Dog-Friendly Camping near San Jacinto, CA

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    Idyllwild Campground in Mount San Jacinto State Park permits pets on leashes within designated areas of the campground. The park features spacious sites for both tent and RV camping with picnic tables and fire rings where pets are welcome to join their owners. Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers multiple pet-friendly accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and glamping facilities that welcome well-behaved dogs. Both campgrounds provide access to potable water, trash collection, and restroom facilities for campers traveling with pets. The campground areas are generally clean and well-maintained, though some visitors note the importance of bringing your own waste bags as pet stations can be limited.

    Wilderness Lakes RV Resort's dog park provides a dedicated space where pets can exercise off-leash after spending time at their campsite. Pets must remain leashed when walking through all campground common areas and hiking trails. Most campgrounds near San Jacinto enforce a maximum of two pets per site, though some like Lake Hemet Campground may allow additional pets for an extra fee. Banning Stagecoach KOA receives positive reviews for its dog-friendly facilities, including a well-maintained dog park that provides ample space for pets to run. When hiking with dogs in the San Jacinto area, owners should carry sufficient water for their pets, especially during summer months when temperatures can rise significantly on exposed trails. Veterinary services are available in nearby Hemet and Banning for emergency pet care while camping.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near San Jacinto (269)

      1. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

      3.9(42)12mi from San Jacinto420 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"

      "It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more!  "

      from $10 - $300 / night

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      2. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

      4.1(27)14mi from San JacintoRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Clean, pet friendly and good for kids."

      "This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."

      from $25 - $45 / night

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      3. Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      4.3(30)16mi from San Jacinto28 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Trail leading up to Mount San Jacinto is within walking distance. Lots of trees , very inexpensive. Not many sites."

      "Great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild. Plus less than 2 hours from drive to Palm Spring Tram up to Mt."

      from $25 - $45 / night

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      4. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

      3.9(17)12mi from San JacintoRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "In the back of a small town 2 miles behind a stater brother's. Most sites are near level on gravel and close together. Laundry uses quarters or a third party app to pay."

      "When you enter the park, they give you a map and you drive around and choose the site you like and park."

      5. Lake Hemet Campground

      4.0(40)20mi from San JacintoRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I've been coming to Lake Hemet for several years. The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

      "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table, and fit 2 individual tents (4-6 person) OR a bigger 12p tent however you decide to position it. It has its own Fire pit."

      from $45 / night

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      6. Banning Stagecoach KOA

      3.6(14)10mi from San JacintoRVs, Tents

      "Very clean, dog friendly ( with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site"

      "The dog park was honestly amazing, I loved it & then dogs loved it."

      7. Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      4.4(16)14mi from San Jacinto43 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Stone Creek Campground in San Jacinto Mountain State Park is the perfect getaway for coastal Southern California residents."

      "My sister, her 3 kids, and 2 dogs jumped into the car and headed out towards Idyllwild, CA."

      from $20 - $35 / night

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      8. Yucaipa Regional Park

      4.8(21)18mi from San JacintoRVs, Tents

      "The green spaces are full of stickers and mostly unusable for things like walking dogs, kids playing. I was charged junk fees. $7 to make the reservation myself online and then $1 per pet, per night."

      "There’s no larger wildlife, like bears, so less stressful when you have pets or kids. Plenty of space to bring bikes and ride around."

      9. Marion Mountain

      4.4(12)15mi from San Jacinto27 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, within the San Jacinto District, Marion Mt. Campground is one of the best camping sites in Southern California."

      "After walking around the entire campground well most spots were very nice. We did find that the spots in the center lacked privacy."

      from $20 / night

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      10. Hurkey Creek Park

      4.5(21)19mi from San JacintoRVs, Tents

      "2 for pets. With BBQ pits and plenty of picnic tables with shade, it’s well worth it."

      "This is one of our family's favorite campgrounds because it's a quick drive from San Diego (and OC) and it gives us our "mountain fix" when we don't have time to drive to the Sierra Mountains."

      from $30 - $35 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near San Jacinto, CA

    1983 Reviews of 269 San Jacinto Campgrounds


    • T
      Oct. 27, 2020

      Marion Mountain

      The Perfect Southern California Campground for a Peaceful Getaway

      Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, within the San Jacinto District, Marion Mt. Campground is one of the best camping sites in Southern California. Located in a beautiful mountain setting this site provides all the peace and tranquility a soul longs for.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 14, 2026

      Joshua Tree RV & Campground

      Friendly staff, comfortable park, clean amenities

      Comfortable partial hookup sites, pet friendly, and nice people. Theres a dog park next door. The bathrooms are clean, and the laundry facilities work well (although coin only, no cards).

    • Jennifer D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 7, 2018

      Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      Under trees

      We arrived early on Friday morning and snagged one of two remaining spots. Trail leading up to Mount San Jacinto is within walking distance. Lots of trees , very inexpensive. Not many sites.

    • Johnny H.
      Apr. 30, 2021

      Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      Awesome next level campground

      Roind Valley campground in the San Jacinto mountain was a dream come true. A very moderate hike from the aerial tram that put us in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountain just hours away from the peak! We didn't mind our 30 pound packs knowing we would enjoy the beautiful trails and streams that lead to our site. This place is close to magical high above the desert floor where the temperature was hot but our spot was cold. Only disappointing part was the wind gust blowing like crazy all night making the cold feel way colder!! But the place was too nice with the flowing water for easy drink refills and the amazing hike to and from the tram station. Can't wait to go back again!!

    • Michael K.
      Sep. 1, 2018

      Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      Idyllwild and palm springs home base

      Great campsite within 5 minute walk of downtown idyllwild. Plus less than 2 hours from drive to Palm Spring Tram up to Mt. San Jacinto and a great way to cool off in the summer or see snow in the winter. Showers and clean bathrooms!

    • Kelly Z.
      Jun. 27, 2016

      Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

      Favorite Camping Spot

      These sites aren't monitored and don't have picnic tables or any amenities, although there is a restroom down the road a little ways where the campsites start, but that's it. It is free to camp here, the sites are spaced really far apart. Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains. You have to drive quite a ways up a dirt road from 74 to get to the sites, the road is pretty bumpy but not hard too bad. I made it up in my Nissan Rogue which is not AWD or 4WD. You are also pretty close to Idyllwild, which is a fun destination to go spend a day if you don't want to hang out at the campground. Lake Hemet is also very close by.

    • Jonathan G.
      Oct. 25, 2020

      Little Round Valley — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      Great for backpacking

      If you're backpacking San Jacinto, this is the way to go! Take the Marion Mtn Trail that goes from Marion Mtn & Fern Basin Campgrounds and spend the night here at Little Round Valley. We did it in late August, and there was still water running in the stream across from the camp. There are several spots that you need to get a permit for, and they're spread out right off the trail. Be sure to follow the path one or two hundred feet off the main trail. We set up camp right off the trail which was fine, but there are spots further in.

    • Katie O.
      Jul. 14, 2018

      Round Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      adventure

      we stayed at the round valley campground in March of this year. there was still some snow and it was beautiful. we took the tram up from palm springs and backpacked to the campground before summiting up San Jacinto peak. the views were breathtaking and the elevation was a killer. it took us longer than we expected. the campground is nice but there are no facilities so make sure to bring plenty of water or filtration device to filter the water. permits are required bor both day hikes and overnight.

    • Katie O.
      Jul. 14, 2018

      Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

      beautiful year round

      even in the snow there is a lot to see and do. we stayed here in the winter and it was beautiful. very cold though so make sure to prepare for snow and freezing temps. most of the hikes require a permit that you can pick up at the ranger station. we used the team to ride up to the top before hiking to san jacinto peak. the weather can be unpredictable so make sure to check in with the ranger to see if they have any warnings. on the way back, make sure to grab some food at the restaurant, it's good!


    Guide to San Jacinto

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options at an elevation of 1,560 feet, serving as an excellent base for exploring the San Jacinto Mountains. The region's Mediterranean climate produces warm summer days that can reach 100°F while winter temperatures often drop below 40°F at night. Most campgrounds around San Jacinto maintain reliable cell service, though coverage can be spotty in more remote areas.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Lake Perris State Recreational Area provides excellent fishing access with clear water conditions. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," notes John H. The lake is regularly stocked with fish throughout the year, making it a reliable spot for anglers of all skill levels.

    Hiking trails: Marion Mountain Campground serves as a trailhead for the challenging Marion Mountain Trail that leads to San Jacinto Peak. "This is a great place to camp if you plan to hike Mount San Jacinito via the Marion Mountain trail because the trailhead starts in the campground," explains Shannon C. The trail gains over 4,600 feet in elevation across 5.7 miles to reach the summit.

    Mountain biking: Hurkey Creek Park offers extensive mountain biking trails for various skill levels. "We hiked around and explored and wished we brought our mountain bikes, lots of good riding around the area," shares Lindsey W. The park hosts the annual Idyllwild Challenge mountain bike event, attracting riders from across Southern California.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Stone Creek Campground offers well-separated camping spots with natural barriers. "The outer ring sites are huge, and most of them are fairly private especially the loop to the right of the entry," reports Ryan W., who adds "Site 7 is extremely large, and extremely private with multiple flat spots that could accommodate tents."

    Clean facilities: Yucaipa Regional Park maintains excellent restroom and shower facilities. "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff," says Bryan H. The park's shower facilities feature good water pressure and are regularly maintained.

    Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds near San Jacinto offer numerous amenities for families with children. "The campground is large, with 130 campsites and several group camp areas," notes Lindsey W. about Hurkey Creek Park. At Lake Perris, "There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," shares Lauren R.

    What you should know

    Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans may affect your camping experience in this region. "Not able to use fire pits due to fire restrictions," reports Isabelle S. at Marion Mountain Campground. Always check current fire regulations before your trip, as they change frequently based on conditions.

    Varied temperatures: Mountain elevations create significant temperature swings. "Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb," warns Paul C. about Yucaipa Regional Park. Stone Creek Campground visitors note similar conditions: "It got really cold at night, about 10 degrees colder that Idyllwild Town limits."

    Water availability: Lake Hemet Campground and other area campgrounds may have low water levels during drought periods. "Lake Hemet itself is beautiful and the view while fishing was amazing. I was able to catch one trout during our four night stay," notes Donovan, though "the premium lakefront sites are no longer lakefront due to the drought."

    Tips for camping with families

    Splash pad alternatives: When lake swimming isn't available, look for campgrounds with water features. Lake Skinner offers "a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost," according to Jennifer D. Yucaipa Regional Park also features a water park during summer months that's popular with families.

    Nature programs: Several campgrounds offer educational opportunities for children. At Lake Perris, families can visit "a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," as Lauren R. describes, making it ideal for young explorers.

    Playground access: Banning Stagecoach KOA provides designated play areas for children. "Cute campground with good park and pool and dogpark," says Charlott K. The campground maintains multiple recreational rooms and outdoor play spaces designed specifically for younger campers.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in mountainous areas require leveling equipment. At Marion Mountain Campground, "some sites were more slope-y than others, but most had a flat spot for a tent in for the picnic bench," notes Brittany N. RVers should bring leveling blocks.

    Winter preparations: RV campers should prepare for freezing temperatures during winter months. "Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night," advises Donovan about Lake Hemet Campground.

    Electrical limitations: Older campgrounds may have limited electrical capacity. At Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, "they need to upgrade the electrical system. They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working," warns David N., adding that "if you're a 30amp rig, you'll love it here."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near San Jacinto, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near San Jacinto, CA is Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 42 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near San Jacinto, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 269 dog-friendly camping locations near San Jacinto, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.