Lakeside camping near Irvine
Beat the Orange County heat at these Irvine lake camping sites.
89% (277 reviews)
- Irvine
89% (277 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Irvine
Community favorites near Irvine
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Public campgrounds near Irvine
Stories from the community
F
Feverlyn
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
We recently spent a relaxing weekend camping at Ed’s property in Lake Elsinore, and it was exactly what we were hoping for! Booked through Hipcamp, the process was smooth and Ed was a responsive and welcoming host.
The campsite itself was clean, spacious, and had stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. We loved how peaceful and quiet the area was—perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature.
Whether you’re into hiking, birdwatching, or just looking to unwind under the stars, this spot is a hidden gem.
Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a peaceful camping experience not too far from the city!
See more
L
Lisa
2 weeks ago
Tent
The camp host David was so welcoming and made it a wonderful experience! The camp site is so much more beautiful in person than the pics can even express. It’s easy access to your car and bathroom, but you feel so secluded in your own little world in this hidden gem among the trees. Gorgeous views from the site and more if you want to explore on a few trails. There’s an outlet and fresh drinking water at the site so you’re not going without. The tent pad was just big enough for my 5-person tent, you couldn’t fit any bigger. Two picnic tables under the trees for shade, a cooking fire stove then a fire pit for s’mores and hotdogs. I can’t wait to go back, a lovely place!
See moreM
Matthew
3 weeks ago
20 ft pop-up camper
Very nice spot right on the water. Would recommend to anyone wanting to go relax and unwind near the lake.
See moreE
Erwin
3 weeks ago
Tent
The camp spot had a great view right on the lake and it's close to shops and restaurants.
See more
R
RAINER
3 weeks ago
25 ft travel trailer
What a wonderful world the host has created. From welcoming me the night I arrived to the tour the next day, I enjoyed every second on his adventure land.
I am currently looking for dates to come back for more time.
Everything is really beautiful beyond believe
See more
P
Preston
3 weeks ago
Tent
I would highly recommend camping here! Our spot (oak grove) was very private and secluded and had a beautiful view of the mountains. The hosts are a down to earth, kind, and genuine couple who will welcome you warmly and make sure you have everything you need. They have several bath houses, each with a toilet, shower, sink, soap, shampoo, bee sting and first aid kits, literally anything you could need. I would highly recommend doing a tasting and trying their olive oil products as well as their jams and jellies, you won’t regret the experience. I will absolutely be returning here soon with friends, it was an awesome experience that was made even better by the most amazing hosts. They are a hardworking couple who are proud of what they have accomplished and it is so interesting to hear about their land, their products, and their family.
See more
C
CAREY
April 2025
14 ft campervan
Group trip
The hip camp at Macala Orchard was more than we could have imagined. The staff was amazingly hospitable, from the tour upon arrival, to the attention to detail for our accommodations, we were delighted. Our family enjoyed the views, the knowledge gained about the orchard/vineyard from David, the kindnesses extended to us and getting to purchase the award winning olive oil and jam, bringing a piece of it back home with us. The family was easy to work with and we would do it again in a heartbeat!
See more
e
emilia
April 2025
Tent
Had an amazing stay at Ed’s sight at Lake Elsinore! Beautiful views accompanied by the nice campsite and clean upgraded porta potty made for a perfect stay. Will definitely book again, already looking forward to it!
See more
Milos
April 2025
Tent
With kids
We just returned from the most wonderful weekend celebrating our now 7-year-old son's birthday at Villa Macala! The property is so peaceful and beautiful -- boulders, olive and pomegranate orchards, wildflowers (in late April), hummingbirds, blue birds, etc.
Our hosts were so friendly, inviting, and helpful, and we loved their pomegranate juice, fruit jams, and tea.
The brand new bathhouse, just a moment up the path from our site, was clean and full of soaps and other supplies.
We'll be back, for sure, and highly recommend the property (Site 1 - Elderberry Park) in particular for those who want to tent camp.
See more
A
Adrian
April 2025
21 ft Class C
Group trip
This is an incredible place. Beautiful surroundings. Would definitely go back.
See more
A
Adam
April 2025
Tent
Macala is a truly amazing campsite. The property is very well maintained and the views are outstanding. Nina and the entire staff are accommodating, friendly and considerate. I spent 2 days with my son enjoying peace and quiet. We spent the days exploring the property. I’ve been to Macala 2 times in the past month and can’t wait to get back there again. It’s really fantastic.
See more
B
Bill
April 2025
21 ft campervan
With pets
This is a hidden gem in Lake Elsinore! It has a lot to offer to everyone!
Fishing jumping out of the water
Birds of all kinds flying and swimming around
Sounds of frogs and other small animals.
During the day you can enjoy activities in and on the water
Maybe some fishing by pier or on a boat if you have one.
And watching boats and jet ski passing by.
The sunsets over the mountains you are facing
At night you can see some stars
Across the lake you can see city lights
The only negative I can say about this place is close to a main road so remember to bring your headphone this way you can mute out the sound when you are enjoying the view and sleeping.
Ed the host, is the best, fast response and gives detail instructions how everything works and provides.
No wonder this place is always booked.
You won’t be disappointed
We will be back again for sure!
See moreL
Louis
April 2025
Tent
Group trip
Really cool site, friendly host, quick response time. Water and the bathroom were very convenient. Plenty of space and seclusion. Worked well for a group of 7 adults.
See more
M
Marlene
April 2025
32 ft travel trailer
Macala was absolutely beautiful, our hosts were gracious, and the camping facilities were superior & very clean. The grounds were expansive with various farming endeavors including olive groves, fruit trees, & vinyards. Views of SoCal’s largest mountains surround this farm in the canyons heading into wine country. Highly recommend a trip here, and be sure to take home some of their internationally acclaimed olive oils as well as other delicious offerings.
See moreJ
Jim
April 2025
10 ft campervan
We enjoyed our stay on the Lake. Direct lake access provided beautiful views, sunrises, sunsets and wildlife viewing. Even got to watch parachuters! We brought our kayak and appreciated how close the site is to the water and having a dock. We also appreciated having a very clean restroom and water, picnic tables, fire pit and shade. We have to agree with other reviews about the road noise.
See more
M
Mya
April 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great spot with great views! porta potty was super clean!
See more
Melissa
April 2025
Tent
Loved camping here! Everyone was so welcoming and friendly! Check in was easy and the farm was beautiful! There was only one other group there and the only time we ran into them was waiting for the clean bathroom nearby! There are plenty of spaces to set up the tent and the actual site was huge for 2 people! So much room for a group and activities around the site. Did not want to leave! The boulders provided great privacy from the other campers and everyone was respectful of the noise level. No complaints and can’t wait to return soon! Thank you for your hospitality!
See moreT
Tim
April 2025
Tent
Beautiful views, great hosts, amazing site. Looking forward to going back again soon.
See more
M
Mystery
April 2025
16 ft campervan
With kids
Our stay at Villa Macala was great. It was quiet, peaceful and the site was well placed. We had awesome views from the "Bee Box" site. This site had a new table/bench combo, two extra benches, definitely plenty of seating. Our host David was really helpfull during our stay. I definitely recommend this place for someone who wants to get away from the city. Hope to come back another time.
See more
Kathy
April 2025
Tent
Macala Orchards is a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired property filled with boulders of every size & shape, olive trees, purple sages, wild rabbits and coyotes yipping. My 13 year old daughter spent most of each days climbing the boulders. We watched birds & ground squirrels. Found a funnel spider. Tried to get close to a rabbit at evening silflay. Did the olive oil tasting (multiple award winners including a best of the world!) which was wonderful & luckily our two favorite oils were available for sale. When we first arrived, the property manager David met us at the gate & did a great orientation. Rich, the patriarch, took us on an inspiring tour of the property, zipping up and down hills in his golf cart. Our tent site was close to their new, bright bathroom, which had a decent-sized hot shower. I was able to park my SUV near the place we chose for the tent. There are lots of spots to park and/or set up one’s tent, s actually. I just chose a spot that was flat, under a tree & near a picnic shelter with a view for my morning coffee time. We didn’t use the bigger bathroom/kitchen area as we didn’t need the microwave, fridge or sink up there. (We are self sufficient that way.) My daughter wants to go back, as do I, but I think for vastly different reasons. She loved the rocks & building the fire. I loved the trees that came from Italian soil & knowing it Italian blood that build everything. Macala Orchards is a place good for the soul.
See more3 top lakeside campgrounds near Irvine
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Other options near Irvine
Lakeside camping near Irvine guide
Overview
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.