Riverside County campgrounds near Yucaipa provide diverse camping experiences from desert valley sites at 1,700 feet to mountain retreats above 6,000 feet elevation. Year-round accessibility varies by location, with mountain sites often closed or limited during winter months. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F in lower elevations while mountain locations remain 15-20 degrees cooler.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites offer easy access to multiple trails including the Exploration Trail leading to the fire lookout tower. "I really dig these spots because they are well spaced out. It's right around the corner from my cabin so it's a great spot to get outside for the weekend without an epic drive," notes Lynn C. from Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.
Water activities: During summer months, several campgrounds feature water recreation options within walking distance. "We rented a pontoon boat on Saturday and was great just to walk out on the dock with the kids. 4 hr rental was just enough. Make sure you take the back way up the mountain. It's no joke pulling a trailer up there," advises Kevin B. at Holloway's Marina & RV Park.
Mountain biking: Many rv parks near Yucaipa, California connect to local trail systems. "The bike trail is fun and a challenge. Camp site 1,3 & 6 are very quiet. I'm on site 4 in a travel trailer very large space with plenty of shade," shares Sam H. about the riding options at Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.
What campers like
Security features: Multiple RV resorts implement security measures. "The entrance security kiosk is staffed 24/7, and they'll even help spot you while parking your rig," notes Jason M. at Golden Village Palms RV Resort. This differs from county parks which typically have ranger patrols rather than dedicated security.
Spacious sites: RV parks near Yucaipa often feature larger-than-average sites. "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. Lots of grass, great place to camp in groups," explains Paul C. about Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Family amenities: Many locations offer child-friendly facilities. "The amenities they did have were nice and well kept but there isn't a playground and there were no kids other than ours. There are two large pools, one hot tub, and a horse shoe pit," notes Kelsey B. at Palm Springs Oasis.
What you should know
Campground layout variations: Sites with the same amenities can have dramatically different experiences. "This campground has been open since the summer of 2020. It is somewhat expensive, maybe twice the cost of nearby state parks. The folks there are very nice. Unfortunately, it looks like someone took a bulldozer and totally denuded the forest to put in the campground," reports greg at Skypark Camp RV Resort.
Reservation requirements: Yellow post sites operate differently than commercial RV parks. "This is yellow post camping so it's hit or miss if you can get one. Do your homework and learn what you need to know ahead of time - esp regarding fires," advises Kate W. about Keller Peak.
Noise levels: Location affects the ambient noise at campgrounds. "The reason it got 3 stars is its location being up in the mountains in a state forest is a nice place to relax unwind and get away from the rat race," shares Jim about Thousand Trails Idyllwild, contrasting the quieter mountain locations with valley sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with structured recreation options. "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," notes Janet S. about Rancho Jurupa Park.
Water attractions: Several sites offer water features beyond swimming. "We really enjoyed the pool, watching the ducks in the pond, and the kids loved the basketball court. Some parts closed on certain days- store, jacuzzi, community room," reports Carolina at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort.
Safety concerns: Be aware of wildlife at certain locations. "Overall we had a good time, also be aware of coyotes they come out at night," warns Angela about camping at Idyllwild RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs equally. "Very clean spots. Make sure your unit is long enough and not too old or they will turn you away," cautions Bryan S. about Big Bear Shores RV Resort.
Road conditions: Mountain access requires planning for RVs. "We had originally intended to be here for 2 weeks, go to the other Palm Springs Thousand Trails park for 2 weeks, then come back to Oasis for another 2 weeks. Our plans were messed up by a mouse that decided to chew through one of our hydraulic lines stranding us in our spot," shares Derek & Alex W. about their extended stay at Encore Palm Springs Oasis.
Site levelness: Many Yucaipa area RV sites require leveling equipment. "Our Site was not level at all. We carry a lot of leveling blocks and are not even close to level still nose down with 4 2x8s and Jack at max extension. Side to side level took one board under left side. We Had to get more lumber in town to level travel the trailer from front to rear," reports Time4Dirt about their stay at Thousand Trails Idyllwild.
