Best Tent Camping near Riverside, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Riverside, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Riverside is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Riverside camping trip.

Best Tent Sites Near Riverside, California (63)

    1. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    20 Photos
    216 Saves
    Yucaipa, California

    Yucaipa Regional Park is a water park based in San Bernardino County beside the San Bernardino National Forest and San Bernardino Mountains. Activities include fishing in three lakes, a water park, and disc golf. Yucaipa Regional Park camping includes primitive sites, picnic tables, fire pits, full hookups for RVs, and large group shelters for up to 350 people.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    2. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    55 Photos
    90 Saves
    Angelus Oaks, California

    These five remote camping sites offer locations for tent and car camping. There are some mature shade trees near the sites, but other than a metal fire ring for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. Contact the Mill Creek Ranger Station for current fire restriction information and road conditions. (909) 382-2882 (closed Tues/Wed) These yellow post sites are reached via forest road 1N12 (unpaved, trailers and large RVs not suitable). Please refer to the yellow-post site map available for free at the Mill Creek Ranger Station. High-clearance vehicles are recommended and four-wheel drive vehicles may also be required to reach these sites, depending on current road conditions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Glamping

    3. Manker Campground

    12 Reviews
    26 Photos
    422 Saves
    Mount Baldy, California

    Camp high in the clouds at Manker Flats Campground. This campground sits at 6000-feet and offers 21 campsites open year-round. However, piped-water is turned once temperatures reach freezing. Each site comes with a spacious spot for all your family camping needs and includes a picnic bench, fire ring, and vault toilets. It's located within a short drive to historic Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse and Visitor Center where visitors can discover the land's Native American roots. Close by, hikers have several options to begin their day's adventure including, Mt. Baldy Bowl trailhead. This trailhead can be combined with another major route, Devil's Backbone, to reach the summit (10,069') to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop hike. For the more casual hiker, a 1.4 mile round trip to the 75-foot San Antonio Falls is available. Bears are very active in this area, so it is recommended that all campers use provided bear boxes, personal bear canisters, or seal all food as to eliminate scent.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $12 / night

    4. Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    8 Reviews
    19 Photos
    381 Saves
    Green Valley Lake, California

    These 9 Yellow Post sites are individual camping sites. Each campsite will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. No reservations. Each site is limited to a maximum of 8 people at any one time. There is limited parking at these Yellow Post Sites for 2 vehicles. Amenities include 1 picnic table and 1 fire ring per site. There are no restroom facilities or drinking water. Please pack it in - pack it out! During winter, Keller Peak Road closes due to snow accumulation, but it is still possible to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski to these sites. These sites are near the Children's Forest Visitor Center, the Children's Forest Exploration Trail, and the Keller Peak Fire Lookout. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ`s, or gas stoves. Campfires and charcoal BBQ's may not be allowed certain times of the year. Click here for current fire restriction information. Keller Peak Yellow Post Site Map

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    5. Lake Arrowhead - Green Valley Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    18 Photos
    160 Saves
    Cedar Glen, California

    Includes: Lake Arrowhead, Lake Silverwood, Crestline, Running Springs, Green Valley Lake and Keller Peak recreational activities

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    6. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    4 Photos
    347 Saves
    Fawnskin, California

    Dispersed, or undeveloped, camping provides more solitude and an opportunity to “rough it.” There are many camping opportunities in general forest areas as well as in wilderness areas. Know before you go: Before traveling visit or call the nearest Ranger Station for current fire restrictions and area closures. No wood or charcoal campfires (check current fire restrictions before you go). Vehicles must remain on roads and associated pullouts. Do not clear vegetation. Portable gas-powered stoves, lanterns and fire rings with a fuel-shutoff valve allowed with a California Campfire Permit and five feet clearance from vegetation. Camp at least 200 feet from springs, water, meadows, trails and roads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads. Camp at least a quarter-mile from private property and state highways. Pack out all trash. Leave no trace!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    7. Fishermans Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    91 Saves
    Green Valley Lake, California

    Overview

    This campground is Hike In only. Fisherman's Group Campground is a semi-primitive campground reached by a 2.5-mile hike into the mountains of southern California. The dirt road and walk to the sites are well worth the effort once you reach the campground, which is nestled in a scenic forest on the banks of Deep Creek.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy access to some great birding and wildlife viewing. Other activities include hiking, horseback riding, hunting and mountain stream fishing. A variety of trailheads can be accessed near the campground.

    Natural Features

    The campground is situated along Deep Creek, 2.5 miles into an area forested by tall pine, oak and cedar trees at an elevation of about 7,000 feet. It is nestled in the mountains of southern California, in the San Bernardino National Forest.

    Nearby Attractions

    Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Discovery Center are located about 21 miles from the campground. The center provides information on the area, a nature-themed gift shop, educational programs and restroom facilities. Trailheads are available at and near both the lake and the visitor center.

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • Toilets

    $10 / night

    8. Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    278 Saves
    Wrightwood, California

    These remote camping sites offer isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. See Current Conditions below or call the Lytle Creek Ranger Station (909-382-2851). These Yellow Post Sites are reached via Forest Road 3N06. Please refer to the Yellow-post site map available by clicking on this link or for free at the Lytle Creek Ranger Station. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching all sites. Four-wheel drive vehicles may also be required depending on current road conditions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    9. Little Jimmy Trail Campground

    7 Reviews
    23 Photos
    126 Saves
    Valyermo, California

    Currently NO toilet facilities at this site.

    Just above Crystal Lake lies Little Jimmy trail camp...a backcountry campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway.

    It features seven first-come, first-served sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault/composting toilets, and vintage backcountry ovens.

    Hike-in only (2.5 miles one-way). After parking your vehicle at Islip Saddle, cross the highway and begin hiking for 2.5 miles up the switchbacks until you reach Little Jimmy Campground on your right.

    Popular with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, this scenic spot offers a chance to get away from established campgrounds and live amongst the Coulter Pines and Bigcone Douglas Firs.

    Campers turned hikers have easy access to hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail which runs through the camp.

    There is no fee to camp here other than an Adventure Pass for your parking. In the summertime, bears can be common visitors, so it please secure your food and scented items in bear-proof boxes provided or bring your own bear canisters. As always, make sure you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles and pack everything in and out!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water

    10. Falcon Group Campground

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    30 Saves
    Trabuco Canyon, California

    Overview

    Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway. The pleasant climate, scenery, trail system and convenient location, make this a popular destination for groups from Los Angeles and San Diego. Hiking is especially popular among campers.

    Recreation

    Hikers of any level can find trails that challenge and accommodate their recreational goals around the campground. Among them are the Falcon Trail, a 1.4-mile easy trail that connects to the campground, and Trabuco Canyon Trail, which provides scenic 6.8-mile hike into the backcountry. The San Juan Trial, which is popular with mountain bikers, has a trailhead at Blue Jay campground, adjacent from Falcon Group Campground. The trail climbs a very steep set of stacked switchbacks from the floor of Hot Springs Canyon and traverses briefly before steeply ascending a ridge toward Sugarloaf Mountain. There are also many ideal picnic spots and scenic overlooks along Ortega Highway.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits at an elevation of 3,300 ft. off the Ortega Highway scenic drive in the Santa Ana Mountains, a route that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forest. The area lies in a mixed forest and chaparral ecosystem and is inhabited by a variety of birds, plants and wildlife.

    Nearby Attractions

    The closest town is Lake Elsinore, which has various shops, restaurants and recreation opportunities.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $60 - $120 / night

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Recent Tent Reviews near Riverside, CA

1483 Reviews of 63 Riverside Campgrounds



Guide to Riverside

Tent camping near Riverside, California, offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tips for tent camping near Riverside

Local activities for tent campers

  • Enjoy fishing and playgrounds at Yucaipa Regional Park, which also features a waterpark during the summer months.
  • Explore mountain biking trails at China Camp State Park Campground, known for its scenic routes and proximity to San Francisco Bay.
  • Take advantage of hiking opportunities at Manker Campground, which is nestled in the Angeles National Forest and offers access to beautiful trails.

Features that enhance your camping experience

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Riverside, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Riverside, CA is Yucaipa Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Riverside, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 63 tent camping locations near Riverside, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.