Camping near Lake Mathews
Bring the tent, RV, or horse trailer to Lake Mathews for waterfront mountain camping year-round.
91% (5635 reviews)
- Lake Mathews
91% (5635 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Lake Mathews
95%
(10)
Native Falls Campground
61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Temecula, CA
The reimagined Native Falls Campground is conveniently located only minutes from Temecula Valley wine country, yet offers a totally unique and serene lodging experience unlike anything in the area!
Our hours are from 9am to 6pm everyday. Check in time starts at noon.
Accommodations include fully furnished cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. The campground includes a lake with a waterfall, a sandy beach, lake toys, and catch & release fishing. Additional amenities include a Pickleball Court, shuffleboard, Pool Table, fire pits, picnic tables, hiking trails, and more!
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$25
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98%
(61)
Lakeshore Retreat
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · 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🌴
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$80
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97%
(703)
Splitrock Farm and Retreat
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CA
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat
Far Away, Close to Home
For more information...
Visit our website www.splitrock.camp
Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome
Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431.
Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Splitrock Farm
Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers.
Splitrock Retreat
Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
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$32
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97%
(33)
Pepperwoods Ranch
3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Lake Mathews, CA
Experience the tranquility on 3 acres of rural beauty with stunning views of Lake Mathews.
Surrounded by nature, an ecological preserve, amazing sunsets, stars, and a beautiful view of the lake. We are quiet and serene but close to the cities of Corona, Norco, and Riverside. Lake Perris is 20 minutes away and a great place to go swimming, fishing or boating.
Lake Mathews is a private reservoir, so you cannot access the lake, but Lake Perris is a public lake about 20 minutes away for swimming, fishing and boating. There are tons of hiking trails nearby and we are surrounded by ecological preserves. The area is very peaceful and serene.
We are approximately 1-hour drive to:
* Temecula
* Idyllwild
* Palm Springs
* Hollywood
* San Diego
* Laguna/Newport/Huntington Beaches
* Joshua Tree National Park
* Indio/Coachella
* Big Bear Ski Resort
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$57
/ night
84%
(37)
High Desert Hot Spring Hideout
13 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
This property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting, where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps peaking at 112F. The cold creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area and our webpage for the Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground for detailed driving directions to the official trailhead located right on our property. You won't get lost if you park on our property and hike from the trailhead, so make sure you go to the right address. Know before you go!
Generally, reservations are not necessary to set up a tent site, but we have a more private area set aside for hipcamp reservations that has separate facilities from the general camping area. We do not recommend bringing children due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take pets, or have children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group.
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$22.99
/ night
99%
(1787)
Down-to-Earth Ecoshire
248 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · CA
Private 35 acre Private Land Restoration Project surrounded by rolling hills, mountain views and open sky.
The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular year round.
Stars and open skies that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in southern California.
Just 15 minutes from Temecula wineries, 40 minutes from the alpine, artsy town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, and just 15 minutes from the 215 in Menifee toward Hemet.
Best to visit from early autumn to lush springtime where we have great wildflower blooms.
Cooperative managers Jim and Dawn host visitors who want to enjoy nature, participate in regenerative gardening all while off-setting their travel footprint. Fees go to our not for profit land restoration which includes planting trees, improving aquifers and enriching the soil.
The property is a owned by a restorative co-op (turning a former illegal dump into an oasis of hope) where we invite you to participate in creative local solutions to our larger global problems. * If your group is larger than six adults, pease visit our group listings page. If your group needs special privacy and sound requirements and you'd like to reserve the entirer property, you will need to contact us directly. * Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.
* Our visitor support pricing is $20 for the first person and $15 for all additional adults. Kids 6 - 12 are $5 per night. We don't want to charge for kids 6 and under, so do not include them in your booking. Thanks!
* Campfire rings are only in common clearing, designated and permitted areas. Please check for seasonal fire restrictions.
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$10
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88%
(16)
Off the Grid Hot Springs Camping
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Located on a rural off the grid property near the Deep Creek Hot Springs, this 160 acre property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, come camp and enjoy yourself in a peaceful setting where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The natural high desert landscape of junipers, joshua trees, chaparral and sages, combined with the nearby San Bernardino mountains in the background, create an amazing 360* view from just about anywhere on our land. This private homestead property is located 6 miles off the pavement, just far enough to escape the sounds and lights of the city, and is surrounded by 1,000's of acres of undeveloped government managed lands. The natural rural setting creates a serene atmosphere on the property that allows one to easily relax and recharge. You can set up your own tent and campsite or rent one of our furnished glamping tents to stay in when you come to visit. Have a special event coming up or just want to celebrate? Check out our private hot spring pool sites and private cold spring pool sites we have available for up to 300 guests. There is plenty of activities nearby to keep yourself occupied, such as nature watching right on the property, or exploring numerous hiking and ohv trails just off the property. With the trailhead starting on the property, the Deep Creek Hot Springs is just a short hike away, and well worth the effort, with nearby fishing and gold panning along the creek as well. Deep Creek flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is steep in places and can be fairly difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go!
*Although children are permitted to be on the property, we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty of the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take children, elderly people, or over-weight people.
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$23.99
/ night
94%
(954)
Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA
This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.
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$60
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99%
(830)
Holcomb Valley Ranch
45 sites · RVs, Tents411 acres · Fawnskin, CA
Holcomb Valley Ranch invites you to kick back and relax on our private, 400+ acre ranch in the San Bernardino Mountains. Centered around a 100+ acre meadow, filled with horses in summer months and surrounded by thousands of acres of mountainous National Forest.
Just 15 minutes from Big Bear Lake - a large recreational, fresh-water lake for summer swimming, boating, skiing, fishing and other super fun water activities.
The Ranch feels remote and private. Yet is only four miles to the town of Big Bear with shopping and restaurants. Also in close proximity to incredible rock climbing at the Pinnacles, seemingly endless hiking and biking and some pretty epic off-roading 4x4 trails.
Each campsite is approximately one acre, and generously-distanced from neighboring campers. Amenities include its own fire ring with grilling grate and picnic table(s).
The campsites are both cozy enough for 2 or spacious enough for large groups and can easily accommodate a mix of RVs, camper vans and tents.
From June to October the 100+ area open meadow is filled with horses grazing and galloping about (please don't pet or feed!) A four-seasons destination, the Ranch has year-round experiences with warm summers and snowy winters. An excellent basecamp, within close proximity to the lake, ski slopes, Pinnacles, hiking/biking and off-roading trails.
After a day filled with adventure or ultimate relaxation, be sure to enjoy the breath-taking sunsets over the meadow.
The evenings blanket guests with a sea of stars. Toast up some s’mores and warm up some hot-coco over a beautiful, crackling campfire. Remember the s’mores and always follow the “Leave No Trace” principles. There are large trash bins by the entrance.
We look forward to hosting you at the Ranch!
Please note:
OHV’s are allowed. They count as one of the allowed vehicles per campsite and must adhere to the speed limit (10mph) and remain on established camp roads while on the property. They may not be driven from 8pm to 8am. It is strictly forbidden to ride your vehicles through the forest, meadow or off any established roads on or off property. Please research which of the surrounding forestry roads allow for your vehicle type to be driven on. Campsites on the west side of the meadow (F, G & H sites) are partially accessed by a forestry road that does not allow dirt bikes.
Horses: The horses which may be roaming the meadow during your stay are not property of Holcomb Valley Ranch. When horses are present, guests and their pets are prohibited from entering the meadow. Please do not approach, interact, feed or touch the horses. This is for your safety and the safety of the horses. Do, however, take lots of photos! They make a perfect backdrop:)
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$85
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50%
(3)
Nalas Lake Play
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA
Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!
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$25.99
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99%
(72)
Rock & Tree
17 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Perris, CA
It's so nice to "meet you" Rock & Tree was created by a young and newly married couple, Taryn and and Anson. Anson Krekeler is a folk and blues musician and has traveled all around the U.S. playing his music and I was an aspiring Voice-Over actress. One day, we decided that we wanted to live the rest of our lives hosting live music, and plays and that's how Rock & Tree began. As the idea grew, we wanted to create an Open Canvas so that the guest could dream up what they wanted on our stage. We moved to the Inland Empire from Santa Monica, in 2017 with the dream of building an open canvas event space out of sustainable, re purposed and natural materials. Our mission is help enrich the culture of Perris, CA by providing a unique venue that takes you away from the hustle and bustle and takes you to a wonderland of nature surrounded by rocks and eucalyptus trees.A true passion project, Anson and I are building everything ourselves with the help of our friends and family every now and again. Our process is that we source as much lumber using the dead Eucalyptus trees we have here on the 36 acre property and we are constantly trying to come up with innovative ways to use recycled and donated materials in the venue. We now live on the property in a 24ft camper and we feel so lucky that our dream is slowly becoming a reality. You can follow our journey on our Instagram.
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$60
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(337)
Bailes Farm
5 sites · Lodging80 acres · Fallbrook, CA
One of the last remaining undeveloped parts of Southern California, De Luz Heights is located adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest, and the Santa Margarita River (just a few miles from the campsite). This 12-month flowing river is the only one in Southern California that has never been altered or dammed by humans, and features a state-managed hiking trail with many water holes along the way with clear, clean water to dip into. On my 80 acres, there are no major roads going through or next to the property. My land is 13 miles from the Pacific ocean and enjoys a relatively mild yearly climate. Giant boulders provide topographical relief and offer platforms from which to enjoy the view of the nearby Santa Margarita Mountains. The valley views are filled with olive and avocado groves, vineyards, and horse ranches. The Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base is nearby, so you might hear some artillery in the distance on some occasions.
The campsite embraces all the comforts of "glamping": a hot shower, composting toilet, beds with sheets provided, gas grill with a stovetop, pots and pans, kitchenware, a sink, picnic table, shaded deck, sofa, lounge chairs, and propane fire pit. The basics are provided: toilet paper, paper towels, purified drinking water, towels, sheets, cooking oil, etc. Campers need to bring their own blankets. I've created a network of hiking trails for especially fit hikers looking for a more rigorous hike than the nearby Santa Margarita River Trail. My trails lead through creek beds, over boulders, through rocky crags, with views of the Pacific ocean on a clear day. Hikers on my trails need to wear proper hiking boots with good traction. Sections of my trails will require bouldering with hands and feet. Expect to have fatigued quadriceps, some scrapes, and a sweaty hat brim.
The campsite is accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle; I drive a Kia Forte out there regularly. However, some tips when driving a two-wheel drive car: when going uphill on a dirt road, try to keep some momentum of about 12-15 MPH. If you stop and try to start again, your tires will spin out. If that happens, just reverse down the hill, and try it again with more momentum.
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$129
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Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Lake Mathews guide
Overview
In the foothills of the Temescal Mountains, Lake Mathews sits right next to the reservoir lake of the same name. Lake Mathews is surrounded by shrublands and chaparral, riverside woodlands, and valley grasslands for campers to explore. Since Lake Mathews isn’t open for recreational use, campers may want to explore Chino Hills State Park and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park to find miles and miles of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Set up at on-site campgrounds in Chino Hills with electrical hookups and access to citrus trees. Lake Perris State Recreation Area also welcomes campers for fishing, swimming, and boating. Then retire to a waterfront primitive campsite immersed in nature.
Where to go
Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills State Park sits at the north end of the Santa Ana Mountains. The park’s claim to fame is 90 miles of multi-use trails. Take a day hike through the small mountains and hills, ride a mountain bike over fun and challenging terrain, or ride a horse through the landscape. But keep a lookout for Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes. Camping accommodations include tent and RV campsites available for individuals or groups, with electrical hookups and picnic tables. Afterwards, explore the historic Rolling M Ranch barn on the land, or head to nearby California Citrus Historic State Park to learn about the area’s rich history of lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit trees.
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Woodland and riverside canyons await in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. There’s no camping in the park, but private tent and RV campgrounds nearby have firepits and full hookups. Glamping and cabin rental opportunities with AC and queen beds bring comfortable campers close to scenic rock formations like Red Rock Canyon. This canyon was formed by prehistoric sea waters that used to cover the area. Many of the 23 trails connect to the OC Parks Regional Trail system for biking, hiking, and equestrian use. Hikers can see wildlife and remnants of the park’s cattle ranching days. After a day exploring the forest and scrublands, cool off with a dip in Borrego, Serrano, or Aliso Creek, or jump into the private pools or nearby lakes by private campgrounds for swimming.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Lake Perris State Recreation Area is a popular destination for campers looking to spend time on the water. Tent, RV, and equestrian campers find waterfront campsites with firepits that provide easy access to fishing from the shore, pier, or boat. Sailing and waterskiing are also popular activities on the lake; however boaters will need a valid California Boater Card. Experienced divers can explore in scuba diving areas, as well. Intrepid campers can find remote primitive campsites in the park for wildlife viewing and birding. Look out for loggerhead shrikes, hummingbirds, roadrunners,and pelicans. For campers visiting in spring and summer, take a dusk hike led by park rangers to see important and active wilderness sites in the area.
When to go
Though the camping season around Lake Mathews starts in October and goes through May, lots of people love visiting in November to April for cooler temperatures and to see local and unique wildflowers. Winters are relatively short in Lake Mathews, with a fair amount of rain and partly cloudy skies. The nearby mountains keep temperatures between 43–58°F. In summer, water sports become popular. Average summer temperatures are around 77°F.
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