Camping at Lake Hemet, CA

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The Lake Hemet campground is in the San Jacinto mountains near Idyllwild and Mountain Center, with a scenic, family-friendly setting surrounded by forest and tall pines. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful escape with beautiful views. We decided to go camping at Lake Hemet for a quick weekend getaway with a few other families. The booking process was straightforward and it was easy to get campsites next to each other.

If you’re just starting to get into camping, this is a great campground to try due to the many amenities there and the ease of getting spots. Definitely check out my list of camping essentials if you’re new to camping.

Because we were just going for the weekend, and because we were going in April when it was stilly pretty chilly at night, we decided to rent a trailer to have delivered to the campground. This cut down a ton on our packing time. Overall, we had a good trip camping at Lake Hemet and can see why it’s one of the best family campgrounds in SoCal. The kids want to go back when the swim area is open during the summer.

Camping at Lake Hemet: The Campground

The Lake Hemet campground has a variety of options to meet whatever your camping needs may be. Throughout the campground, there are campsites for RV camping and tent camping, plus cabins and glamping options, with RV sites among the most popular spots for families and groups who want roomy amenities.

We stayed in hookup site 343 while camping at Lake Hemet. While we didn’t have a lake view, we did have a nice wide-open riverbed behind us that the kids loved playing in. It was a spacious spot with some shade, and it felt conveniently located for letting the kids roam a bit while still staying under a watchful eye. There was a small creek back there, but nothing that was unsafe for them to be near. I would definitely choose to be in this area again, though nights can turn surprisingly cold at this 4,500-foot elevation. Warm layers and sleeping gear are helpful for a more relaxing stay.

Amenities at the Campground

There is plenty to do while camping at Lake Hemet. Besides the lake, you’ll also find a handful of picnic and park areas, including a dog park, to enjoy. There are basketball courts and volleyball courts, plus paths for biking and walking, as well as bathrooms and showers at the Lake Hemet campground. Families can also enjoy hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and boating, and it’s a great place to connect with nature through wildlife watching for birds and other wildlife with friends.

In addition to all that, there’s also a general store on site, where you’ll find menu items such as coffee, sandwiches, breakfast burritos and more, along with food, camping supplies, and souvenirs to take home. With 338 total sites, including 243 tent sites and 288 RV sites, it remains one of the most popular spots in the area for campers who want easy access to the lake and a lot of beauty in one place.

Note: The road in can be narrow, steep, and winding, especially if you’re towing a car or trailer.

RV & Tent Camping Reservations at Lake Hemet

Reservations at Lake Hemet Campground can be made more than a year in advance, which is worth doing early if you plan a trip to this scenic, beginner-friendly, family-friendly campground. You can call or make reservations online from their website.

For busy dates, book 6 to 8 weeks ahead during the summer months. Especially for Memorial Day weekend and other holiday periods. As the weather gets hot, the sites tend to fill quickly.

Standard weekend reservations usually require a two-night minimum stay, while holidays require three nights.

The Lake in the San Jacinto Mountains

Lake Hemet is surrounded by forest and mountain scenery, and its majestic beauty really stands out in every view, especially near the marina.

Kayaking, canoeing, or simply spending a quiet moment boating on the lake are great ways to enjoy nature here.

Can You Swim At Lake Hemet?

Yes. Lake Hemet is generally a no body contact reservoir, but there is a designated swimming area as the exception. Prior to 2023, they had an inflatable obstacle course set up between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and they’d charge a fee for guests to utilize that water park. Check out these other inflatable water parks if that’s what you’re looking for.

In 2023, however, they’ve decided to do away with the obstacles. Instead, they opened this swimming area free of charge to those camping at Lake Hemet. The swim area will be open Thursday-Monday each week, and is also open to day-use guests for a fee. Guests are allowed to bring their own personal floatation devices and beach toys. Note: mosquitoes and gnats are common near the water, so bring heavy-duty insect repellent, especially in warmer months.

Check out my other blog posts for more ideas of things you can do while camping.

Can You Fish at the Lake Hemet Campground?

Yes. Fishing is a popular activity for those camping at Lake Hemet. A valid fishing license is required. You can bring your own fishing boat or kayak to the lake, but they will charge a $15 launching fee per vessel. Boats can also be rented on-site, with 2-hour and 4-hour rental options.

Check out my other favorite family campgrounds along with these popular Riverside campgrounds for more camping inspiration.

Packing Tips

Beginners can pack the basics and not stress too much, since the on-site store can help with forgotten items and supplies for your car. Cell service is generally strong here across major carriers, which is helpful for first-time campers.

First-time campers may also want to pack binoculars or a camera to spot majestic eagles, hawks, and other wildlife around the lake. Campfires are allowed only in the provided metal fire ring or fire pit at campsites.

Interested in more? Check out:

• Jumbo Rocks Campground
• Lake Gregory Water Park in Crestline, CA
• Best Fall Camping Spots in SoCal
• Yucaipa Waterpark & Campground
• Hurkey Creek Campground Near Idyllwild
• Campgrounds with Waterparks in the U.S.

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