking trails for all skill levels. Lake Hemet Campground is great for families, with a playground and places to fish throughout the day. Both campgrounds are easy to reach on well-maintained roads that won't give your vehicle trouble. Lake Hemet provides flush toilets and clean drinking water for basic comfort during your stay. Mount San Jacinto has clean restrooms and several picnic areas where you can eat with a view. Some campsites give you more distance from neighbors, while others are more social and open. You'll find good tree cover at both places, keeping your tent or camp setup nicely shaded. Both locations work for tent camping and RVs, so you can bring whatever setup you prefer. Keep in mind that Mount San Jacinto gets colder at night due to its elevation. Lake Hemet is particularly nice for swimming and water activities during the hot summer months. Many locals recommend camping in spring or fall when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rancho Cucamonga, California (280)

    1. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

    "The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"

    2. Prado Regional Park

    21 Reviews
    Chino, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 597-4260

    $47 - $120 / night

    "I grew up around in the area so I have been to this park quite a few times for a few different reasons. It is a very expansive and versatile area."

    "It's a nice park great for long walks and trail riding on bikes great for the dog 🐕 also a bit windy so you need to keep a eye on your awning, great cell service with at&t ."

    3. Bonita Ranch Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 887-3643

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers. I stayed in my van and had my cat and dog with me."

    "It's definitely not that far away from the city roughly a 7-10 minute drive up the mountain very chill environment awesome staff very home like feel you're literally a box throw away from the creek if"

    4. Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Riverside, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 684-7032

    $40 - $55 / night

    "The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."

    "Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping."

    5. Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Cedarpines Park, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 389-2281

    $45 - $350 / night

    "Silverwood Lake was just that. Lush green mountains in the back drop that surrounded every view you turned to take in. "You need to recharge your batteries!""

    "ATV with ice cream and firewood comes around right before dark. Campsites are a bit crowded for my liking. Access to the Silverwood Lake recreation area is a great benefit."

    6. Manker Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "Close by Hobit trails clear and inviting trails .rivers and in the winter snow....lots of campsites.... seen deer..rabbits and a multitude of squirrels. ..."

    "Top of mt Baldy road.. almost as far as you can drive. Not many sites, about 20. One giant loop. No reservations needed."

    7. Dogwood

    33 Reviews
    Rimforest, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 336-6717

    $40 - $81 / night

    "The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."

    "The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."

    8. Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Lytle Creek, CA
    10 miles
    +1 (909) 382-2716

    $15 - $20 / night

    "I had a positive impression of this small campground, located just 5-7 miles away from the 215 highway, amidst natural surroundings."

    "The fresh stream is just a short distance away, just a few steps away and you can immerse yourself in nature right across the road."

    9. Table Mountain Campground

    21 Reviews
    Wrightwood, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 249-3526

    $30 - $500 / night

    "If you have a chance after - drive the whole Angeles crest highway! Worth the trouble. You are also located close to the PCT, take a hike!"

    "We got a campsite that was on the outside of the loop. We were in Cherokee loop in campsite #87."

    10. Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park

    14 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    16 miles

    $30 - $120 / night

    "This is a nice, small campground with easy access to many freeways.  "

    "That probably makes sense since a side entrance is only a mile down the road from us.

    We hike this several times a month."

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Recent Camping Photos near Rancho Cucamonga, CA

564 Photos of 280 Rancho Cucamonga Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rancho Cucamonga, CA

1512 Reviews of 280 Rancho Cucamonga Campgrounds

  • Karen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Ant Infestation !

    If they would simply notify campers upon check in of the SIGNIFICANT SEASONAL ANT INFESTATION, it could have alleviated us waking up with ants crawling on our faces in the morning. They sell diatomaceous earth for $10. And we carry it already, but all we could do was go to WAR with the ants to contain the outbreak in our camper. BTW, we carry NO food inside the camper. Had to go to 2 hardware stores to get supplies and spend significant time eradicating only 95%. SO Disappointed. Our site was near a “coyote corridor”, so maybe why we didn’t have so many squirrels! Ha Ha!

  • Julia G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Hare School Park

    Overnight parking ✅

    You can overnight park here with your RV without problems.

  • Elijah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Big Pine Flat Campground

    50/50

    Sites are nice, there is potable water and toilets BUT there is also a OHV staging area directly across from the campsites. The occasional dirt bike is fine right? So I thought. There was a group of 20+ people partying and playing corridos so loud I couldn’t fall asleep. They had a side by side with large speakers facing the campsite :/ I wouldn’t be annoyed if it was free but I paid $30 to camp and the camp host said this is their turf and there is nothing he can do.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    serrano camp grounds

    Great place

    I stayed for one night Wednesday just to try the showers. The showers were perfect! Hot water even! So clean and beautiful. Recommend!

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    East Flats

    Nice Peaceful Area

    Wasn’t hard to find a little rough but fairly easy to reach with our Sedan. Couldn’t find too much to do but if you’re looking for a weekend getaway to relax it’s a nice spot.

  • Nickchris G.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Horsemen's Center

    Horseman's center!

    Beautiful views of the entire city and never bothered by anyone, can do bonfires, and even camp right out my car.

Guide to Rancho Cucamonga

Camping near Rancho Cucamonga, CA, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campgrounds, like Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park, provide access to great hiking paths. One visitor mentioned, "Great hiking trails start in the campground."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Lake Hemet Campground. A reviewer noted, "They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout."
  • Beach Access: For those who love the ocean, San Clemente State Beach Campground is just a short walk from the beach. A camper shared, "The walk to the beach was close, seemed maybe about 10 minutes till we reached the beach from our site."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Serrano, one visitor said, "Beautiful campground. Clean restrooms and showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "There are mature trees between every campsite that provide privacy between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. At Dogwood, a visitor noted, "Camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "Every day and night multiple other campers had music blasting and were yelling and screaming."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park does not allow fires or have electric hookups, which some campers found disappointing.
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife in the area. A visitor at Serrano mentioned, "Bears and coyotes in the area, recommended not to let small dogs or cats roam unattended."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Lake Hemet Campground is noted for being great for families, with one reviewer saying, "Great place for family and kids."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs suggested, "We had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time during downtime."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and beach days. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "Nice place close to many convenient places."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "The campground itself is pretty nice... but the lack of rangers made it hard to enjoy."
  • Bring Your Own Shade: Some sites may not have enough shade. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground advised, "Bring your own shade for this campsite."

Camping near Rancho Cucamonga, CA, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any beginner-friendly campgrounds near Rancho Cucamonga?

Bonelli Bluffs is an excellent option for beginners with its accessible location, clean facilities, and family-friendly environment. While it lacks playgrounds, the lakeside setting provides natural entertainment. O'Neill Regional Park is another beginner-friendly choice with clean sites, free showers, and numerous hiking and biking trails. It's tucked in a canyon with easy access while still providing a nature experience. For those new to camping, Rancho Jurupa RV Park offers convenient amenities including water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites, making the transition to outdoor living comfortable and stress-free.

Where are the best camping locations near Rancho Cucamonga?

Rancho Cucamonga offers excellent access to diverse camping options within a short drive. Heart Bar Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest is a top choice, offering seclusion, beautiful mountain views, and spectacular sunsets. For a unique backcountry experience, Little Jimmy Trail Campground is a hike-in only site nestled in Angeles National Forest with vault toilets and fire rings. Closer to town, Prado Regional Park provides convenient camping with full amenities including reservable sites, water, and toilets. Adventure-seekers might consider Applewhite Campground in San Bernardino National Forest for its natural surroundings just a short drive from the highway.

Can I find lakeside camping options close to Rancho Cucamonga?

Serrano at Big Bear Lake offers prime lakeside camping with sites just steps from the water. The friendly staff provides helpful information about local wildlife, and the campground offers a genuine lake experience even during colder months. Another excellent option is Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, featuring reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. For coastal water enthusiasts, Doheny State Beach Campground provides beachfront sites with varying levels of privacy—opt for outside edge sites for more space. All these locations require reservations well in advance, especially during summer months.

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