Best Campgrounds near Perris, CA

The Perris area in Southern California contains several established campgrounds and recreation areas centered around Lake Perris State Recreational Area. Located approximately 65 miles east of Los Angeles, this region supports multiple camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals at locations like Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground and Palm View RV Park. The campground landscape stretches from Lake Perris to nearby recreation areas such as Lake Skinner Recreation Area and Launch Pointe Recreation Destination, providing options for water-based recreation combined with overnight stays.

Developed campgrounds throughout the region typically offer amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and restrooms, with many sites providing electric hookups for RVs. Summer temperatures frequently reach into the 90s, making shade trees a valuable commodity at campsites. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during peak summer months when lakeside locations attract visitors seeking water recreation. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with milder temperatures in spring and fall providing more comfortable camping conditions. One camper noted, "Temperatures reached low 90s but there was always a nice breeze. Find a site with good trees."

Camping experiences vary significantly across the area's developed campgrounds. Lake Perris State Recreational Area offers fishing, swimming, hiking trails and boat rentals, making it popular despite sometimes crowded conditions on weekends. Several campgrounds feature full hookups for RVs alongside tent camping areas, creating diverse camping environments. Visitors frequently mention the clean facilities and generous site sizes, though some campgrounds can become noisy during peak periods. According to one reviewer, "Friday/Saturday is a heck of a party... held strong until 2:30am." For quieter experiences, campers recommend weekday visits when campgrounds are less crowded. The multiple recreation areas with swimming access provide family-friendly destinations during summer months, though sites with shade trees tend to book quickly.

Best Camping Sites Near Perris, California (365)

    1. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    39 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    6 miles

    $25 - $300 / night

    "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!  "

    "Good experience at lake perris we had our travel trailer plugged in with electrical and water, grey tank empty only on site."

    2. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    Menifee, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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

    25 Reviews
    Temecula, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 926-1541

    $25 - $45 / night

    "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."

    4. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 471-1212

    $55 - $140 / night

    "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."

    5. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 673-6180

    $20 / night

    "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"

    6. Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Riverside, CA
    17 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."

    7. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."

    "Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"

    8. O'Neill Regional Park

    31 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2260

    $20 / night

    "It's tucked back in the canyon, but you will still hear all the traffic from the road. Since it is a canyon, many loud cars and motorcycles zoom past at high speeds.  Free dump station.  "

    "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..."

    9. El Cariso Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 736-1811

    $15 / night

    "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."

    10. Palm View RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Quail Valley, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 657-7791

    "If you don't have anybody walk on over next to the garden to find some nice goats and sheep and up on the little hill there's cute chickens of all whom can be pet as for they are all used to being pet."

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Recent Reviews near Perris, CA

1872 Reviews of 365 Perris Campgrounds


  • Heather K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA

    Great Campground

    I don’t tend to stay at KOAs but this one may change my mind. We got a spot that was big enough for two camper vans (promaster and express). The hot tubs were awesome. They even had a haunted house and hayride for the kids. Super cool spot.

  • Frank M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Nice campground

    It's a very nice campground about an hours drive from the beach and other tourist attractions. Usually sold out every weekend. The road to get there can be dangerous. Some wannabe race drivers and commuters avoiding crowded freeways will NOT tolerate anyone doing the speed limit and will pass regardless of the danger.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pathfinder Dispersed Camping

    Free!

    No amenities. 14 day stay. Mostly secluded, except for some cow visitors. Road leading in is rough. Skill is needed to venture back.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pathfinder Dispersed Camping

    Free!!!!

    Mostly secluded, and you get a few bovine visitors. No amenities. 14 day stays. The only important note is that the road leading up is rough, careful skill is needed.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Great spots, great views

    Great location! Beautiful views from every spot! Will definitely stay here again. Road is a little rough in sections coming up, so plan vehicle choice accordingly!

  • L
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Deer loop

    Had an amazing time, unbeknownst to us deer loop was closed after we booked it in June. We ended up having the whole loop to ourselves. We come here about 5 times a year and never have issues.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Thomas Mountain Road

    No frills

    Close to the road. 14 day limit cool backdrop. Road to the sites has a few bumps.

  • Emily L.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort

    Horrible experience!

    Came to this park to relax, and was was kept awake all night by the sound of several cats fighting outside. Why wouldn't management do something about the stray cats? Just to see this many cats makes this park feel urban or ghetto. Great park if you don't need to sleep...

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pine Knot Campground

    Nice Campground Close to Town

    This campground is located pretty much in town right off Summit Blvd, on a side street right next to Snow Summit. We stayed here a couple nights with our pop-up camper in site #17. Cost was $34 a night. We pulled in a little later than planned, around 7:30, there were about 10 other sites occupied with a few more reserved. There are 48 sites throughout the campground. All primitive sites. Generators are allowed, but must stay on paved areas, and not run during quiet hours, 10:00 PM- 6:00 AM. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, grill and bear box provided. There are 4 bathroom houses around the campground with flush toilets and sinks, they were pretty clean and well kept. Potable water was available. We did hear the coyotes at night and even had one or two come through our site. Campfires are allowed at this campground as of Oct. 9, 2025. We had great T-Mobile and AT&T cell service. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful.


Guide to Perris

Camping near Perris, California, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beachside spots to serene mountain retreats, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at San Clemente State Beach Campground. It's just a short walk to the beach, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One camper mentioned, “The walk to the beach was close, seemed maybe about 10 minutes till we reached the beach from our site.”
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Serrano Campground. A reviewer noted, “There is a biking trail that goes through the campground that was well used,” making it a great spot for outdoor activities.
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Hemet Campground for some fishing fun. One visitor shared, “The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time,” highlighting the lake's appeal for anglers.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the stunning views at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A happy camper said, “Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind,” making it a picturesque spot for relaxation.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park, one reviewer remarked, “Bathrooms are extremely clean,” which is always a plus when camping.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach are noted for their family-friendly vibe. A camper mentioned, “Great spot with good privacy,” making it ideal for families looking to enjoy some quality time together.

What you should know

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground noted, “It can get very crowded and packed,” so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like San Mateo Campground, lack certain amenities like electric hookups. A reviewer pointed out, “The upper campground has water and electricity,” but it’s good to check what’s available before you go.
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, “The train is loud, but passes seldom,” so keep that in mind when choosing your site.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. At Lake Hemet Campground, one camper said, “You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table,” which is great for family gatherings.
  • Plan Activities: Bring along games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A family at Bonelli Bluffs found it peaceful, saying, “The campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, “There’s a small shop/cafe with live music,” which can be a fun treat for the family.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Black Rock Campground said, “The roads could use some work and if you have a RV/Trailer/Van you may want some block to help get you level.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider sites further from common areas. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground noted, “It is loud, even if it isn’t because your neighbors are on top of you.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, “There is a $10 fee, they have a convenient credit card machine,” which can save you time during your trip.

Camping in Perris, CA, and the surrounding areas offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping options at Lake Perris?

Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground offers excellent camping opportunities with diverse amenities. The campground features sites near the lake with swimming areas, bike paths, hiking trails, and a camp store that provides boat rentals. For those seeking alternatives near Perris, Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park provides drive-in access with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Lake Perris can get crowded on weekends and holidays with a lively atmosphere, so weekday visits are recommended for a quieter experience. The campground also offers educational opportunities with an on-site museum featuring local history and Native American exhibits.

Is RV camping available at Lake Perris and what are the facilities?

Yes, RV camping is available at Lake Perris with good facilities. The campground offers sites with electrical and water hookups for travel trailers and RVs. There are no sewer connections directly at the sites, but dump stations are available near the park exit. For those seeking a more luxurious RV experience near Perris, Pala Casino Spa Resort offers upscale RV accommodations. Rancho Jurupa RV Park is another nearby option with reservable sites that are big-rig friendly with full hookups. Lake Perris campground has varying site sizes that can accommodate medium to large RVs, though it can get crowded during peak times with limited privacy between sites.

Can you camp at Lake Perris with beach or lake access?

Yes, camping with beach and lake access is available at Lake Perris. Visitors can enjoy multiple water activities as the campground is situated right next to the lake with designated swimming areas. The lake offers clear water for swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. For those seeking alternative beach camping experiences in Southern California, Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground provides beachfront camping with concrete/asphalt sites featuring water and electric hookups. The campground is steps away from great sand beaches adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway. Serrano is another option where you can camp just a few steps away from the water, offering an immersive lake experience.

What is the campground map layout at Lake Perris?

Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground features a layout with multiple camping loops and numbered sites. The campground is situated adjacent to the lake, with some loops offering more direct lake views and access than others. Sites are numbered (examples include 203-220, 283-317, and 293), allowing for specific reservations. The layout includes sites with varying levels of shade and privacy, though many are exposed to the sun. Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers a similar layout with multiple access options including boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in sites. The Lake Perris campground layout includes designated areas for RVs with hookups, centralized facilities like restrooms, and convenient access to the lake's recreational areas including swimming beaches and boat launches.