The San Bernardino Mountains surrounding Riverside provide camping options at elevations from 1,000 to over 6,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between sites. Summer temperatures at lower elevation RV parks near Riverside often reach 100°F, while mountain campgrounds remain 15-20 degrees cooler. Seasonal closures affect mountain campgrounds from November through April due to snow conditions.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Bonita Ranch Campground offers easy access to Bonita Falls via a short trail. "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away. We also lucked out finding berries in August," notes Jonathan G.
Family water activities: Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park features a splash pad, swimming pool, and lake access. "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," explains Bryan H.
Mountain biking: The trails around Skypark Camp RV Resort connect directly to mountain biking routes. "Skypark is right across the street for mountain bikes. Lake Arrowhead is close for supplies or food," states Bryan S.
What campers like
Secure camping environments: Rancho Jurupa RV Park maintains controlled access points. "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Lots of food spots within 10 minutes. Spaces are one of the cleanest I seen. Ranger is on constant patrol," remarks Troy A.
Urban proximity with natural settings: Canyon RV Park balances accessibility with nature. "Been passing this exit on the 91 freeway for 25 years and had no idea canyon RV park was tucked in between corona and yorba linda. I was quite amazed with the tidy facilities and was very peaceful. When you are smack dab in the middle of asphalt jungle," notes Matt K.
Fishing opportunities: Several rv parks near Riverside offer fishing options. "Beautiful views all around Sunrise, Sunset and Night sky. Sights of all kinds of birds like hawks and herons. Water park and mini golf for kids. Showers and laundry convenient," describes Xochiquetzal G. about Rancho Jurupa Park.
What you should know
Mountain road challenges: Access to mountain campgrounds requires navigating steep, winding roads. "It's a bit of a drive but very scenic and should be doable in any car," says Jillian about Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.
Seasonal water concerns: Lake conditions vary significantly. "The lake was closed due to algae bloom. They have a great area of vintage trailers that can be rented, as well as some super nice yurts," reports Kellie about Launch Pointe Recreation Destination.
Quiet hour enforcement: RV parks near Riverside strictly maintain quiet hours. "The only bad part is they strictly enforce quiet time at 10pm. I felt like a kid being told to go to bed. I feel like on weekends people should be able to stay up late in front of their camper with low voices," shares Marcella D.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping considerations: Family groups require careful site selection. "Took Girl Scouts here for group camping. Rocky and sand. The family camping was fine! Girls used Porta Potties. I'm hoping they have finished construction on something better since then. However, there are some great kid friendly activities," advises Janet S. about Rancho Jurupa Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Golden Village Palms RV Resort offers multiple recreational options. "Our kids love the pool area, grandparents love the pickleball courts, and there are always fun activities to do throughout the year. Full-timers are friendly and inclusive of newcomers and passer-throughs," explains Jason M.
Weekend planning: Riverside area campgrounds fill quickly Friday through Sunday. "Second time here and we're enjoying it. It's hot but a fire haze has blocked the sun a bit also the water pad is so fun even for grown ups," notes Sara H.
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity limitations: Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort has specific power considerations. "They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working. This park is first come / first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site, so you can see the problem," explains David N.
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven ground at some locations. "The sites were all uneven. Every camper we saw had to do major leveling efforts," reports Brian C.
Wi-Fi constraints: Internet access varies significantly. "Internet was great but it had bandwidth restraints that would turn your internet off after very small amounts of data used. There was no option to upgrade so you had to use your own hotspots," notes Brian C. about Launch Pointe.
