- Waterfall Camping
The best waterfall camping near Lake Mathews
99% (243) • 97 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Mathews
Hidden Falls Preserve
1. Hidden Falls Preserve
97%
(178)
23mi from Lake Mathews · 16 sites
This secret off-grid getaway on 80 acres provides stunning views at private tent sites with hiking, bird-watching, and wildflower-spotting. Relax in the shade of a eucalyptus grove, enjoy the sun shining over the sage scrub, enjoy the dark night, and find the hidden seasonal waterfalls. A short drive to Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake, and Lake Skinner, our private, scenic campsites offer both serenity and nearby activities including wine tasting, restaurants, hot air balloons, and paragliding. We are 100% off-grid with no hookups or potable water sources (yet), no showers (yet) in the middle of a conservation area. A significant portion of our proceeds goes directly to a local non-profit for habitat restoration efforts and other bird study projects. We hope to attract campers that want an off-the-beaten-path type experience without having to go to the mountains.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Creekside Vintage Cabins w/hot tubs
2. Creekside Vintage Cabins w/hot tubs
99%
(139)
32mi from Lake Mathews · 3 sites
Two Cabins to choose from, each with its own vintage charm. Both on the same dirt road across the street from each other, separate properties, both with their own private hot tubs, kitchen, claw foot tub in bathroom, heating. Rent separate or rent both and bring your friends!
Here are the special additions at each cabin:
Creekside Cabin: 468 sq. ft, a beautiful deck backing up to the national forest, with propane fire pit(you supply your own propane tank), and charcoal bbq(you bring your own charcoal), overlooking fresh water creek, outdoor shower, large fireplace, open floor plan, living room with cozy queen bed, open to upstairs loft 2 full beds, and a twin bed. This cabin has the option to add the vintage trailer in the driveway June - October only as an additional space. Does not have electricity, bathroom or heating for $75 per day. Trailer not available other times of the year due to cold night temps.
Vintage 1937 Cabin: larger indoor space 1304 sq. ft. , a rock front patio, Wood stove in living room, open to upstairs loft 2 full beds, private large bedroom with another wood stove w/ queen bed and twin fold out couch, laundry room, enclosed patio with gas bbq, and a charcoal bbq on front patio(you supply your own charcoal)..
Both cabins:
Require 4 wheel drive and chains or two wheel drive and chains during winter storm snow days due to remote location.
Big falls waterfall is just a short hike away, as well as the trailhead for Vivian creek Trail. Come spend time nestled in the Coulter Pines, oaks, and maple trees.
Your neighbors are raccoons, and bears, property is situated on the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest at the top of the mountain.
You truly feel like you're in the high Sierras just 1.5 hours from Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake is a 45 minute drive away.
In town you will find Elkhorn General Store and El Mexicano Mexican Restaurant, both close early:).
San Bernardino County Short Term Residential Rental Unit Permit CESTRP-2022-00524
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$180
/ night
Lake Gregory Adventure Base!
3. Lake Gregory Adventure Base!
29mi from Lake Mathews · 2 sites
This mountain property is surrounded by massive pine trees and within a 15 minute walk to Lake Gregory - a gorgeous mountain lake with a well maintained trail running the entire perimeter and several areas to park if you are transporting gear.
This is a perfect base for Lake and Mountain adventures with numerous trail systems nearby, including the famed PCT as it meanders through sections of the San Bernardino National Forest.
The parking access is off the street if you choose to leave bicycles, snowboards, kayaks etc attached to your car. There is also room to leave large outdoor equipment on property for easier driving around without your outdoor gear.
There is only one Hip-Camp Site on the property - the private pine cottage with a 1/2 bath and off-street parking. Access to the patio with the gas fire-pit, grill and seating area will be yours to enjoy alone.
Come adventure in the mountains!
Brian
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$35
/ night
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
National forest 81mi from Lake Mathews · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
San Bernardino National Forest
5. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
National forest 58mi from Lake Mathews · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Shire
6. The Shire
100%
(2)
30mi from Lake Mathews · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to The Shire !
Come and relax in Lytle Creek
-Private 5 acre ranch
-3 RV sites full hookups and Wi-fi
Tent sites with water, electricity and Wi-fi
Hiking, waterfalls, creek swimming, shooting ranges, and OHV trails
Walking distance to a Melody’s Market, restaurant and bar
We are looking forward to seeing you !
Potable water
Picnic table
Full hookups
from
$200
/ night
Angeles National Forest
7. Angeles National Forest
92%
(228)
National forest 57mi from Lake Mathews · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
99% (243) • 97 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Mathews
Hidden Falls Preserve
1. Hidden Falls Preserve
97%
(178)
23mi from Lake Mathews · 16 sites
This secret off-grid getaway on 80 acres provides stunning views at private tent sites with hiking, bird-watching, and wildflower-spotting. Relax in the shade of a eucalyptus grove, enjoy the sun shining over the sage scrub, enjoy the dark night, and find the hidden seasonal waterfalls. A short drive to Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake, and Lake Skinner, our private, scenic campsites offer both serenity and nearby activities including wine tasting, restaurants, hot air balloons, and paragliding. We are 100% off-grid with no hookups or potable water sources (yet), no showers (yet) in the middle of a conservation area. A significant portion of our proceeds goes directly to a local non-profit for habitat restoration efforts and other bird study projects. We hope to attract campers that want an off-the-beaten-path type experience without having to go to the mountains.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Creekside Vintage Cabins w/hot tubs
2. Creekside Vintage Cabins w/hot tubs
99%
(139)
32mi from Lake Mathews · 3 sites
Two Cabins to choose from, each with its own vintage charm. Both on the same dirt road across the street from each other, separate properties, both with their own private hot tubs, kitchen, claw foot tub in bathroom, heating. Rent separate or rent both and bring your friends!
Here are the special additions at each cabin:
Creekside Cabin: 468 sq. ft, a beautiful deck backing up to the national forest, with propane fire pit(you supply your own propane tank), and charcoal bbq(you bring your own charcoal), overlooking fresh water creek, outdoor shower, large fireplace, open floor plan, living room with cozy queen bed, open to upstairs loft 2 full beds, and a twin bed. This cabin has the option to add the vintage trailer in the driveway June - October only as an additional space. Does not have electricity, bathroom or heating for $75 per day. Trailer not available other times of the year due to cold night temps.
Vintage 1937 Cabin: larger indoor space 1304 sq. ft. , a rock front patio, Wood stove in living room, open to upstairs loft 2 full beds, private large bedroom with another wood stove w/ queen bed and twin fold out couch, laundry room, enclosed patio with gas bbq, and a charcoal bbq on front patio(you supply your own charcoal)..
Both cabins:
Require 4 wheel drive and chains or two wheel drive and chains during winter storm snow days due to remote location.
Big falls waterfall is just a short hike away, as well as the trailhead for Vivian creek Trail. Come spend time nestled in the Coulter Pines, oaks, and maple trees.
Your neighbors are raccoons, and bears, property is situated on the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest at the top of the mountain.
You truly feel like you're in the high Sierras just 1.5 hours from Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake is a 45 minute drive away.
In town you will find Elkhorn General Store and El Mexicano Mexican Restaurant, both close early:).
San Bernardino County Short Term Residential Rental Unit Permit CESTRP-2022-00524
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$180
/ night
Lake Gregory Adventure Base!
3. Lake Gregory Adventure Base!
29mi from Lake Mathews · 2 sites
This mountain property is surrounded by massive pine trees and within a 15 minute walk to Lake Gregory - a gorgeous mountain lake with a well maintained trail running the entire perimeter and several areas to park if you are transporting gear.
This is a perfect base for Lake and Mountain adventures with numerous trail systems nearby, including the famed PCT as it meanders through sections of the San Bernardino National Forest.
The parking access is off the street if you choose to leave bicycles, snowboards, kayaks etc attached to your car. There is also room to leave large outdoor equipment on property for easier driving around without your outdoor gear.
There is only one Hip-Camp Site on the property - the private pine cottage with a 1/2 bath and off-street parking. Access to the patio with the gas fire-pit, grill and seating area will be yours to enjoy alone.
Come adventure in the mountains!
Brian
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$35
/ night
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
National forest 81mi from Lake Mathews · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
San Bernardino National Forest
5. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
National forest 58mi from Lake Mathews · 863 sites
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Shire
6. The Shire
100%
(2)
30mi from Lake Mathews · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to The Shire !
Come and relax in Lytle Creek
-Private 5 acre ranch
-3 RV sites full hookups and Wi-fi
Tent sites with water, electricity and Wi-fi
Hiking, waterfalls, creek swimming, shooting ranges, and OHV trails
Walking distance to a Melody’s Market, restaurant and bar
We are looking forward to seeing you !
Potable water
Picnic table
Full hookups
from
$200
/ night
Angeles National Forest
7. Angeles National Forest
92%
(228)
National forest 57mi from Lake Mathews · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
M.E.
2 weeks ago
Tent
my wife and I had such an amazing time there. we stayed at Jensens peak and the view was perfect.
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Matt
January 2026
Tent
With kids
We keep coming back to this hilltop campsite. Safe and clean with beautiful views, my kids love the escape and the small challenge of a little hike to the camp.
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Aviral
December 2025
Tent
With pets
We had a great time camping here. The host was super helpful and responsive, the directions were clear, and the views were amazing.
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Adrian
November 2025
Tent
Absolutely beautiful property. The scenery was amazing and very quiet. Jordan and Rheanna were very responsive. I plan on coming here again.
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Matt
October 2025
Tent
It's always peaceful and beautiful, and the whole campground is obviously a labor of love. We love Dragon's Reach for the solitude and the view.
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N
Nathan
September 2025
Tent
Breathtaking view if you camp at JP. The campgrounds below look amazing too. Some trees to offer shade and very clean and safe campground. Will definitely be returning soon!
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Ryan
July 2025
Tent
I had such a peaceful and relaxing stay on Jordan and Rheanna’s land. It was exactly what I needed for a quick escape from the city. The property was quiet, serene, and best of all — I had the entire place to myself. Everything felt safe and well-kept, and the surroundings were just beautiful. I’ll definitely be coming back again!
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H
Honey
July 2025
With kids
Beautiful cabin with everything we needed! Loved exploring the creek and nearby waterfall. Hot tub was great too! Plenty of bedding and cooking supplies. Feels more like a well stocked air b&b than a camping or even glamping experience which was perfect for what we needed. Overall a peaceful and serene experience thank you <3
See moreK
Kim
July 2025
With pets
A great place to go if you want to get away without totally unplugging. Jami was very thoughtful in making sure that everything was provided. I came with 8 people, and there was enough room to comfortably fit everyone without too much running into each other. The beds were great, and extra blankets were provided just in case. There was also a washer and dryer, which I wasn't expecting. There's only one bathroom, so there was a little maneuvering with that. The Wi-Fi worked great, even with all of us connected. There is a heater but no AC, although the ceiling fans, along with opening the windows, really helped with the heat. Not to mention, it was cooler outside.
The only problem was the bugs, like mosquitoes, since we were here in the summer. There's a stream about a 2-minute walk from the cabin, and I'm pretty sure I could hear it even from inside. There's also a bigger waterfall that was about a 20-minute walk/hike. The area was absolutely beautiful—trees everywhere. You could see squirrels running around, birds in the morning, and at night it was so peaceful and quiet.
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S
Scott
July 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot to unwind after a day of motorcycle riding. Beautiful view and sunset! Nice host.
See moreC
Clint
June 2025
Tent
Great spot! Jensen's Peak had a great view and was nice and quiet. Jordan and Rheanna communicated well. I will be booking again soon.
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B
Betty
May 2025
Tent
I’m happy I checked out this spot & would def come back. I chose Jensens Peak for the privacy (woman camping solo) & best view. It is also the driest & least shaded so that’s something to keep in mind. All the sites are amply spaced apart & most have a picnic table which is nice. The hosts were helpful and responsive. Probably goes without saying but—it’s tick & foxtail season!
See moreL
Luis
May 2025
Tent
Group trip
The site was a perfect, relaxing disconnect for an evening. The sky's were great at night and the view was fantastic. People in other sites but you wouldn't have known.
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Joey
April 2025
Tent
Awesome place! Feels very spread out compared to a state park campsite. Well maintained and hosts were very kind and responsive.
See moreH
Harris
April 2025
Tent
Awesome place awesome view. Beautiful campground with a lot of wilderness and nature. Unplug from all the city noise and come down here!
10/10 out of recommend!
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B
Baraka
April 2025
Tent
Lovely host and campsite area. I stayed at Jensen Pean and the view was outstanding. Highly recommend staying here.
See moreJ
James
March 2025
Tent
We really enjoyed camping here and want to try out some of the other site next time. Such a beautiful place and so close to home. Incredible view, lovely sunsets and beautiful sunrises from this campsite for sure!
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Matt
March 2025
Tent
Another perfect little retreat in the hills. The hike-in Dragon’s Peak spot is just far enough away from the main camping area to feel alone on top of the world. Plenty of birds and little creatures to keep you company.
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B
Bianka
February 2025
Tent
My boyfriend and I spent Valentines weekend here and we had the BEST time! We are definitely coming back next year — Dragon’s Reach is secluded and the hiking trail to go up was not bad at all. My boyfriend was able to go up with a whole table and chairs at once. Thanks for a wonderful stay!
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L
Leonard
February 2025
Tent
The land was beautiful! This spot in particular has an amazing view. The sites had plenty of space between them.
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