97% (263)
Top-rated campgrounds
97% (263)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
Brandon
5 days ago
17 ft campervan
Great view and lots of extras available for this site. The drive up the mountain was half the fun. Glad we got to check this spot out over the weekend.
See more
C
Clarissa Justin
November 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a wonderful time, with a beautiful view and lots to explore. We will definitely come back again!
See more
C
Chris
October 2025
Tent
Tracy and Peter were great hosts. Upon arriving we were greeted, given a tour of the ranch and ensured that we had everything we needed. The dogs were great company and the scenery was great.
See more
Bob
October 2025
20 ft campervan
Great campsite with fantastic views of the local mountains. The full hookup site we had was extremely nice, new, well setup with a clean picnic table and fire pit. The hilly area was fun to hike around and would be a terrific place for kids to run around and play. Weather was perfect with a nice breeze and clear sky’s.
I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to get away from the city and spend time relaxing with family and friends.
See more
A
Alan
October 2025
16 ft car
We had a wonderful time! The land was beautiful with views of the mountains. The campsite was beautiful, clean, spacious and had a clean bathroom with a HOT Shower. Awesome! We were only 2 people and we car camped but the site (#1 Elderberry Park) is a group site. What is cool is that there are little areas where tents could be pitched that each had a little privacy. We will definitely come back with some friends. There is hiking and a lot to explore. The icing on the cake were the folks at the farm. From David, who met us when we arrived and took us to our campsite and also gave us a tour of the land. To Rich who we met out in the olive groves harvesting olives. To Genine who prepared a wonderful tasting of the EVOO olive oils they produce and her Jelly/Jams. You could really tell that they had a love of the land and wanted to share it. Needless to say, we drove off happy (and some olive oils and jams). Until next time….
See more
Brian
October 2025
18 ft campervan
Excellent place to camp, nice views, the city lights are nice to look at in the night. The spot is more than big enough to acomodate a couple vehicles with tents, its easy enough to find a level spot to set up on. There is a hand wash station and an outhouse building with a porta potty in it that is very convenient. The ground is pretty smooth and holds a spike very well. The host Shane was very nice and led us to the spot. let me clarify the road a little its a little bumpy but nothing crazy, there are ruts on the side and some bushes, nothing that warrants special vehicle or 4x4 as long as you pay attention and use common sense the road is no problem, at a couple places it looks steep but its really not anything to be concerned with. If you come up at night as long as you go slow and have good lights its not a problem, its a refuge and farm and has some cools stuff to look at, there are pigs, a goose, ducks, chicken, they have lots of fruit trees as well. As for wild life you may encounter we were told the usual you would expect for the area, we saw some hawks, a couple frogs at night and a baby snake, nothing to be concerned with.
Pros, great host, clean well managed camping spot, nice view of the city lights.
Cell service works at the camp site so if you want to make a call or stream you can.
Cons, not really cons but if you are looking for super dark sky there is some light pollution from the city lights, just all about what you are looking for
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
See moreE
Elizabeth
October 2025
19 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Magical, wonderful, historic place! The creativity, respect for nature & resourcefulness make Gemini Moon Ranch a truly energetic & restorative environment. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit, stay, or celebrate an event ~ the positive energy will find you elevated & better for it
See more
J
Jesse
October 2025
Tent
Beautiful place and wonderful host! I parked my Tesla Y and did car-camping. The site is tidy and well-maintained. Bathroom is clean too.
See more
J
Jenna
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Our group stayed in both the Canvas Tent and the Creekside Container Cabin, and the combination of these two rentals made for a truly unique and unforgettable getaway. The Canvas Tent was the perfect place to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. The full-size futon and bunk bed provided plenty of space, and while we brought our own bedding as directed, it felt cozy and well-equipped. The setting was serene and private, and we loved stargazing around the property each night. The composting toilet was easy to access, and the addition of the sink was a thoughtful touch for convenience.
With the Creekside Container Cabin just a short walk away, we had the luxury of alternating between the rugged charm of the Canvas Tent and the cozy comfort of the cabin. This setup is ideal if you’re traveling with a group or family and want a mix of traditional camping and "glamping." The property is also close to downtown Idyllwild, hiking trails, and other outdoor attractions, so there’s always something to do. We can’t say enough great things about the property owners – their attention to detail, friendly communication, and genuine hospitality really made our trip special. Whether you’re booking just the Canvas Tent or both spots like we did, you won’t regret it!
See moreP
Petra
October 2025
Tent
With kids
We (11 people, 3 big tents) loved the campground! Beautiful views and rather quiet. Some owls, neighborhood dogs, and coyotes but nothing truly disturbing. The grounds slope a little, so make sure that you put up the tent so that your head can be at the highest point.
Rich, our host, was great and was waiting for us to make sure that we would find the campground. Lovely set up and great bathroom. Rich and his ranch hand David gave us a tour of the grounds, explaining things about their working orchard. Thank you so much for all the personal attention!
See moreA
Adam
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great property, great tent, very dog friendly. Quite comfortable. The owners were very responsive to anll requests and Communications. Overall had an absolutely great experience.
See moreB
Brandon
September 2025
Tent
With kids
The host was extremely kind and went above and beyond to make sure all our needs were met. Communication was quick and helpful, and every request was handled with genuine care. The place was clean, comfortable, and exactly as described. Overall, a wonderful experience — highly recommended!
See moreK
Klaus
September 2025
Tent
Great campsite with a very friendly host. It gets a bit hot in the afternoon, but turns cloudy and humid at night and in the morning. Nice toilet facilities and water station available.
See more
L
Luis
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Such an amazing camp site with one of the best views I have seen.
When I arrived I was greeted and led to my campsite which was a small trek on the property.
Thankful for that since I would have second guessed the way I was going :D
There are signs though which I could have easily followed.
Once on the site the view captures you immediately.
Has all the amenities you need with a table, sitting area , handwashing stations and bathroom.
Once the sun began to set and the moon began to rise was when you see the true magic of this site.
Will definitely come back to stargaze some more!
See moreM
Maxim
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Amazing views from the hilltop site. Lots of land around us in every direction so it felt very private. The bathroom and outdoor sink were comfortable. Really great stay!
See more
D
Dan
August 2025
Tent
With pets
This was our last campsite of the trip and it stood out as the best of the four. The host, Shane, was very friendly and helpful.
The site is at the top of a steep hill with epic views over the avocado farm and the San Bernardino Valley. The camping area is perfectly flat, and the propane campfire was a nice touch.
We visited in August and it was very hot — still very warm at night, despite the breeze, and heating up quickly in the morning. The setting felt dramatic, perched high above the valley.
See more
M
Mary
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We’ve stayed here multiple times and absolutely LOVE this site! It’s like something out of a fairytale. My son even requested to come here for his birthday because it’s his most favorite place ❤️ We will definitely be back!
See more
k
kiirah
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
It was a wonderful site with great views of the valley! The host was quick and responsive to our requests. The honey was very good as well as the fire pit is a must! A great spot for the summer with shade and a few fans!
See more
M
Mike
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved camping here with my family would definitely come back again and they were so nice and will definitely recommend to others
See more
G
Gabriella
August 2025
Tent
The location was a great little getaway and close enough to the town center to do some shopping/exploring & hiking.
The tent was gorgeous, clean, well equipped shelter, good views & the compost toilet was clean as well.
The nights get cold, and I brought plenty of bedding to stay warm.
I will definitely be coming back, maybe with a group of friends the next time.
See more
The best private sites RV camping near Lake Elsinore guide
Where to go
Walker Canyon
Just north of town, the Walker Canyon Trail is popular for wildflower spotting in late winter and early spring, although Lake Elsinore has closed the trail during recent superblooms to combat excessive crowding. If it’s safe to visit, the Walker Canyon hills may be covered with the California state flower, painting the hills orange, green, and tan for visitors camping nearby.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
About 40 minutes’ drive from Lake Elsinore, Lake Perris State Recreation Area is a larger waterfront spot offering camping facilities to go along with boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking along the shores.
Ortega Highway (State Route 74)
Ortega Highway connects Lake Elsinore to San Juan Capistrano with scenic pullouts and campgrounds along the way. The Spanish mission, established in 1776, is considered one of California’s most picturesque sights, and the area is recognized by wildlife enthusiasts for hosting “the swallows of Capistrano” on March 19 each year, when migrating swallows briefly pause on their seasonal journey. San Onofre State Beach is just an additional 15 minutes down I-5 from San Juan Capistrano, offering coastal camping with ocean views.
Palomar Mountain State Park & Cleveland National Forest
A bit over an hour’s drive southeast of Lake Elsinore via Temecula, Palomar Mountain State Park offers campgrounds surrounded by scenic views, birdwatching opportunities, and nighttime stargazing. Cleveland National Forest is right there too, with designating campsites, dispersed camping, and hiking trails. Keep going to hit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, known for its vast desert landscapes, wildflower blooms, and campsites.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
Mount San Jacinto State Park is all about hiking—the 10,834-foot peak is the second highest mountain range in Southern California, after all. This park sits about 90 minutes’ drive from Lake Elsinore and houses a number of drive-in and hike-in campsites. From Palm Springs, take the aerial tramway to reach the park's higher elevations without the hike. Otherwise, charming Idyllwild is also nearby, a mountain town full of campsites and cabins near rock climbing and area hikes.
San Bernardino National Forest
Situated about 1.5 hours northeast of Lake Elsinore, San Bernardino National Forest is another popular spot for campers thanks to a huge number of fishing spots, hiking trails, and dispersed camping opportunities.