Campsites near Rialto, California offer varying elevation experiences from 800 feet in lower areas to over 7,000 feet in nearby mountain locations. The region sits at the intersection of desert and mountain climates, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with temperature differences of up to 40°F between high and low elevation sites. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the mountains while winter brings occasional snow above 5,000 feet.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Lake Perris State Recreational Area provides year-round fishing opportunities with catfish stocking during warmer months. "Lake Perris was a fun and clean place to camp at! We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it. There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," shares one visitor to Lake Perris State Recreational Area.
Hiking nearby trails: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access for day hikes of varying difficulty. At California Dogwood Campground, you'll find convenient trail connections: "Access to the Enchanted loop nature trail is at the back end of the camp and offers some great views." Another camper notes, "There are many hiking opportunities from beginners to expert. Each trail I used offered lovely views."
Water activities beyond swimming: Silverwood Lake offers diverse water recreation options including boat rentals. "Great camping spot! Close to the lake and you can rent fishing boats and jet ski's and have party's by the water," reports a camper at Mesa Campground — Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Clean restrooms and shower facilities stand out across multiple campgrounds in the region. At Yucaipa Regional Park, "Park is small, very family friendly, clean and well managed. Lots of places to walk/hike, large sites." Another camper notes, "The bathrooms are immaculate," when referring to Silverwood Lake facilities.
Privacy between sites: Some camping areas near Rialto offer better site spacing than others. At Yucaipa Regional Park, campers appreciate that "Each campsite here is pretty private and has a lot of shade. Close to the lake but we had to walk down a bit to go swimming."
Proximity to natural features: Access to creeks and water features enhances camping experiences. "Cozy getaway in San Bernardino Forest with beautiful hiking trails and waterfall," writes a camper about Bonita Ranch Campground. Another mentions, "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away."
What you should know
Noise levels vary significantly: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels, especially on weekends. "Noisiest camp site I've ever been to. People yelling until 5am, noisy generators going all day into the night, and chainsaws starting early in the morning," reports one camper at Applewhite Campground.
Weekday vs. weekend differences: Campground atmospheres change dramatically between weekdays and weekends. One visitor to Bonita Ranch noted, "There was a lot of people at the falls and SO much tagging. The place is nice enough for a quick stop, city-sh feel but clean air."
Bear awareness required: Bear activity occurs at certain locations. "Just had the best weekend even with the 3 bears that decided to come by," reports a Silverwood Lake camper, while another at Dogwood Campground mentioned, "Each campsite has a bear box to store food."
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas for children: Several parks offer dedicated splash pads and water features. At Rancho Jurupa RV Park, a visitor reports, "Very well maintained and clean campsites! Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds provide nature learning experiences. "There is a cool museum where the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," shares a Lake Perris visitor.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Playground and plenty of grassy areas" are available at Yucaipa Regional Park according to one review, while another notes, "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer."
Tips from RVers
Site selection critical: RV site quality varies considerably within the same campground. At Rancho Jurupa RV Park, one RVer advises, "This place has two campgrounds. Cottonwood and Lakeside. Cottonwood is the nicest of the two."
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services. "Cottonwood is for the true RV'ers. Lakeside is more for tent camping," notes a Rancho Jurupa visitor, while another mentions, "Large concrete pads that can handle any rig."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. A Lake Perris visitor observed, "A lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me," suggesting RVers bring leveling blocks.
