Lake Camping Near Brea, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Brea, California? Hipcamp offers over 240 camping options specifically near Brea, California with a lake, perfect for those who love water activities. With options as low as $17 per night and an average price of $50 per night, you'll find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out top-rated campsites like DESERT DAISY - Joshua Tree rural (295 reviews), Owlbee Farm (175 reviews), and Arber-Moore's Ranch (158 reviews) to see what other campers have loved. Popular amenities include potable water, pet-friendly sites, and showers. And if you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from like hiking, snow sports, and paddling.

87% (480)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Brea, California? Hipcamp offers over 240 camping options specifically near Brea, California with a lake, perfect for those who love water activities. With options as low as $17 per night and an average price of $50 per night, you'll find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out top-rated campsites like DESERT DAISY - Joshua Tree rural (295 reviews), Owlbee Farm (175 reviews), and Arber-Moore's Ranch (158 reviews) to see what other campers have loved. Popular amenities include potable water, pet-friendly sites, and showers. And if you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from like hiking, snow sports, and paddling.

87% (480)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lakeshore Retreat

95%

(162)

34mi from Brea · 1 site · Tent, RV · Lake Elsinore, CA

Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴

2. SB Mountain Cabin Rentals

95%

(192)

49mi from Brea · 39 sites · Lodging · Running Springs, CA

Escape to the San Bernardino mountains and experience the ultimate mountain retreat! Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin for a romantic getaway, or a spacious lodge for a family vacation, we've got you covered. With a dozen stunning cabins to choose from, we offer the perfect accommodation for all seasons and activities. Embrace the winter wonderland with skiing and snowboarding, or explore the great outdoors with hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. Or simply unwind and relax in the serene mountain surroundings. Our cabins are conveniently located in Green Valley Lake, Big Bear, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead, each offering its own unique charm and adventure. Let us be your host and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay with us today and discover the magic of the San Bernardino mountains!

3. Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

97%

(309)

44mi from Brea · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Topanga, CA

DEAR HIPCAMPER, "Welcome" To Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Where You Can Unplug & "Disconnect" from Technology & Devices because...WE HAVE A GREAT Connection With Nature HERE ON THE RANCH You Can Find Us @crossbullranchtopanga On Instagram! PERFECT FOR 1ST TIME CAMPERS, FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN & VETERAN CAMPERS TO PRACTICE & HONE THEIR SKILLS IMMERSED IN NATURE YET CLOSE TO ALL THE CONVENIENCES OF... "Home." CBR is A Secluded 16 Acre Eco-Village, Rural Rustic Permaculture & Preparedness Retreat & International Healing Center within Walking Distance to "Topanga Living Cafe" (TLC) & "Cafe' 27". Grab a Bullet Proof Coffee or Oat Milk Latte' with a Wonderful Organic Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch. "Pack Up" & "Head Out" for A Day of Adventure hiking trails, offroad mountain biking The Canyons or cycling along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy swimming in seasonal fresh water pools, food foraging, boogie/paddle boarding & surfing The Waves Of Topanga State Beach. While returning to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Stop Off At The "Topanga General Store" or "Topanga Gourmet" to Pick Up Provisions to "Chill Out" Under The Stars at Your Campsite or One Of Our "Human Nests!" If You're "Lucky" It Will Be Low Fire Danger & We Can Make Smores in The Main Fire Pit Together! Enjoy The Sights, Sounds, Smells, Beauty & "Majesty" of Nature, Enjoy A Drink & A Nice Dinner at "Endless Color," "Then Canyon Bistro" or... The "Inn Of The Seventh Ray" in Town. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sunday Brunch! Or Perhaps "IF" You're In Need Of "Healing" Set Aside 2 - 3 hrs. for Yourself and... Book A "Shamanic Somatic Healing Session" or "Plant Medicine Ceremony" Customized JUST FOR YOU with Your Hostess, Lisa. Details BELOW. Surprise loved ones or take a solo trip to Celebrate Life, Holidays, B'Earth Days, Anniversaries, Multi-Generational Family Gatherings, Reunions+++ ALL while... Safely "Social Distancing in Nature." Cross Bull Ranch was Originally A Chumash Indian Village. In 1926 "A Farmer" Named McDougal Came to CA from Santa Fe, NM in Search of A Better Life for He & His Family. Originally 40 Acres The Farm Provided ALL Produce, Dairy, Poultry & Beef to The Topanga Community via The "General Store" Until The End of WW2 IN 1945 when The American Public were Sold Post Military Chemicals as pesticides & fertilizers. It was Then That "Corporations" began Buying Up Fertile FarmLand, Clear Cutting, Mono-Cropping. Creating Corporate "Grocery Store" Chains DESTROYING "The Family Farm." My Son's Father & I Rescued This Land in 1998. It was Derelict. We were Handed A 1' HIGH FILE FULL OF Building Department "Violations" The Oaks were ALL Dying from Lack Of Fresh Air/Oxygen & Sunshine. We Removed (8) 5 TON DUMPSTERS/40 TONS OF GARBAGE INCLUDING: Cars, Car Parts/Tires, Toilets, Jacuzzi Tubs, Dishware, Newspapers, Utensils++. We Picked Up EVERY Chard of Glass from Broken Beer Bottles, EVERY Bottle Cap, EVERY Cigarette Butt. Which ARE NOT BIODEGRADABLE. It was A "Travesty." And... "A Labor Of Love." We IMMEDIATELY "Invested" $25,000.00 Clearing & Cleaning, "Healing" The Oaks. With Ropes NOT Spikes. We Bought A Brush Cutter & Cut Down Weeds TALLER THAN ME. At 1st you Couldn't EVEN See The Topography Of The Land. We Renovated an Existing Trailer Adjacent to The Farm House. The "Treehouse Trailer" as We Affectionately Call It Was Out Home for 7 Years While I Resolved A 1' High File Of Building Violations, Woke at 5:30AM EVERY MORNING To Direct/General Contract A Crew Of Talented Artisans from San Miguel Allende, Mexico NONE Of Which Spoke English (Soy Boriqua) & Who'd NEVER Built or Renovated A House Before. In 2009 after Separation, Divorce & Financial Devastation in '09/'10I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This "Dis-Ease" Ended Up Being "A Gift". It Lead me On "The Red Road" To Getting Baptized in The Native American Church in The Lakota Way, Taking "Refuge" in Tibetan Buddhism, Hosting Shaman & Healers from ALL OVER The World in Plant Medicine Ceremonies, Practicing Permaculture & Preparedness, Creating My Own Line Of "Cross Bull Ranch" Non-GMO Organic Food,Becoming A Certified Somatic Healing (Trauma Release) Practitioner &Ordained Minister.Until November of 2019 I had been Hosting Retreats, Workshops, Weddings++ In "Our Home." Until... covid. Similar to "My Prayer" 10 Yeas Ago Asking "God" To Send Healers Who Needed Land to Support Their Work In Exchange/Barter For me To Receive The Healing I Needed. Again "I Prayed" HARD & Divine InspirationCame To me Similar to "Food Being Medicine," that Pachamama, "Mother Earth" is The MOST Potent Healer. I Decided to "Open Up The Land" To Offer To "Others" to Leave Society & Devices Behind. Ground Themselves. FULLY IMMERSING Themselves, Family & Friends in Nature "Maskless." In Order To Breathe Fresh Air. Filling Their Lungs With Life Sustaining Oxygen & Bathe Themselves in Sunshine which Is A PowerFULL Disinfectant, Recharge "Their Souls" & Stimulating Their Third Eye/"Pineal Gland."Helping Others To Re-Boot & BOOST Their Immune Systems.Which is Of The UTMOST IMPORTANCE "Right Now." I Am Lisa Cianci and... I AM Looking Forward To Seeing YOU Here On The Ranch! Until Then... Take CareStay Safe & Well!

4. Beautiful Lake House In The Mountains

100%

(1)

40mi from Brea · 1 site · Lodging · Crestline, CA

Relaxin Cabin is the perfect getaway. Located ½ a mile from Lake Gregory & 15 mins from Lake Arrowhead. This top floor unit has a fully stocked kitchen, full bathroom, 2 bedrooms, and a dining table. The vaulted ceiling living room has a toasty wood burning fireplace, wifi, a flat screen TV with access to Netflix. outside on the deck enjoy amazing views from the patio swing and couch. Relaxin Cabin has all that you need making it the perfect place for your next mountain getaway! The space Bedroom 1: Queen Bed Bedroom 2: 2 Full Size Beds Full Hallway Bathroom Guest access This listing is for the private top unit (and attached deck) only. It is separated from the bottom unit. Bottom unit is owner occupied. Other things to note We love pets at our cabin! It's a perfect place to take a walk with them while enjoying incredible views of the lake and mountains. Inflatable kayak available for rent. Additional master suite with queen bed and full bathroom available upon request.

5. Cozy Hilltop Cabin

40mi from Brea · 2 sites · Lodging · Crestline, CA

Newly renovated two story cabin designed with attention to details. This beautiful cabin is in the San Bernardino National Forest. Located in Crestline, the closest mountain town to the major cities of Southern California, surrounded by alpine vistas and home to the beautifully serene Lake Gregory. Cabin is nestled and surrounded by pine trees, makes you feel like you are separated from the world! Quiet and romantic, it's the perfect place to unwind. The space This two-story mid century cabin home was built in 1960 in the historic San Moritz neighborhood. The space has been artfully renovated to a modern luxury standard while preserving beautiful original elements from the 60s. Put the well equipped full kitchen to work and make meals for yourself or the whole family. Eat at the bar or seat everyone in the dining space, or the warmer months, outside on the deck surrounded by nature. In the morning, you'll find a stocked coffee station. Take advantage of convenient on-site laundry for longer stays or snow days. Get cozy in your choice of three bedrooms. The upper floor bedroom features a queen-size bed with a private work space and also a beautiful, spacious master bathroom. The lower level bedroom #1 bunk beds with a queen size bed on the bottom and full-size bed on top bedroom #2 has a queen size bed. All beds feature extra comfortable memory foam mattresses and down comforters. Feel refreshed in the two bathrooms. One conveniently located on the main level, which includes a toilet and shower. One on the upper level as an en-suite off of the queen bedroom. Relax and recharge in the large soaking tub, or enjoy a nice rain shower with botanical body wash and shampoos.

Public campgrounds near Brea

Spring Camp Campground

21mi from Brea · 3 sites · in Angeles National Forest

100%

(4)

Hoegees Trail Camp

22mi from Brea · 14 sites · in Angeles National Forest

100%

(3)

Glenn Camp Campground

22mi from Brea · 10 sites · in Angeles National Forest

88%

(4)

Spruce Grove Trail Camp

22mi from Brea · 7 sites · in Angeles National Forest

"Hammock-friendly meadow, creek running through the camp."

100%

(3)

Idlehour Trail Camp

23mi from Brea · 3 sites · in Angeles National Forest

100%

(2)

Devore Trail Camp

24mi from Brea · 6 sites · in Angeles National Forest

100%

(4)

West Fork Trail Camp

24mi from Brea · 7 sites · in Angeles National Forest

The road to the campground and past it to the general store at the top of the mountain is so pretty.

86%

(7)

Coldbrook Campground

25mi from Brea · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Angeles National Forest

Mt. Lowe Trail Camp

25mi from Brea · 5 sites · in Angeles National Forest

Looking down stream as we stand in the dry river bed. We're actually standing on the Valley Forge trail here, it cuts through the dry stream.

100%

(10)

Valley Forge Trail Camp

25mi from Brea · 6 sites · in Angeles National Forest

100%

(5)

Millard Trail Camp

26mi from Brea · 6 sites · in Angeles National Forest

Joe Elliot Yellow Post Sites

26mi from Brea · 2 sites · in San Bernardino National Forest

Stories from the community

A

Ariel

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

Nice property near the lake clean porta potty. Ed is very responsive and a good host.

M

Michael

3 weeks ago

20 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Great spot lake front. The view is fantastic. Like other reviews, it is close to the road. The lights on pergola was a nice touch. I would stay again.

y

yesica

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to SB Mountain Cabin Rentals

My family and I enjoyed our stay at SB Mountain cabin. The view was amazing the cabin was nice and clean and very relaxing. We will definitely be back!

S

Saud

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

The Place is absolutely gorgeous. Very clean and private with great parking spots for non 4X4 vehicles. Port potty was clean. You can park your vehicle on the shore although I wouldn’t advise it for non 4X4 vehicles. The only con I would say is that it’s so close to the street that you can hear the cars go by but it was okay. There is everything you need in 5 minute drive radius, so don’t worry if you forget anything. The host is super friendly and responsive. Definitely coming back again.

p

pat

October 2025

7 nights at SB Mountain Cabin Rentals

Great place, peaceful, beautiful, well maintained, and clean none toxic cookware! Haha I know that’s a funny thing to be excited about but as a cook I love stainless steel and all were stainless steel, also master bed and pillows very comfortable, Tempur-Pedic I believe. Lots of stairs, so just be aware we brought our elder dog and was a little tricky for him to navigate; but other than that, host replied quickly to all questions and highly recommended!

T

Tanya

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Beautiful sunrises & sunsets! Enjoyed watching the birds around the lake.

T

Trudell

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

Fun spot, close to the road but nicely tucked away and thoughtfully laid out. Some road noise but nothing crazy. Porta potty was clean and the lighted canopy with misters was a nice touch. Loved the private dock. Close to shopping, too. Thanks, Ed!

S

Sabrina

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

The view of this lake was beautiful. My kids enjoyed seeing all the birds and ducks around and in the water. Nothing negative to say about it. My family and I enjoyed this spot a lot. We will definitely be coming back to camp here again.

X

Xiaoyan

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to SB Mountain Cabin Rentals

Great place to stay and so close to Lake Gregory! My family and I walked there and the scenery as we walked was amazing. We enjoyed board games at night as well as the TV. Upstairs had an amazing studio styled home with a wonderful array of vinyls to listen to! The Sky Bear Cabin was also very cozy, there was a loft where you can bask in the sun.

A

Aaron

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

Lisa was amazing, showed us around the entire property walking around barefoot like a true warrior! We stayed at the campsite near the trailer, which was nice and roomy and had room for our big family tent. Close to the beach and some cool cafés nearby in Topanga canyon. Would highly recommend!

K

Katie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to SB Mountain Cabin Rentals

We had an amazing stay! The house was immaculate and super cozy. The views were awesome and the close location to the Green Valley Lake was great. I wish we could have stayed longer, couldn't recommend this spot enough!

T

Taylor

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

Lisa is a great host! I took my sons on a last minute "camping" trip over Labor Day weekend and we had a great time. We loved how close it is to civilization, but still had a true woodsy vibe.

M

Miguel

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

We have a lots of fun kids love it, wishing to come back soon!!!

A

Annie

August 2025

21 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Amazing! Absolutely loved our stay! Beautiful views and we felt safe. The traffic and people noise from the property across the the street was a bit loud late into the night but not noticeable until trying to fall asleep, all the other great stuff out weighed that by a mile! The private dock was a bonus treat, the cleanest port-a-potty I’ve ever been in, and super grateful for the ease in communication with Ed when I had a question about locking up before leaving. We will be back!!

C

Curt

August 2025

17 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

Lisa was very helpful and a good communicator. It’s a nice spot to camp!

C

Cheyenne

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

It was a nice little spot. We loved the fact that the porta potty was always so clean. The deck out over the water was great as well for my kiddos and fishing. Aside from the noise from the passing cars constantly, it was a perfect spot for a lakeside camp trip.

A

Arturo

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Ed has a wonderful place here my family and I loved it I cant wait to come back

Amir

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

Great spot to hang out with family and friends. This place is sacred, gorgeous and extremely flammable! So keep your fire and sour drunk buddies out! Lisa is a great person. Would love to see her again.

A

Amanda

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at SB Mountain Cabin Rentals

The village of Green Valley Lake is sleepy and cute, especially mid-week. This cabin is a great place to go and get a reset from the noise and bustle of city life. We loved playing board games, paddling on the lake, grilling on the balcony and looking at the stars. The cabin is clean and comfy, with nice beds, linen, and towels. Would love to return!

G

Gloria

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

We absolutely loved staying here a couple days! The weather was great and the fish were biting. Would definitely stay here again.