Equestrian camping near Riverside, California is unavailable at local campgrounds, though several sites offer alternative recreational opportunities. The region sits at approximately 800-1,000 feet elevation in the Inland Empire, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters with occasional Santa Ana winds. Campgrounds typically experience temperature variations of 30-40°F between day and night during peak camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing activities: Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground offers fishing opportunities with regular catches. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," notes John H. The lake features clear water suitable for both casual and serious anglers.
Hiking trails: Multiple hiking options exist within a 30-minute drive from most Riverside campgrounds. "There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there's a nature walk," explains Berton M. about Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, which offers trails through diverse terrain.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, some campgrounds feature splash pads and swimming facilities. "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes... Spaces are one of the cleanest I seen," reports Troy A. about the facilities at Rancho Jurupa RV Park. Many sites prohibit swimming in reservoirs but provide alternative water activities.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. "Tons of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away," warns Kim L. about her experience camping at Caspers Wilderness Park. Dawn and dusk provide the best wildlife spotting times.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance ranks high among visitor priorities. "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," shares Paul C. about Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Family amenities: Campgrounds with kid-friendly features receive positive feedback. "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities. Nice staff!" mentions Marcella D. about her stay at Rancho Jurupa, highlighting the variety of activities beyond standard camping.
Natural settings: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campers appreciate the natural environment. "Secluded camping in the city... ONeil is a great little park that's tucked away among the urban sprawl of Orange County. Once in the park you feel like you're far out in the wilderness," according to Berton M. about O'Neill Regional Park.
Accessibility: The convenience of reaching campgrounds quickly from urban centers appeals to weekend campers. "You can be camping 20-30 mins away from Irvine. Facilities are clean and well maintained," notes k K. about O'Neill Regional Park, emphasizing its convenient location for quick getaways.
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "The sites are pretty well spaced out which is nice for a little more privacy and there is a decent amount of trees throughout the campground," explains Christopher D. about Heart Bar Campground, contrasting with more compact arrangements elsewhere.
Noise considerations: Campgrounds closer to urban areas or roads may experience noise. "The campsite was nice, shady with benches, a picnic table plus a fire pit. I heard cars passing by all day and night," reports SmallRVLifestyle V. about Caspers Wilderness Park, highlighting a common concern.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear. "We were there in August and the weather was perfect. Warm during the day and just chilly at night," shares Gina C. about Heart Bar Campground. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F during the day while dropping to the 60s at night.
Booking windows: Many popular sites require advance planning. "Took Girl Scouts here for group camping. Rocky and sand. The family camping was fine!" notes Janet S. about Rancho Jurupa Park, suggesting different areas within the same park offer varying experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park offers family-friendly water activities. "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," Bryan H. explains, detailing the convenient layout.
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature nature programs suitable for children. "Fun fact: This park used to be covered by the Pacific Ocean so there are remnants of marine fossils along the riverbanks," shares Chanel C. about Caspers Wilderness Park, highlighting educational elements for curious young campers.
Playground access: Many campgrounds include dedicated play areas. "It also has a cute playground for children, a nature center where you can enjoy viewing through the telescope overlooking almost all of the 8,000 acres," Johnny G. notes about camping with kids at Caspers Wilderness Park.
Safety features: Family campers appreciate security measures. "Rangers are so friendly and helpful. Honestly, really wonderful staff who love what they do," Chanel C. mentions about Caspers Wilderness Park, emphasizing how staff presence enhances the family camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers recommend specific areas within campgrounds for the best experience. "Cottonwood is for the true RV'ers. Lakeside is more for tent camping," advises Michele N. about Lake Skinner Recreation Area, helping RVers choose appropriate locations.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra effort for comfortable setup. "The sites were all uneven. Every camper we saw had to do major leveling efforts," warns Brian C. about Launch Pointe Recreation Destination, suggesting RVers bring adequate leveling equipment.
Hookup variations: Available connections differ between campgrounds. "We stayed in the natural area with hook-ups everything worked great," shares Jody R. about Rancho Jurupa Park, while other reviewers note limitations with water pressure or electrical capacity at various sites.
Campground layout: Understanding the physical arrangement helps RVers plan. "If your one that needs WI-FI this isn't the spot for you. Your phones hot spot may not even work... A lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me," advises Troy A. about Lake Perris, highlighting connectivity and terrain considerations.
