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

Lake camping is a great way to cool down in Orange County and reset from urban life. Fortunately for those in Irvine, Irvine Lake is just a 20-minute drive northeast of town in the Santa Ana Mountains and a local go-to for swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating in the OC. On the other side of the Santa Ana range are a number of other lakes and reservoirs to plan a camping trip around, including Lake Elsinore, Diamond Valley Lake, and the Skinner Reservoir near Temecula. For Alpine lake camping, there's also Big Bear Lake at over 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, where you can try skiing in winter, too. Whether it's a campground, RV park, cabin, or glamping site, many Southern California lake campsites feature amenities like fire pits, wifi, showers, full hookups, and more.

86% (600)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake camping is a great way to cool down in Orange County and reset from urban life. Fortunately for those in Irvine, Irvine Lake is just a 20-minute drive northeast of town in the Santa Ana Mountains and a local go-to for swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating in the OC. On the other side of the Santa Ana range are a number of other lakes and reservoirs to plan a camping trip around, including Lake Elsinore, Diamond Valley Lake, and the Skinner Reservoir near Temecula. For Alpine lake camping, there's also Big Bear Lake at over 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, where you can try skiing in winter, too. Whether it's a campground, RV park, cabin, or glamping site, many Southern California lake campsites feature amenities like fire pits, wifi, showers, full hookups, and more.

86% (600)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lakeshore Retreat

95%

(162)

24mi from Irvine · 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)

55mi from Irvine · 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. Villa Macala

100%

(367)

47mi from Irvine · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hemet, CA

Villa Macala is a 20-acre oasis of detailed landscape, orchards and Southern CA native planting while complimenting the natural rocks and gorgeous views. Enjoy the many hiking trails and rest in the peace, quiet and beauty. Overlooking the Hemet Valley with gorgeous panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Macala is reminiscent of an Italian Villa. The property landscape includes Olive Orchards throughout, a growing vineyard, fig trees, pomegranate trees. Villa Macala is 15 minutes from Diamond Valley Lake where you can enjoy a wildflower trail, fishing or mountain bike trails, museum and water park. It is 20-30 minutes to Pachea Trail and Simpson Park where you can enjoy more great hiking and mountain bike trails. It is also a 30-minute drive to Temecula Wine Country. We have 2 full outdoor bathrooms, one was most recently added at our Elderberry Camp Site (site 1), and is also close to site 4 our Oaks Campsite as well. (Please note our 2nd bathroom is a good walk uphill from the campsites). Our larger bathroom campers can use with a shower and small fridge to store your food. We also have a playground with swing set for kids to enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. FIRES: No fires are to be lit by the campers without verbal consent from property owner and instruction. SEE property owner/camp host upon arrival about what you may use on the property. He will provide instructions. TASTINGS: Macala Orchards Olive Oil, Various Jellies and Jams Pomegranate Juice all made from what we grow are available for tasting upon request. Please let us know prior to arrival if you are interested in a scheduled tasting during your stay! We can provide a tasting if we have the proper staff during your visit. Our products are available for purchase, with or without a tasting. We recommend you bring cash if you are interested. We also take Venmo!

4. Beautiful Lake House In The Mountains

100%

(1)

49mi from Irvine · 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. Champagne Lakes RV Resort

45mi from Irvine · 2 sites · RVs · Escondido, CA

Quaint Comfort. Champagne Lakes 760.749.7572 is the most secluded and spacious RV Park in north San Diego County. Choose from a rustic tree covered site near the lake or a modern site with a large concrete pad that provides easy access and maximum flexibility for today's largest slide-out equipped rigs. Sites are ready with every modern amenity including septic, fresh water, cable television, 50 amp, 30 amp and/or 20 amp electrical service, and internet service is available (fees apply). Natural Beauty. Champagne Lakes RV Resort is nestled in a valley and features huge trees, flowering plants and lots of green lush ground cover. The resort is 50 acres of nature and wildlife preserve, with 3 lakes that are fed by the local mountain streams. Wild ducks and geese have made these lakes their home for over 40 years.

6. Bierbaum Pepper Farm w/Goats!

98%

(536)

49mi from Irvine · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Hemet, CA

We are a small homestead/farm just outside Temecula Valley Wine Country in California. Primarily we raise our mini dairy goats and host BYO Tent or RV camping.In October of 2016 we began our journey to create our small farm/homestead. With absolutely no experience and coming from a tiny condo in the city we decided to leave that life behind and buy 11 acres in the middle of no where!We weren't sure what to do with 11 acres. We don't come from a farming family but we had the drive to learn. With the help of YouTube, books, blogs, vlogs and friendly neighbors we began to teach ourselves how to run a small farm, inching into the lifestyle a little at a time.We started off with 15 chickens, many failed gardens and then fell in love with Nigerian Dwarf Goats!We found Hipcamp over a year later and in April 2018 opened up our home to strangers wanting to camp on private property.Since we are in the middle of Temecula Wine Country we figure that our farm is the perfect family friendly environment to relax in nature but still be close to some great attractions. Play with baby goats, chickens and rabbits. Explore the property and star gaze at night without light pollution from the city!This was an empty lot that was first purchased in 2014. We are the second owners of the property and want to be as self sustaining as possible. We are on a well and have converted to solar power. We will be building up the camp sites as well, gradually adding more amenities as we go to create a unique experience for our guests.More about me:I had a great and successful career at a very large CPA firm in San Diego but with city living comes pressure and stress. Due to deadlines and even more stress created by the partners of the firm, I ignored what my body was telling me. I put off going to the doctor for months telling myself I didn't have time and, after this next deadline I'll get a check up.I knew that I needed to change my lifestyle but I wasn't doing it fast enough. We closed escrow on the property in October of 2016 and that November I was in the ER. I almost died. Spent my birthday and Thanksgiving in the hospital.Soon after that I quit my job at the CPA firm and started working from home. Still suffering from complications, that summer in June/July I ended up in the ER again. Even closer to death this time. Since then I've turned around my health. Focused on life on the farm. Raising my animals, my garden and creating a unique experience with the campers. I enjoy sharing this life and my home with like-minded people who want to escape the city and feel a little closer to nature.

7. Cozy Hilltop Cabin

48mi from Irvine · 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.

Camper favorites near Irvine

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Beautiful Lake House In The Mountains

100%

(1)

49mi from Irvine · 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.

Champagne Lakes RV Resort

45mi from Irvine · 2 sites · RVs · Escondido, CA

Quaint Comfort. Champagne Lakes 760.749.7572 is the most secluded and spacious RV Park in north San Diego County. Choose from a rustic tree covered site near the lake or a modern site with a large concrete pad that provides easy access and maximum flexibility for today's largest slide-out equipped rigs. Sites are ready with every modern amenity including septic, fresh water, cable television, 50 amp, 30 amp and/or 20 amp electrical service, and internet service is available (fees apply). Natural Beauty. Champagne Lakes RV Resort is nestled in a valley and features huge trees, flowering plants and lots of green lush ground cover. The resort is 50 acres of nature and wildlife preserve, with 3 lakes that are fed by the local mountain streams. Wild ducks and geese have made these lakes their home for over 40 years.

Bierbaum Pepper Farm w/Goats!

98%

(536)

49mi from Irvine · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Hemet, CA

We are a small homestead/farm just outside Temecula Valley Wine Country in California. Primarily we raise our mini dairy goats and host BYO Tent or RV camping.In October of 2016 we began our journey to create our small farm/homestead. With absolutely no experience and coming from a tiny condo in the city we decided to leave that life behind and buy 11 acres in the middle of no where!We weren't sure what to do with 11 acres. We don't come from a farming family but we had the drive to learn. With the help of YouTube, books, blogs, vlogs and friendly neighbors we began to teach ourselves how to run a small farm, inching into the lifestyle a little at a time.We started off with 15 chickens, many failed gardens and then fell in love with Nigerian Dwarf Goats!We found Hipcamp over a year later and in April 2018 opened up our home to strangers wanting to camp on private property.Since we are in the middle of Temecula Wine Country we figure that our farm is the perfect family friendly environment to relax in nature but still be close to some great attractions. Play with baby goats, chickens and rabbits. Explore the property and star gaze at night without light pollution from the city!This was an empty lot that was first purchased in 2014. We are the second owners of the property and want to be as self sustaining as possible. We are on a well and have converted to solar power. We will be building up the camp sites as well, gradually adding more amenities as we go to create a unique experience for our guests.More about me:I had a great and successful career at a very large CPA firm in San Diego but with city living comes pressure and stress. Due to deadlines and even more stress created by the partners of the firm, I ignored what my body was telling me. I put off going to the doctor for months telling myself I didn't have time and, after this next deadline I'll get a check up.I knew that I needed to change my lifestyle but I wasn't doing it fast enough. We closed escrow on the property in October of 2016 and that November I was in the ER. I almost died. Spent my birthday and Thanksgiving in the hospital.Soon after that I quit my job at the CPA firm and started working from home. Still suffering from complications, that summer in June/July I ended up in the ER again. Even closer to death this time. Since then I've turned around my health. Focused on life on the farm. Raising my animals, my garden and creating a unique experience with the campers. I enjoy sharing this life and my home with like-minded people who want to escape the city and feel a little closer to nature.

Cozy Hilltop Cabin

48mi from Irvine · 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 Irvine

100%

(1)

Falcon Group Campground

18mi from Irvine · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

91%

(11)

Blue Jay Campground

19mi from Irvine · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

Upper San Juan Campground

20mi from Irvine · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

100%

(3)

El Cariso Campground

21mi from Irvine · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

100%

(4)

Wildomar Campground

26mi from Irvine · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

73%

(13)

Lake Perris Campground

37mi from Irvine · 409 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Spring Camp Campground

39mi from Irvine · 3 sites · in Angeles National Forest

Joe Elliot Yellow Post Sites

39mi from Irvine · 2 sites · in San Bernardino National Forest

100%

(4)

Hoegees Trail Camp

40mi from Irvine · 14 sites · in Angeles National Forest

100%

(3)

Glenn Camp Campground

40mi from Irvine · 10 sites · in Angeles National Forest

88%

(4)

Spruce Grove Trail Camp

40mi from Irvine · 7 sites · in Angeles National Forest

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

100%

(3)

Idlehour Trail Camp

41mi from Irvine · 3 sites · in Angeles 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

S

Samona

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

The site was perfect! Be prepared to fight off mosquitos!!!

S

Sara

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at SB Mountain Cabin Rentals

Very cute cabin. Very clean and updated. Would recommend

A

Ashley

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Ed’s site was great, it was spacious enough for our big family, our tents, gear and cars. The trees provide a good amount of shade as well. We all had an amazing time out on the lake, around the bonfire and stargazing. It definitely became a family favorite.

p

peter

July 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Lakeshore Retreat

The Lakeshore retreat was an amazing property right on the lake. Easy in and out. Very clean and private area right on the lake. Overall great experience

C

Chrystelle

July 2025

3 nights at Beautiful Lake House In The Mountains

This cabin is great! Clean, cozy, and comfortable. Just minutes from Gregory Lake which has great hiking, fishing, and an inflatable water park. We were able to watch birds, deer, and squirrels from the patio. The host was responsive and really nice. Check in/out was easy and the cabin info was clear and well organized. It was our first time in Crestline and we loved the small town vibe. Same beautiful setting as Arrowhead, but the people were really nice and the drive was much shorter.

C

Carlos

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Very underrated lakeshore campsite! Has everything you need for several days of camping with a private dock to fish from and hold your jetski or kayak overnight. Highly recommend. Very level ground and although the lake water isn’t the cleanest it was a great experience.

Ciara

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Ed very communicative :) this booking was a wonderful mini getaway, the dock was a special addition! Also, you have to check out Jacks BBQ just down the street!