Camping near Riverside, CA ranges from low-elevation lakeside sites to mountain forest campgrounds at over 6,000 feet. The region experiences summer temperatures that regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations while mountain campgrounds remain 15-20 degrees cooler. Sites within San Bernardino National Forest provide a stark contrast to urban camping options, with terrain shifting from desert chaparral to alpine pine forests.
What to do
Mountain biking on designated trails: O'Neill Regional Park offers extensive riding opportunities for various skill levels. "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," notes one visitor to O'Neill Regional Park.
Fishing in multiple lakes: Several campgrounds provide lake access with varying fishing conditions. At Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, campers report positive experiences: "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," says one reviewer.
Hiking through oak forests: Trails range from flat paths to challenging ascents. At Blue Jay Campground, visitors can access nearby waterfalls: "Went on two great hikes, both to the nearby waterfalls. Each hike was beautiful."
Historical exploration: The Riverside area contains sites with cultural significance. Rancho Jurupa RV Park offers proximity to historic districts: "We drove over to the Mission Inn (8 min drive) enjoyed lunch. Their is a pedestrian only shopping area with a Saturday farmer's market plus lots of restaurants."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms. "Bathrooms are clean with flush toilets, along with soap and water sinks. There are many areas with water stations to fill up your containers," reports a visitor at Dogwood.
Spacious campsites: Sites at several campgrounds offer ample space between neighbors. A Rancho Jurupa RV Park visitor notes: "Great park. It may not seem nice when you are passing through town to get in, but once you enter the gates it's beautiful. Large concrete pads, easy backing in and hooking up."
Year-round access: Many campgrounds near Riverside remain open throughout winter months. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb," writes a Yucaipa Regional Park visitor.
Water recreation options: Multiple campgrounds feature water activities beyond swimming. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination offers diverse options: "Amenities are very good for young kids. Canopy Court area has easy and close access to the splash pad, the playground, a large grass area, and even the pool."
What you should know
Seasonal temperature fluctuations: Lower elevation campgrounds become extremely hot in summer. "Shade is sparse, fellow campers aren't the most considerate. I have been here 3 times and it always ends up being loud," reports one Lake Perris State Recreation Area visitor.
Campground noise levels: Noise varies significantly between weekdays and weekends. A camper at Prado Regional Park warns: "Non-enforcement of quiet hours; there were a few groups that were having too much fun well past midnight and no ranger/staff around to ensure quiet hours were adhered to."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. One Lake Perris camper notes: "If your one that needs WI-FI this isn't the spot for you. Your phones hot spot may not even work."
Fire restrictions: Regulations change frequently based on conditions. At Rolling M. Ranch Campground, campers faced limitations: "Due to rain and a desire to protect the blooming poppies, all trails were closed, and in addition, no wood nor charcoal fires were allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for hot days: Several parks feature splash pads or swimming areas. "Yucaipa Regional Park has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights," reports one visitor.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. Lake Perris has interpretive exhibits: "There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes."
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment. "Very well maintained campgrounds with quality facilities located throughout... playground and splash pad kept the youngins entertained," notes an O'Neill Regional Park visitor.
Trail options for different ages: Trails vary in difficulty across campgrounds. At Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park, "There's a lot to do here, including fishing, playgrounds, and even a waterpark in the summer."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require significant leveling. "The sites were all uneven. Every camper we saw had to do major leveling efforts," notes a Launch Pointe visitor.
Hook-up variations: Not all sites provide full services. A Bonelli Bluffs camper explains: "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool."
Accessibility concerns: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A Rolling M. Ranch visitor warns: "It's very narrow and winding, single lane at times, lots of traffic (and so lots of backing up and negotiating around other cars in the narrower sections)."
Dump station availability: Options vary between on-site facilities and nearby stations. "Free dump station. Campsites are located on a relatively busy road, so you can hear road traffic but nothing that bothered us," notes an O'Neill Regional Park reviewer.
