The best camping in Lake Skinner Recreation Area, CA

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Pass the days sailing, paddling, or fishing on the water at the Lake Skinner Recreation Area.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Hidden Falls Preserve

97%
(166)
3.2mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 16 sites · Tents · Winchester, CA
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.
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from 
$35
 / night

Cottonwood Creek Camp

98%
(183)
4.6mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 8 sites · RVs · Temecula, CA
For more than a decade, John and Kim looked for a place within Temecula Wine Country that could be their forever home. When they saw this lush, hilltop property with they knew it was right. But what to do with the separate lower area, bordered by a seasonal stream lined by cottonwoods and big leaf maples? Cottonwood Creek Camp was the answer. Located in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country, you'll be minutes away from 50 wineries. Situated down a quiet rural lane, and secluded by lush California pepper trees, your glamping spot is an ideal getaway for wine lovers who prefer to get away from the city hustle. The camp area has seven spots that can be occupied by other glampers. Onsite parking is available for one vehicle per campsite (additional spots may be available on request). In the morning, grab your coffee and step outside to watch the hot air balloons drift overhead. During the day, sample local vino from the 50+ nearby wineries. In the evening, nosh at one of the great restaurants in Old Town Temecula, and then return to camp for sunset views and fireside relaxation. You should know that there are two free-roaming Blue Heelers who live on the 5-acre property and make regular visits to the camp area. Visiting dogs that socialize well with other dogs are welcome by us and by Molly and Taz as well, but please be honest with yourself and us about your dog's temperament, and book elsewhere if there is ANY chance of canine conflict with our very energetic pups.
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from 
$39
 / night

Wine Country Olive & Vine Acres

96%
(26)
4.6mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Temecula, CA
Escape to our charming hobby farm, just one mile from the Temecula wineries! Enjoy a night under the stars in your own private camping space, perfect for families and adults alike. Unwind in our game room and bar for some happy hour fun, and experience the beauty of farm life with all the comforts of a unique getaway. The site is equipped with : Beds to sleep 5, electricity, kitchenette in the tenet trailer, bathroom, outdoor picnic table, fire pit, and bbq, game room, and bar area to relax at. We are conveniently located near 40 wineries, Lake Skinner recreation, Pechanga Casino, Old Town Temecula, and hiking trails. There is something for everyone! Highlights: Private campsite with plenty of space and shade. Fully stocked tent trailer - just bring your clothes and food. Fire pit and outdoor seating. Clean restroom access. Game room and bar area. Come enjoy simple living, beautiful views and peaceful rest - the perfect getaway for nature lovers and wine sippers alike! We'd love to host you!
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from 
$80
 / night

Namaste Farms

99%
(140)
6.5mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 3 sites · Lodging · Temecula, CA
We purchased Namaste Farms in 1997 when I was showing reined cowhorses as well as raising thoroughbred racehorses.  In 2005, I purchased my first wool sheep and fell in love. Today, Namaste Farms is recognized around the globe for raising high quality wool producing sheep.  While sheep are the primary animals at Namaste Farms, there are countless other animals, both four legged and feathered!NOTE: Namaste Farms is a true working farm with copious amounts of sheep, goats, chickens, peafowl, and countless other animals. Along with those, we have free range squirrels, rabbits, flies, dust and yes, even free range spiders. If you're wanting a rustic experience that gives you a break from city life and you can handle dust, dirt, cobwebs (and these can happen over night inside your cottage and WILL be in the common areas), with sounds of animals vocalizing at all hours of the day and night, then Namaste Farms is a perfect fit for you.   Know, you're supporting a 501c3 charity and all the revenue goes to support the animals.This booking is for the Treehouse, and while it's only 1/2 a mile from the city limits, it has a rural feel and is centrally located to all wineries and most of the major equestrian facilities including Galway Downs, Green Acres, and California Ranch Company. For those who are coming to Temecula for horse shows, we also have a large barn with bedded stalls and turnouts (for an additional fee). There are designated horse trails right outside our gates which will even take you to Galway Downs and California Ranch Company. If you're into golf, you can enjoy Temecula's 7 PGA golf courses or Pechanga Casino which are also within a short driving distance to the farm. If horses or golf isn't your thing, you can visit Temecula Valley wineries which are all ~ 1/2-3.8 miles of the cottage gates. The wineries are not within walking distance of each other, UBER is only too happy to come here and pick you up! If you're not interested in any activities and simply want a "staycation," you can hang out here where you're welcomed to walk around the farm and interact with the animals. At night, enjoy the sounds of serenity.
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from 
$128
 / night

Bierbaum Pepper Farm w/Goats!

98%
(536)
6.6mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Hemet, CA
We are a small homestead/farm just outside Temecula Valley Wine Country in California. Primarily we raise our mini dairy goats and host BYO Tent or RV camping.In October of 2016 we began our journey to create our small farm/homestead. With absolutely no experience and coming from a tiny condo in the city we decided to leave that life behind and buy 11 acres in the middle of no where!We weren't sure what to do with 11 acres. We don't come from a farming family but we had the drive to learn. With the help of YouTube, books, blogs, vlogs and friendly neighbors we began to teach ourselves how to run a small farm, inching into the lifestyle a little at a time.We started off with 15 chickens, many failed gardens and then fell in love with Nigerian Dwarf Goats!We found Hipcamp over a year later and in April 2018 opened up our home to strangers wanting to camp on private property.Since we are in the middle of Temecula Wine Country we figure that our farm is the perfect family friendly environment to relax in nature but still be close to some great attractions. Play with baby goats, chickens and rabbits. Explore the property and star gaze at night without light pollution from the city!This was an empty lot that was first purchased in 2014. We are the second owners of the property and want to be as self sustaining as possible. We are on a well and have converted to solar power. We will be building up the camp sites as well, gradually adding more amenities as we go to create a unique experience for our guests.More about me:I had a great and successful career at a very large CPA firm in San Diego but with city living comes pressure and stress. Due to deadlines and even more stress created by the partners of the firm, I ignored what my body was telling me. I put off going to the doctor for months telling myself I didn't have time and, after this next deadline I'll get a check up.I knew that I needed to change my lifestyle but I wasn't doing it fast enough. We closed escrow on the property in October of 2016 and that November I was in the ER. I almost died. Spent my birthday and Thanksgiving in the hospital.Soon after that I quit my job at the CPA firm and started working from home. Still suffering from complications, that summer in June/July I ended up in the ER again. Even closer to death this time. Since then I've turned around my health. Focused on life on the farm. Raising my animals, my garden and creating a unique experience with the campers. I enjoy sharing this life and my home with like-minded people who want to escape the city and feel a little closer to nature. 
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from 
$45
 / night

Villa Macala

100%
(367)
6.7mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hemet, CA
Villa Macala is a 20-acre oasis of detailed landscape, orchards and Southern CA native planting while complimenting the natural rocks and gorgeous views. Enjoy the many hiking trails and rest in the peace, quiet and beauty. Overlooking the Hemet Valley with gorgeous panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Macala is reminiscent of an Italian Villa. The property landscape includes Olive Orchards throughout, a growing vineyard, fig trees, pomegranate trees. Villa Macala is 15 minutes from Diamond Valley Lake where you can enjoy a wildflower trail, fishing or mountain bike trails, museum and water park. It is 20-30 minutes to Pachea Trail and Simpson Park where you can enjoy more great hiking and mountain bike trails. It is also a 30-minute drive to Temecula Wine Country. We have 2 full outdoor bathrooms, one was most recently added at our Elderberry Camp Site (site 1), and is also close to site 4 our Oaks Campsite as well. (Please note our 2nd bathroom is a good walk uphill from the campsites). Our larger bathroom campers can use with a shower and small fridge to store your food. We also have a playground with swing set for kids to enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. FIRES: No fires are to be lit by the campers without verbal consent from property owner and instruction. SEE property owner/camp host upon arrival about what you may use on the property. He will provide instructions. TASTINGS: Macala Orchards Olive Oil, Various Jellies and Jams Pomegranate Juice all made from what we grow are available for tasting upon request. Please let us know prior to arrival if you are interested in a scheduled tasting during your stay! We can provide a tasting if we have the proper staff during your visit. Our products are available for purchase, with or without a tasting. We recommend you bring cash if you are interested. We also take Venmo!
Potable water
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$32
 / night

The "Camp-Sight"

95%
(10)
11mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Aguanga, CA
"If you got the sight, we got the views." Our property sits on top of a hill on 10 acres of beautiful panoramic views of Cahuilla and, Palomar mountain along with rolling hills of large rock formation and colorful wildflowers in the spring. Nestled up to the wildlife preserve of the government bureau of land management which provides more of a quiet and private setting to enjoy what nature has to offer. You will see Jack rabbits and cotton tail bunnies, roadrunners, quail, owls, different type of birds, hawks, coyote, lizards, snakes and even some toads. On occasion you may see deer, Bob cats, mountain lion along with endangered kangaroo mice, The beautiful night sky is easy to see planets and shooting stars without the interruption of city lights. There are many trails to walk, hike, bike and horse back ride where you can discover large boulders in different shapes and sizes along with hidden caves. A variety of rocks and minerals can be found for those rock hound enthusiasts as well. At the camp site you will find a horseshoe pit ,indoor and outdoor games and treasure hunts for everyone to enjoy. If you want to bring your own set of golf clubs you can even hit some balls! Pets are welcome. We provide dog kennel. There are off road areas nearby. Bring your motor bike, quad or buggy and throw up some dirt. Not to far there is a Casino, small store and a restaurant and about 30 minutes away from the Temecula wineries. You don’t have to worry about packing up a bunch of camping equipment, our camp provides a 35 foot RV if you prefer a roof over your head and a place to sit down for a meal runs off a generator ( you will need to provide your own fuel. it is a 5 gallon capacity). and has indoor and outdoor lights and electrical outlets to plug in a fan or your phone We have a cooler for you to use bu you will need to provide your own ice. There are dishes and utensils and a toilet. and water in and outside (You will need to bring your own blankets, sleeping bags and towels). Also provided arepropane b.b.q, propane fire ring, outdoor bench, table and camp chairs. There is enough room on this property to bring your own camper, RV or tent or ? but it must be self contained. There is no electric, water or waste hook up. Please contact me if you may have any questions. We aim to please to make your stay enjoyable. Thank you and enjoy your day!
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from 
$25
 / night

Desert Dreamland

99%
(144)
12mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Aguanga, CA
Our family has owned this property for nearly fifty years. We currently have one site available - “Desert Mountain Scenic Overlook” - at this time. More sites coming soon! Learn more about this site: This campsite is extremely private and serene with beautiful epic views and a wide open feel. The site is located most of the way up a small mountain but at the base of a larger one if you want to hike up to the top for even better views. You can also hike down and around to explore more of the surrounding nature preserve (over 3,000 acres completely engulfing our 20 acre property), which includes a seasonal creek, granite boulders, and miles of hiking trails. You will find wild sage and buckwheat shrubs growing all over the property, as well as vibrant seasonal wildflowers. The campsite is set far back from roads so it is very peaceful and quiet and allows you to feel free to enjoy yourselves without worrying much about noise. The large flat pad is spacious and should be able to accommodate any sized camper/trailer/RV. There is fresh potable mountain spring water and a septic hookup available at the site. There is currently no water hookup for RV’s and there is no restroom facility (we are planning to install a composting or pit toilet soon). Please come fully equipped with a Luggable Loo or something similar. Access to the site is on a maintained dirt road with cutouts for water run off. 4WD is not necessary. Please be prepared though, the road in has some narrow, hilly, curvy stretches. It could appear challenging or intimidating to people with larger rigs. If you have a class A motorhome and are hoping to visit, please message me first and let me know and we can discuss whether the road in will work for you. We are currently in the process of beautifying the area and will post more updated photos soon of the actual site. *Note: Our solar pump went out so the outdoor shower is not currently functional. Also, the site is still a work in progress so there may be some lumber and areas of the site still in the process of being completed.
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from 
$60
 / night

Mini-Highland Calf Cuddling Therapy

100%
(46)
13mi from Lake Skinner Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Wildomar, CA
Unique Farm Stay: Experience the serene beauty of Howe Ranch through our exclusive mini-Highland baby cow cuddling interactions, and a private zoo with alpacas, donkey, and mini goats. Booking Requirements: HipCamp visits are available only on select dates of the year, which are posted in the listing description. To ensure availability, please do not instant book for days other than dates in our listing description (not booking calendar). By making a booking request, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms outlined in the listing, including camp rules. Meet the micro calves: Enjoy unforgettable cuddling and bottle-feeding with our mini-Highland cows, and interactions with the menagerie! INCLUDED IN YOUR FARM STAY: 1. A personalized farm animal encounter on the evening of your arrival day, participation in the morning animal care routine 2. Relax with gentle barn animals 3. Organic duck eggs and German coffee for breakfast 4. Restroom in barn with dish washing capabilities (shower is in separate area) 5. Free use of the outdoor camp kitchen, BBQ with utensils (BYO charcoal) 7. Large space for children to play in with toys and games (must be left as found) 8. Hot outdoor shower is 1 min uphill 9. Access to "Extras" (electric, water hookups, extra parking, etc.) UPCOMING VISIT OPPORTUNITIES: During the hotter months (May - Sept) we are not offering overnight stays through HipCamp, but you can book a visit through our website, thehoweranch.com. SELF-SUFFICIENT GUEST POLICY Due to our daily workload, we can only host independent guests who are comfortable exploring the listing details on their own. Our personalized animal tour is guided, but guests will learn to relax around the animals independently. Guests must watch their kids at all times. ABOUT THE AREA: Nestled on just under 4 foothill acres backing against the wilderness of the Santa Rosa Plateau, but only 2 minutes from shopping, coffee, dining, our small, veteran owned farm provides a charming and picturesque setting that encompasses the essence of rustic hospitality. Please reference our VISITOR GUIDE on thehoweranch.com and linked to in the photo section here.
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from 
$234
 / night

The best camping in Lake Skinner Recreation Area, CA guide

Overview

About

If you’re looking for peaceful SoCal lake camping with all of the amenities, head to the Lake Skinner Recreation Area. This 1,400-surface-acre reservoir and county park outside of Temecula is a popular local getaway for boaters, fishers, and nature lovers. Although no body contact with the water (e.g. swimming, jet skiing) is allowed, the park does feature the family-friendly Splash Zone water park and boat rentals are available on-site. Campers can also explore the chaparral landscape surrounding the lake via hiking and equestrian trails. At the park’s only campground, the Lake Skinner Recreation Area Campground, campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings, plus most have full hookups. Restrooms, showers, playgrounds, a camp store, laundry facilities, and a dump station round out the RV- and family-friendly campground’s amenities.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations for the Lake Skinner Recreation Area Campground are available 6 months in advance online or by calling (800) 234-7275.
  2. Book ahead if planning to come during a summer weekend.

When to go

The Lake Skinner Recreation Area Campground is open year-round. Summers in the Inland Empire run hot, with highs in the 90s, so come prepared with sun protection and practice good hydration if you’re making a summer trip. The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is held here annually on the first weekend of June. Winters at the park are pleasantly mild, with high temps in the high 60s and low 70s, as well as low temperatures in the upper 40s. Lucky spring visitors may catch wildflowers blooming after wet winters.

Know before you go

  • The Lake Skinner Recreation Area is just one of several lake and reservoir parks in this region. Other options include Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Mathews, Lake Elsinore, and Lake Perris. If lake swimming is a must for your trip, check out Lake Perris and Lake Elsinore instead.
  • Lake Skinner is stocked throughout the year with catfish, and the marina features a bait shop. Bass and bluegill can also be caught here. 
  • One of the region’s best rock climbing crags, Big Rock, is closeby at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
  • The Southwest Riverside County Multi-Species Preserve surrounds Lake Skinner and nearby Diamond Valley Lake. Wildlife watchers may spot mule deer, kangaroo rats, mountain lions, coyotes, the San Diego horned lizard, and other animals.
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