Best Campgrounds near Riverside, CA

Camping near Riverside, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beach vibe or a mountain retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. One camper mentioned, “Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites.”
• Hiking and Biking: Explore trails at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor noted, “Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas.”
• Fishing: Head to Lake Hemet Campground for some fishing. One reviewer shared, “The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout.”

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park. One happy camper said, “The roads could use some work...but the sites are nicely spread out. Bathrooms are extremely clean.”
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness at Serrano Campground. A visitor remarked, “Beautiful campground. Clean restrooms and showers. Nice spacious scenic sites.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the vibe at Dogwood Campground. One reviewer noted, “The place is clean and quiet. Our campsite was very spacious... Camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable.”

What you should know:

• Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy sites at San Clemente State Beach Campground. A camper mentioned, “It can get very crowded and packed. Hard to get a site.”
• Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds, like Doheny State Beach Campground, have tight spaces. One visitor said, “The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy.”
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise at some locations. A camper at San Mateo Campground noted, “You can hear activity from Camp Pendleton.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites like Lake Hemet Campground. A family shared, “You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents.”
• Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or scooters for kids. One parent at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, “The campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat.”
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks handy can keep kids happy. A camper at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, “The picnic tables are what you would expect, very seasoned.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to check if the campground has the right hookups for your RV. One RV owner at Black Rock Campground advised, “The roads could use some work...but the sites are nicely spread out.”
• Arrive Early: To snag a good spot, arrive early, especially on weekends. A visitor at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground noted, “If you get a site at the far ends, it's a hike to go in and out.”
• Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading to camp. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, “Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too.”

Whether you're looking for riverside camping in California or a mountain escape, there’s something for everyone in the Riverside area!