Campgrounds near Moreno Valley, California range from developed sites to waterfront recreation areas across several regional parks. Lake Perris State Recreational Area, located about 7 miles southeast of Moreno Valley, serves as the region's primary camping destination with both tent and RV campsites featuring water and electrical hookups. Other nearby options include Rancho Jurupa RV Park in Riverside and Yucaipa Regional Park, both offering cabin accommodations in addition to traditional camping sites. Most campgrounds in this area provide amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and picnic tables.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences in this region, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F, especially at lower elevations. Many campgrounds remain open year-round but experience peak crowding during summer weekends and holidays. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays at Lake Perris, where sites with shade trees are in high demand during hot months. Facilities at most developed campgrounds include drinking water, shower buildings, and sanitary dump stations for RVs. According to one visitor, "Clean campsites, clean showers and toilets. Lots of biking and hiking trails. Primitive camping and RV camping available."
The camping experience in this region varies significantly between weekdays and weekends. Lake Perris State Recreational Area features numerous waterfront recreational opportunities, including swimming beaches, boating access, and fishing areas. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere during weekdays, though weekend crowds can significantly change the experience. A recent review noted, "It can get very hot during the summer with little shade but you can go to the lake, get wet and cool off." Noise levels at Lake Perris campgrounds can be substantial on weekends, with multiple reviewers mentioning late-night activities. Campers seeking quieter experiences might prefer weekday visits or exploring the more remote Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campsites near Big Bear Lake, which offers free primitive camping with fewer amenities but a more secluded atmosphere.
$25 - $300 / night
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
$40 - $55 / night
"Nice level grounds to walk around. Lakeside has gravel roads / pads... other side has asphalt roads / concrete pads. Restrooms are clean and acceptable."
"The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."
$40 - $81 / night
"The trees are massive and plenty and make you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of California."
"The campground overall is really pretty and in a great location in Lake Arrowhead. However, we made the mistake of booking site 005, which is right on a ridge... it was SO windy."
"In the back of a small town 2 miles behind a stater brother's. Most sites are near level on gravel and close together. Laundry uses quarters or a third party app to pay."
"I had a reservation at Wilderness Lakes, and I was a day early, so they let me in! Off to a good start! Full hook-ups, laundry and showers about 50 yards away, no matter which way you go."
"Most of the sites have incredible views looking out over Lake Hemet and of the San Jacinto mountains."
"Fun off-road adventure to get to the site. Minimal sites so not much crowding."
"Although the park doesn't offer much of entertainment and don't remember seeing a pool (can get pretty hot) I was able to enjoy all the shopping stores and restaurants near by."
"Bathrooms were clean considering there is only one location for bathrooms. Not much space for tents but lots of sites if you have a trailer or motor home."
"The members lake & camping spots are nice & quiet. Great place to relax & fish. Get a spot up against the lake. The non members lakes & camping spots can be a little ghetto."
GuideThe title says it all. It's nice, cheap, and quiet. Sites are spacious but beware of the ground squirrels. They're everywhere. Site 42 has a lot of traffic due to trail heads at the back of the site.
ScoutIt is quiet for the most part. Only saw a few people the 48 hours I was there. Road is fine with any car with clearance.
ScoutVery relaxing place to stay. Good amenities and very friendly staff.
RangerThis is a place you'll want to stay if you have an RV, trailer or tent and want to see a show at Pappy & Harriet's. We stayed here for the Johnny Marr show, and it's a very basic no-frills parking lot with a picnic bench and that's about it.
Check-in is easy. You just walk into Pioneertown and go to the second building (General Store) and they'll give you a badge for your car.
There is absolutely no Verizon service in the area, but you can hop on to the WiFi at either Pappy & Harriet's or the Pioneertown Gazette. The WiFi doesn't really extend to the campground very well though.
We have our own bathroom in the RV. We saw some tent campers go over to the outhouse and walk right back out. So you may want to use the restrooms at either Red Dog Saloon or Pappy & Harriets (after patronizing them as courtesy of course).
3 stars for proximity to the concert venue, ease of checkin and friendly camping neighbors.
GuideThis place served as a great spot to camp out the night before a hike in Idylwild after driving up from San Diego. All the yellow post sites with fire pits were full, but there are some informal sites along the roads to the post site. I landed on one near Yellow Post 1.
Great views of Tahquitz peak. And fell asleep to the sound of frogs in the nearby creek.
RangerOur friends recommended that we camp here on our way out of Pioneertown to extend our weekend trip.
We were surprised on arrival that it's definitely more of a residential facility than a campground, but decided to still give it a go. We were very thankful for employees Dominic and Sandy who both made our stay enjoyable from the start.
The premium RV spots where we stayed near the West Serenity Pool (about 3 blocks away) have a fake grass patch and concrete slab along with a little patio set, which was very nice. WiFi was very fast during our entire stay and all of the hookups worked well.
The highlight was definitely the Serenity Pools, which were incredibly relaxing and the perfect temperature. I enjoyed reading about the different minerals in the pools and how they are heated from the fault and pumped back in. We did go over to the East activity pool area to check it out, but it was so crowded with people and children that we were happy our site was near the Serenity pool. (Upon booking our site, the staff did notify us about the difference between the two pools, and they accommodated us closer to the Serenity pool which was nice).
The only downside of the Serenity Pools were some parents who let their children run wild, splashing and jumping and making noise. There were also a few Canadians who thought it was a good idea to say negative things about Americans (very loudly) as they floated in the pool. We don't want to hear that as we are relaxing on vacation in our own country.
We enjoyed going into the little cafe, which is stocked with a variety of unique Austrian pastries, ice cream, coffee and a daily lunch special until 2 p.m. The owner was so sweet and hospitable and the outdoor seating area was quaint and beautiful.
One thing to note for campers: If you only have an RV, you will have to unhook to get to a market for ice, waters, and other grocery items. Restaurants are also about 20 minutes away.
TravelerIt was so nice to find free camping in a beautiful location, with no reservations, on a Saturday night, during spring break, and within two hours of San Diego! Rough road but our van made it!
TravelerI went with my family for my birthday. My daughters loved the campground. Easy walk to the lake. My wife enjoy the luxury of having a nearby bathroom/ shower with warm water. It’s a good choice for families
ScoutA serene desert escape—this Joshua Tree campsite offers quiet skies, stunning sunsets, and a deep sense of stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else. Waking up to the soft light over the rocks and falling asleep under a blanket of stars made it feel truly restorative.
Camping near Moreno Valley, California centers around several regional parks within a 30-minute drive. The region sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation with a desert-like climate that experiences temperature fluctuations of 30°F between day and night during spring and fall seasons. Weekday camping typically offers significantly quieter experiences with better site availability than weekend stays, especially at Lake Perris.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Perris State Recreational Area offers regular catch potential for various fish species. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun. Camping is ok, some days the sites are good some days they aren't," notes John H. from Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground.
Historical exploration: The area provides educational opportunities about local history. "There is a cool museum where the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes. Such a fun and peaceful place to hangout at," shares Lauren R. about Lake Perris.
Mountain hiking: For those seeking elevation and trail access, Yucaipa offers direct trail connections. Bryan H. from Yucaipa Regional Park reports, "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff."
Alternative wilderness camping: For campers wanting a more primitive experience, yellow post sites offer free camping options about 45 minutes from Moreno Valley. "If you're looking for a quiet, more remote campsite while hiking the Idyllwild area then look no further. These 'yellow post' sites are essentially boondocking in the forest off dirt fire service roads," explains Mark C. about Thomas Hunting Grounds.
Modern amenities in natural settings: Many regional parks balance developed facilities with outdoor experiences. "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice," writes Paul C. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Water recreation: Multiple parks feature water activities during summer months. At Rancho Jurupa RV Park, one camper noted, "Lots of families with children, fishing for catfish in the little lake which is shaded with trees and plenty of tables to picnic by the lake. Playground plus lots of grassy areas."
Urban proximity with wilderness feel: Several campgrounds maintain a natural atmosphere despite being near urban centers. "This place is surprisingly nice for being in the middle of the city. It was very well-kept and clean nice family environment," states Greg about Rancho Jurupa.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the dispersed sites available. "I almost want to give this a 1 star review, just to keep it to myself a little longer. We loved this yellow post site, by far one of my favorites. Private but with cell service, tables and fire pits! Listen to great horned owls while taking in the views," shares Chelsea R. about Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites.
Site quality varies: Even at the same campground, experiences differ based on specific site location. "The newer sites don't have a lot of mature trees, the older sites have a little more wear and tear but also bigger trees," observes Ken B. about Yucaipa Regional Park.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet access vary significantly across campgrounds. At Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, a camper reported, "We stayed In spot 338 and had absolutely no cell coverage for our Verizon phones." Similarly, at Lake Perris, Troy A. notes, "If you're one that needs WI-FI this isn't the spot for you. Your phone's hot spot may not even work."
Noise considerations: Campground noise levels vary by location and day of week. "I have been here 3 times and it always ends up being loud. Fellow campers play music loud and it's more of a low class party area than camping," warns Paul C. about Lake Perris State Recreational Area.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require appropriate vehicles. At Thomas Hunting Grounds, Katie S. advises, "Make sure you have a vehicle that is 4WD - getting up the mountain is long and rugged."
Water parks and splash pads: Several regional parks include water recreation facilities for children. "Yucaipa been twice so far are favorite place so peaceful and beautiful," shares Tanya from Yucaipa Regional Park, which features a water park during summer months.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning experiences for children. Lauren R. mentions Lake Perris has "a cool museum where the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes. Such a fun and peaceful place to hangout at!"
Multiple recreation options: Dogwood Campground provides diverse activities for families despite being further from Moreno Valley. "There are a lot of great sites surrounded by trees in the middle of the campground where we stayed. The campground has flush toilets, showers and paved roads. So it's great for first time campers or glampers," notes Troy L.
Morning maintenance awareness: Some parks conduct early maintenance. Hanjun W. from Lake Perris notes, "The campsite has a nice view. From some spots, you can see the lake. The toilets are clean and there is a designated area for setting up tents. The only downside is that the staff starts cutting trees at 8 a.m., making a lot of noise."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared to adjust for uneven sites. Troy A. notes about Lake Perris, "A lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me."
Electrical capacity limitations: Some parks have limited 50-amp sites. About Wilderness Lakes, David N. advises, "They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working. This park is first come / first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site."
Check-out time enforcement: Some parks strictly enforce departure times. Alison A. from Lake Perris warns, "They will write you 2 tickets for checking out late. One for my car and the other for my travel trailer. I thought I had one more day before I had to check out. Their parking passes are confusing."
Maintenance schedules: Know when facilities are serviced. Angel C. from Lake Perris shares, "The restrooms get cleaned daily around 8-10am. More than enough room at site 380."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Moreno Valley?
For camping near Moreno Valley, Applewhite Campground in San Bernardino National Forest offers a small, natural setting just 5-7 miles from Highway 215. For a more adventurous option, Heart Bar Campground provides spectacular mountain views and a secluded atmosphere with beautiful California sunsets. Both campgrounds are within a reasonable drive from Moreno Valley. If you prefer more developed facilities, Yucaipa Regional Park and Rancho Jurupa Park offer family-friendly options with amenities like showers, picnic areas, and nearby hiking trails. Always check seasonal availability and reservation requirements before planning your trip.
What fishing and camping opportunities are available near Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley offers excellent fishing and camping combinations within a short drive. Serrano Campground provides lakeside camping with easy fishing access and friendly staff who keep campers informed about local wildlife. Fisherman's Retreat near Redlands lives up to its name with dedicated fishing facilities alongside camping options. Other notable fishing spots include Lake Perris State Recreation Area, which offers both shoreline and boat fishing for bass, trout, and catfish. For a more rustic experience, the San Bernardino National Forest has several campgrounds near streams with seasonal fishing opportunities. Most fishing locations require a California fishing license, and some charge additional day-use or entrance fees.
Are there campsites with electricity and water hookups in Moreno Valley?
Yes, several campgrounds near Moreno Valley offer electricity and water hookups. Pechanga RV Resort features modern hookups with additional amenities like a pool and proximity to restaurants and golf. Bonelli Bluffs also provides quality utility hookups, though some campers note it lacks playground facilities for children. Other options with full hookups include Rancho Jurupa RV Park in Riverside and Mission RV Park in Redlands, both offering convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere. Most of these sites require reservations, especially during peak seasons. Hookup amperage varies by campground, so RVers should confirm their specific electrical needs when booking. Rates typically range from $45-75 per night for sites with utilities.
How do I make reservations for Lake Perris camping near Moreno Valley?
To reserve a campsite at Lake Perris near Moreno Valley, visit ReserveCalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and it's recommended to book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays. O'Neill Regional Park follows a similar reservation system and can be an alternative if Lake Perris is full. Lake Perris offers over 400 campsites with various amenities, including some with lake views. When making reservations, be prepared with alternative dates and site numbers. Reservation fees apply in addition to camping fees, and cancellation policies vary based on how far in advance you cancel. Always check for any fire restrictions or park alerts before your stay.
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