Best Campgrounds near Riverside, CA
Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Riverside, California. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground offers tent and RV sites with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and showers. Rancho Jurupa RV Park, located within Riverside city limits, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The region includes a mix of state parks, county facilities, and recreational areas that support different camping styles. Many campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, while some offer proximity to lakes or rivers for water activities.
Many sites require advance reservations or permits, especially during peak summer months when temperatures can reach into the 90s and beyond. Campgrounds at higher elevations like Dogwood Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest provide cooler temperatures even during summer heat. Facilities range from primitive sites with vault toilets to developed campgrounds with full hookups, showers, and dump stations. Travelers should be aware of fire bans during dry seasons, particularly in areas surrounding Big Bear Lake and Lake Perris. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near urban areas and limited or no service in mountain campgrounds. "This state park has 14,000 acres. It feels secluded, but the city is only 20 minutes away. The trails are varied, accessible by horseback, hiking, biking. Some trails are ready walking, some very strenuous," noted one reviewer about Rolling M. Ranch Campground in Chino Hills State Park.
Campers report high satisfaction with sites that balance natural settings with proximity to urban amenities. O'Neill Regional Park receives positive reviews for its hiking and biking trails while remaining accessible from Orange County. "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," mentioned one visitor. Several campgrounds in the area feature both sunny and shaded sites, with oak trees providing natural canopies at locations like Caspers Wilderness Park. Noise levels vary significantly, with some campgrounds like Blue Jay experiencing minimal disturbance despite being relatively close to developed areas. Campgrounds closer to highways or urban centers may experience more traffic noise, especially during weekends when many sites fill to capacity with visitors from nearby Los Angeles and San Diego.
