Camping near Riverside
Explore mountains, deserts, and California’s largest state park while camping near Riverside.
- Riverside
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Camping near Riverside guide
Overview
An easy drive from Los Angeles, Riverside offers access to hiking, cycling, horseback riding and more in the heart of Southern California. Campers can trek through San Bernardino National Forest or summit Mount San Jacinto. Rustic camping options inside the forest or park offer a unique opportunity to engage with nature. Or find tent and RV parks with full hookups, wifi, fire rings, and dump stations for more comfort. Desert lovers can return to nature and explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for unique plant life and dispersed camping. No matter where you go, there’s a whole lot of sunshine near Riverside.
Where to go
San Bernardino National Forest
Escape the city to San Bernardino National Forest, where the rugged San Bernardino mountains and coniferous forests make a popular outdoor destination. Explore horseback riding, cycling, and hiking trails, or picnic by one of the park’s large lakes. Multiple campgrounds within the park offer restrooms and picnic tables, with options for group camping and dispersed camping as well. Campers seeking a rustic experience can also explore San Bernardino’s unique “yellow post” campsites, which are free-to-use backcountry sites where campers supply their own drinking water and other necessities.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
Visit Mount San Jacinto State Park to hike the San Jacinto mountains and admire old-growth pine forests. Avid hikers can follow Deer Springs Trail on a 5,000-foot summit up to San Jacinto Peak for a spectacular view. An array of shorter trails are also available for a more relaxed nature experience. Campers will find tent camping and RV sites with hookups within the park. The high-altitude wilderness area of Mount San Jacinto is a protected space so permits are required for day access as well as camping. Permits can be acquired at the park headquarters in Idyllwild and the Long Valley Ranger Station by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park—California’s largest state park—to admire expansive deserts and unique plant life. Free, no-reservation dispersed camping makes this park an easy destination that requires minimal planning. But desert safety is important to consider in advance, as summer temperatures can hit 125°F. October to May is the most popular time of year for campers who want to avoid intense heat, with March and April showcasing the vibrant desert wildflower bloom. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen when visiting year-round.
When to go
Southern California’s warm climate makes it a popular year-round camping destination—the busiest months tend to be during late spring and early fall. Wildflowers blooming in the deserts and mountains draw nature lovers in March and April, while summer and early fall let campers enjoy the outdoors before the rainy season hits in October. The mild weather and average temperatures in the 60s make it easy to continue tent and RV camping through winter, when competition for popular campsites typically declines.