Southern California is known for its beautiful beaches, vast deserts, and towering mountains, but did you know that it also offers some of the best lakeside camping experiences?
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway by the water, or to bond over exciting activities like fishing and kayaking, we'll help you find the right lakeside campsite.
Let's dive into the top lakeside campsites in SoCal and discover your next camping destination.
Top 7 Lakeside Campsites in Southern California
1. Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Located in Riverside County, approximately 70 miles east of Los Angeles, Lake Perris is a large human-made lake surrounded by mountains. It's a great spot for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. The Ya' Heki' Regional Indian Museum is also in the area, if you're a history buff.
Total Campsites: 431 campsites (167 non-hookup sites and 264 paved hook-up sites)
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (March to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites are available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 30 feet (varies by site).
Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, potable water, and a dump station.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash (pets are allowed in the campground but not on the beach).
Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, geocaching, swimming and wildlife viewing.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric and electric hookups for RVs.
Wildlife Viewing: Birds, including bald eagles in winter, and other small wildlife.
Minimum Price: Approximately $30 to $45 per night for standard sites; electric hookup sites are approximately $50 to $65 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Through ReserveCalifornia or the official state parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: Sites fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability during off-peak seasons
2. Big Bear Lake Campgrounds
Nestled in the mountains, Big Bear Lake is a year-round playground for adventure seekers and outdoor lovers. The campgrounds around the lake provide breathtaking views, a range of activities, and cool mountain air. Campgrounds like Serrano and Pineknot are excellent for fishing and winter camping.
Total Campsites: Various campgrounds around Big Bear Lake, including Serrano Campground, Pine Knot Campground, and others.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (April to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 40 feet (varies by site).
Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, potable water, and a dump station.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours at non-electric sites.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash.
Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking and hiking.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, with some electric hookups at select campgrounds.
Wildlife Viewing: Frequent sightings of deer, bald eagles, and other mountain wildlife.
Minimum Price: Approximately $25 to $45 per night, depending on the campground and amenities.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Through Recreation.gov or the official Big Bear Lake campgrounds websites.
- Booking Tips: Peak summer weekends and holidays fill up quickly, so early reservations are highly recommended.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability in off-peak seasons.
3. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Located in San Bernardino County, Silverwood Lake is a hidden gem if you're looking for a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by pine forests and rugged terrain, the lake is great for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
Total Campsites: 136 campsites, with both tent and RV sites.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (April to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 40 feet (varies by site).
Amenities: Restrooms, coin-operated showers, potable water, and a dump station.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash.
Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and RVs.
Wildlife Viewing: Bald eagles, osprey, and various waterfowl can be seen.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Via ReserveCalifornia or the official state parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: Peak seasons fill up quickly; early reservations are recommended.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability during off-peak seasons.
4. Lake Cuyamaca Recreation and Park District
Situated in the Cuyamaca Mountains, Lake Cuyamaca offers a unique, serene camping experience with cooler temperatures and stunning views. It is stocked with trout, bass, and catfish, making it an excellent fishing spot. If you're into wildlife photography, Lake Cuyamaca is a must visit.
Total Campsites: 21 campsites and 11 cabins.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall
Max Number of People: Varies by site; up to 8 people per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 35 feet.
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, potable water.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash.
Activities: Fishing, kayaking boating and hiking
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric and electric hookups for RVs, plus cabins.
Wildlife Viewing: Eagles, deer, and various birds can often be spotted.
Minimum Price: Approximately $25 to $35 per night for campsites; cabins range from $75 to $150 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Through the Lake Cuyamaca Recreation and Park District website.
- Booking Tips: Cabins book up quickly, so early reservations are recommended.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability for campsites during the off-season.
5. Green Valley Lake Campgrounds
Known as the "best-kept secret" in the San Bernardino Mountains, Green Valley Lake is a small but picturesque spot ideal for campers looking for solitude. There's a small sandy beach for swimming, and scenic trails to explore. Please note that you must book a minimum stay of 3 nights on holiday weekends.
Total Campsites: 44 sites.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 35 feet.
Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, showers, potable water.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash.
Activities: Fishing, kayaking, hiking
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and small RVs.
Wildlife Viewing: Frequent sightings of deer, birds, and squirrels.
Minimum Price: Approximately $30 to $45 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Through Recreation.gov or the official campground website.
- Booking Tips: Summer weekends book up quickly; early reservations are recommended.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability during off-peak seasons.
6. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Cachuma Lake offers a mix of lake and mountain scenery, with a wide range of amenities for campers of all types. It’s a great destination for families and nature enthusiasts. As per park rules, there's a minimum stay period - 2 nights for weekend reservations (Friday and Saturday) and 3 nights for holiday weekends.
Total Campsites: Over 400 sites, including tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and yurts.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 35 feet.
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, potable water, a campstore, full hookups available for RVs.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash.
Activities: Boating, fishing, and kayaking (no swimming allowed in the lake).
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, electric hookups, and full hookups for RVs.
Wildlife Viewing: Bald eagles, osprey, and other birds are commonly seen.
Minimum Price: Approximately $45 to $60 per night for standard sites; full hookup sites and yurts are priced higher.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Through the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area website or ReserveAmerica.
- Booking Tips: Peak season fills up quickly; early booking is essential.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability during the off-season.
7. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Located approximately 20 miles from downtown San Diego, Santee Lakes offers a scenic camping option with a series of man-made lakes and well-maintained campsites. It's an excellent choice for families with young kids or those who want a more relaxed, convenient camping experience.
Total Campsites: 300+ full hookup sites.
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round
Max Number of People: Up to 6 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 45 feet.
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, potable water, full hookups for RVs, camp store, boat rentals.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Not applicable; all sites have full hookups.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, pedal boating, and kayaking.
Campsite Type: Full hookup sites, accommodates RVs and trailers (no tent camping).
Wildlife Viewing: Frequent sightings of waterfowl and other birds.
Minimum Price: Approximately $50 to $75 per night, depending on the site and amenities.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to a year in advance.
- How to Book: Through the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve website.
- Booking Tips: Weekends and holidays book up quickly, so early reservations are essential.
- First-Come, First-Served: Not available; all sites require reservations.
Best Times to Visit
While Southern California's mild climate makes lakeside camping enjoyable year-round, certain seasons offer unique experiences:
- Summer (June-August): Peak season for water activities and camping. Expect warmer temperatures and larger crowds.
- Fall (September-November): Cooler temperatures and changing foliage make for a picturesque camping experience.
- Spring (March-May): Ideal for wildflower viewing and avoiding summer crowds.
- Winter (December-February): Some higher elevation lakes like Big Bear offer winter camping and nearby skiing opportunities.
Lakeside Camping Tips
To make the most of your lakeside camping experience in Southern California,
- Make Reservations Early: Popular lakeside campsites can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your spot.
- Pack Appropriate Gear: Bring swimwear, fishing equipment, and water shoes along with your regular camping gear.
- Check Fire Regulations: Fire restrictions may be in place, particularly during dry seasons, so make sure you check before your trip.
- Protect Against Sun and Insects: The outdoor activities on the lake and increased insect activity means extra sun protection and insect repellent are essential. Keep your sunscreen and bugspray at the ready!
- Practice Leave No Trace: Help preserve these beautiful environments by following Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal and respecting wildlife.
Southern California is a treasure trove of lakeside camping opportunities, offering everything from thrilling outdoor adventures to peaceful retreats by the water. Pack your gear and grab your fishing pole - there's a campsite with a lake waiting for you to explore.
If you're making last minute plans, look for openings on Campsite Tonight to find a spot. Happy camping!
