Tammy L.
Scout
ScoutCrystal Cove Beach Cottages — Crystal Cove State Park
Nice view. Hard to book!!!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Wildomar, CA
18 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park offers pet-friendly accommodation options including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins and yurts on the shores of Lake Elsinore. The park features clean facilities with privacy fences at each campsite, a dog park, and maintains strict quiet hours at 10pm that are consistently enforced. Most campgrounds near Wildomar allow pets with basic requirements like leashes and proper waste disposal. Lake Skinner Recreation Area, Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, and The Secret Place all welcome pets with varying amenities. The campground is very well kept with no trash around, and the grounds are pretty with lake views. Sites typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
Wilderness Lakes RV Resort provides peaceful surroundings despite sometimes being crowded, with friendly staff and helpful fellow campers. The lakefront area at Launch Pointe includes a restaurant, splash pad for children, playground, and large grassy areas - making it suitable for families camping with dogs. Some campgrounds have water access points where pets can cool off, though Lake Elsinore itself occasionally experiences algae blooms that restrict lake usage. Sites at most campgrounds are gravel with concrete pads, though some reviewers note they can be uneven and require significant leveling effort. When camping with pets in this region, early morning walks provide cooler temperatures during summer months when daytime heat can be uncomfortable for dogs.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Wildomar (228)
1. Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
"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."
2. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
"Clean, pet friendly and good for kids."
"This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
3. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
"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! "
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $300 / night
4. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
"We were able to find a spot tucked away off one of the loops to the left after a small hill. Neighbors played loud music but we didn’t mind at all."
"clean restrooms and sites. large campground with paved roads was nice for strolling through. pretty far off the beaten path above lake elsinore. the views near by were fantastic. the staff was fairly friendly"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
5. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park
"I had site 126 in the fields, corner site and lake view. This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights."
"Launch Pointe was a great stay for our family and dog! Check in was very speedy. The campground was clean as can be- no overflowing garbages, all utilities tastefully hidden."
Check Availabilityfrom $55 - $140 / night
6. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
"San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."
"Good trails nearby, but only 2 in Onofre Beach that allow dogs. Close to the ocean, restaurants and shopping. The trail between the campground and beach is~1.5 miles."
22 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 - $250 / night
7. O'Neill Regional Park
"I found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open."
"For our purposes:
- Dog Friendly: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Kid Friendly: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pros:
- Clean facilities, flushing toilets and hot showers, well maintained sites.
- Very affordable"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
8. El Cariso Campground
"The campground was right off the highway, cost affective ($15/night), and there were no reservations needed. There were 24 sites tucked in the woods. A few water faucets & bathrooms throughout."
"Albeit it’s just off the road and Ortega highway is fairly busy at all hours of the night, so road noise was a little annoying but not bad. Self pay was easy and quick."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
9. Temecula-Vail Lake KOA
"This campsite is definitely kid and dog friendly! My kind of campsite. Pool was clean and open. My son loved the bmx bike trails."
"We enjoyed a 6 night stay at the Temecula/Vail Lake KOA over New Years. "
10. The Secret Place
"I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!"
"A/C in the house is great for cooling off from heat. 5 min drive to Ortega Falls, which creates a magical hike when the waterfall is running, and it’s an easy outing in the area."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 15 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 5 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 20 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Wildomar, CA
192 Photos of 228 Wildomar Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove
Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV ParkK
The Secret Place
Vanlife Campground Community In Coastal MountainsA
Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSEDG
MT SOMEWHERE
Van Life Campgrounds: Fallbrook
Vail Lake RV Resort
Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground
Down To Earth Echoshire
Bierbaum Pepper Farm
Dripping Springs Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Wildomar, CA
1940 Reviews of 228 Wildomar Campgrounds
Sleep with O.ScoutRolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
Just what I was looking for
- H
Harold W.ScoutSeabreeze At Seal Beach
Beautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
- DDouglas E.
TravelerDel Mar RV Park and Marina
Great military camp site
Very clean. Right in the beach. Good managers. It has been fantastic
- TTanya T.Scout
Mountain Lakes Resort - Membership Campground
OCTOBER 2026
Site is clean, many activities on weekends They also add 1000lb or catfish and trout weekly depending on season. Members were friendly. Downside is wifi when the campsite is 75+ full and only about a dozen paved spots. Major are gravel and dirt.
- DDouglas E.Traveler
Guajome Regional Park
Nice place
Clean, beautiful, hookups work, bathrooms/showers are clean. The lake is serene. Professional photographers are abound to take wedding and/or family pics here. Really wonderful. I almost don’t want to recommend it to keep others from flooding this gem.
David S.ScoutEscondido RV Resort
Nice, clean, accommodating RV Park with everything. Heated pool, Jacuzzi, laundry room, pet friendly and very nice people who went out of their way to hook us up with a spot . 😁Was going to stay for the 1 night ended up 3 days great atmosphere with everything close by . Highly recommended. 💯
- HHope H.
GuideSan Clemente State Beach Campground
Sites Near RR Tracks are Ocean View
I didn't book very early but was able to get a site right across from the lifeguard station. The sunset view was quintessential California and maybe even worth the price of admission, which is pretty steep at $53 for tent camping and freeway noise.
The restrooms vary, so if one is particularly distasteful, head to a quieter area of the campground.
RR noise isn't bad, as the crossing is far enough away that the horn blast seems quite distant. I-5 is very noisy however. There are lots of on/off ramps in that area, and with hills to climb it just makes for a lot of engine noise.
Aaron S.
RangerRound Valley Campsite — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Gooseberry Site, Alpine Wilderness & A Critical Backcountry Safety Wake-Up
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a true alpine backcountry adventure right in Southern California, backpacking into Round Valley Primitive Campsites inside the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is an incredible experience. By pairing the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a weekend wilderness trek, you can leave the scorching low desert and step into sub-alpine granite peaks within minutes. Our crew recently packed our gear, caught the tram, and set up basecamp at the Gooseberry site for a Friday-to-Saturday summit push of Mount San Jacinto.
The scenery and wilderness delivered on every level—but the trip also served as a stark reminder that high-altitude nature commands respect.
The Route & Camp Setup (Gooseberry Site)
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway bypasses thousands of vertical feet of grueling desert switchbacks, depositing you at Mountain Station:
- The Trek into Round Valley: From the tram station, it is a scenic~2.5-mile backpack into Round Valley, which sits at an elevation of roughly 9,100 feet.
- The Gooseberry Campsite: Gooseberry is a fantastic primitive backcountry site. Tucked among the lodgepole pines and granite boulders, it offers great shelter, peace, and that genuine wilderness seclusion you crave.
- The Summit Push: We spent Friday night acclimating and resting at basecamp. Early Saturday morning, we pushed for the summit of Mount San Jacinto Peak(10,834 feet). After taking in the panoramic views stretching from the Pacific to the Salton Sea, we descended back to Round Valley, packed up camp, and made the return trek to the tram for the ride down.
The October Shoulder Season: Nature Changes in Minutes
We chose to hike late in the season during October, and anyone heading up during shoulder months needs to understand high-elevation weather:
- T****he Forecast Mirage: On the morning of our summit push, the official forecast predicted clear, sunny skies by noon.
- The High-Alpine Reality: Noon rolled around, and the weather did the exact opposite—we were hit with biting snow flurries and temperatures plunging straight into the 20s.
- Within just two hours, a crisp autumn morning morphed into full-blown freezing winter conditions.
A Serious Backcountry Advisory: 50 Years on the Trail Speaks
As someone with over 50 years of hiking and backpacking experience spanning every corner of the American West, what we witnessed on the trail between Round Valley and the peak was alarming.
We encountered dozens of hikers completely unprepared for foul weather:
- The Outfit: People trekking toward a 10,834-foot alpine peak in short shorts, cotton t-shirts, light sneakers, and carrying little more than a tiny hydration bladder with a couple of snack bars. No insulation, no wind protection, no emergency gear.
- Missing Essentials: Not a single one of the Ten Essentials in sight.
- The Dangerous Mindset: Yes, 99% of the time, casual hikers get lucky and escape without incident. But cell service, 911, and volunteer Search& Rescue teams are not your personal safety net—preparedness and basic common sense are.
- The Golden Rule: Any hiker stepping foot into this wilderness must carry the gear to survive an unexpected night out in freezing conditions. An ankle sprain, altitude sickness, or a sudden squall can turn a fun day hike into hypothermia, acute suffering, or worse. Don't be that guy or gal.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness and Round Valley’s Gooseberry site delivered everything an outdoor enthusiast could want: pristine trails, incredible pine-scented air, and raw wilderness beauty. Just never forget that nature can bite hard if you let your guard down. Pack your layers, bring your essentials, respect the mountain, and you will have an unforgettable journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
Guide to Wildomar
Camping areas near Wildomar, California range from urban RV parks to remote hillside retreats with elevations spanning from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters where nighttime temperatures can drop to the 40s. Campsites throughout the area typically offer varying degrees of shade coverage, with many requiring leveling equipment due to uneven terrain.
What to do
Hiking near waterfall trails: Vail Lake KOA provides a convenient jumping-off point for exploring natural water features. "Easy hike to Vail Lake reservoir," notes one camper, while another mentions it's "a good jumping off point for some fun mountain biking" in the surrounding hills.
Fishing at multiple locations: Lake Skinner Recreation Area stocks the lake throughout the year, though be aware of additional costs. "The lake is stocked with fish throughout the year, but they require you to buy a riverside county lakes fishing permit for each day if you want to fish," explains one visitor who still found it "not too bad for a close, clean, and easy weekend trip."
Explore local attractions: San Mateo Campground serves as a base for regional exploration. A visitor mentions, "We used the campground as a base camp to spend time in LA and San Diego as well as a day in Joshua Tree National Park. 1-2 hours from everything."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Blue Jay Campground offers nicely separated camping areas. "Most sites have fire pits. Dumpsters are available as well. A few nice trails near," notes one camper, while another appreciated that "the trees were nice, needed some maintenance though."
Family-friendly amenities: Temecula-Vail Lake KOA provides numerous activities for children. "Free mini golf, horseshoes, disc golf and pool area with 3 pools, one specific for kids. Golf cart friendly," shares one visitor, while another found it "a perfect spot for the kiddos to ride their bikes and goof around."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness at O'Neill Regional Park. "Clean facilities, flushing toilets and hot showers, well maintained sites" plus "recently paved streets (perfect for scootering, skating, biking)" make this spot particularly appealing for families wanting modern comforts.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat in the region can be challenging for pet owners. At El Cariso Campground, visitors mention "it does get hot though, and there were lots of wasps while we were there. We had to cook very quickly and keep everything covered."
Campsite preparation: The Secret Place offers spectacular views but requires planning. "Essentially a private mountain top with views above the clouds — seeing the clouds roll in was unreal," reports one camper, while another noted, "Showers were hot no matter how many people took them."
Noise levels: Road noise affects several campgrounds in the area. At Blue Jay, "Ortega highway is fairly busy at all hours of the night, so road noise was a little annoying but not bad," while another camper mentioned "it's just off the road and Ortega highway is fairly busy at all hours of the night."
Tips for camping with families
Easy outdoor activities: Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers kid-friendly water features. "They have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost! There are lots of walking trails," mentions one family, while another appreciated that "it has tent, partial, and full hookup sites along with a camp store."
Educational opportunities: O'Neill Regional Park provides learning experiences for children. One visitor highlighted the "Great 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail" making it educational and entertaining.
Safety considerations: When camping with children at Blue Jay Campground, parents should note that "the fire pit was buried in ground so it was practically level, made me nervous about the kids," while another camper recommended bringing "bug spray and citronella candles" to combat insects.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground requires careful site selection. "A lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me," notes one RVer, while another mentioned "Electrical outlets by the restrooms at a handicap site. Water spigots scattered around the bobcat site."
Electrical challenges: When staying at Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, be prepared for electrical limitations. "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."
Cell service considerations: Signal varies dramatically between campgrounds. At O'Neill Regional Park, one visitor reported "good cell reception," while at Wilderness Lakes "We had a spot next to the water which could have contributed to the infestation but at the same time a little more cleaning could also assist. There is no WiFi at this location and my Verizon cell service was choppy."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Wildomar, CA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wildomar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wildomar, CA is Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort with a 3.9-star rating from 19 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Wildomar, CA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wildomar, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 228 dog-friendly camping locations near Wildomar, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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