Best Family Campgrounds in Riverside County, California

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

I’m not sure what time of year you’re reading this, but at the time I am writing this, it’s January–just starting the new year. And while some people might think I’m crazy, this is the time of year that I start planning all of our summer camping trips. That’s because the best campgrounds in California tend to book up months in advance. I’ve done previous posts about my favorite beach campgrounds and lake campgrounds, but now I want to share all of my favorite Riverside campgrounds because these are truly hidden gems–and yet, they are somehow much easier to book than many of the state parks.

Riverside County has some great options for family camping. From lakeside retreats to mountain pines, there’s a little something for every kind of outdoor lover.

Whether you’re after playgrounds and RV hookups with all the amenities or scenic hikes and fishing spots, this guide covers the most popular Riverside campgrounds families love.

Riverside County Parks Campgrounds

The County Parks system manages several camping spots with amenities that make family trips easier and more comfortable, such as playgrounds and full hook-ups. Some even have mini golf and splash pads! And, county parks tend to be less expensive than state parks and private campgrounds.

All Riverside County park campground reservations can be made from the county park website.

Lake Skinner Recreation Area (Winchester / Temecula Area)

Why it’s popular: One of Riverside County’s most beloved family camping locations, Lake Skinner offers a mix of RV and tent camping, easy access to water activities, like boating and fishing, and great amenities. There is no body contact allowed in Lake Skinner.

What you’ll find:

• 257 campsites with options for full RV hookups, water/electric, or tent camping.
• Splash pad & playground — a huge hit with kids in summer.
• Restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, and a marina with boat rentals.
• Fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and community events like movies under the stars.

Why families love it: It strikes that perfect balance of outdoorsy fun with creature comforts — especially helpful when camping with younger kids.

Rancho Jurupa Regional Park Campground (Jurupa Valley) – One of the Riverside campgrounds with a splash pad

Close to: Riverside metro area

What to expect:

• RV & tent sites with partial hookups.
• Playgrounds, a splash pad (seasonal), mini golf, disc golf, walking trails, and fishing ponds.
• Cabins are also available if you want camping without tents.

Why it’s great: It’s easy to reach from the city and perfect for families who want a park-style camping experience with plenty of activities. There’s something about camping here that just feels easy. It’s a great spot to plan a group camping trip.

Hurkey Creek Park Campground (San Jacinto Mountains) – One of our favorite Riverside campgrounds

Vibe: Woods and mountain scenery

We love Hurkey Creek campground! It’s truly one of our favorite Riverside campgrounds. It’s close enough to Idyllwild for hiking or shopping. And there’s a creek that runs through this campground, providing a nice place to cool off on hot days.

My boys loved playing football in the large grassy area. And the playground is a fun spot for kids as well. Our only complaint was that there were foxtails everywhere, which wasn’t great for our dog’s paws. Read more about our experience at Hurkey Creek campground here.

Amenities:

• 130 campsites amid tall pines and seasonal creek-side scenery.
• Picnic areas and open spaces for play.
• Restrooms and coin-operated showers, potable water, fire rings at campsites.

Great for: Families who want a quieter, more nature-focused camping feel.

🌲 McCall Memorial Park Campground

Best for: Mountain and equestrian camping

A more rustic, spacious setting that’s fantastic for families who enjoy horseback riding, scenic walks, and a peaceful outdoors feel. This park has 26 horse corrals and plenty of riding trails to enjoy.

🐾 Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park (La Quinta / Coachella Valley)

If you’re heading toward the desert side of Riverside County, Lake Cahuilla offers grassy picnic areas, lake views, fishing, bocce ball and volleyball courts, plus family-friendly camping spaces with a good mix of amenities. You’ll find sites with full hook-ups, partial hookups or no hookups.

While there is no swimming in Lake Cahuilla, you can pay to access a giant swimming pool by the lake from April through October.

🏕️ Other Great Riverside Campgrounds Worth Mentioning

🌲 Vail Lake RV & Campground (Temecula)

Why families like this Riverside campground:
This privately operated KOA campground at Vail Lake is scenic and family-oriented, with a range of amenities you won’t always find in forest camping areas. It does cost quite a bit more than the county parks, but the amenities and lively atmosphere help to justify it. We’ve stayed here when we have soccer tournaments, and it’s an easy drive to Galway Downs.

Note: There is no lake access at the campground.

• Sites with full hookups and tent spots
• Sports courts: pickleball, basketball, horseshoes, disc golf and mini golf
• Bike pump track and mountain biking trails
• 3 Swimming pools
• Cafe and bar
• Tons of activities, live music and special events

It’s a favorite for weekend camping trips from the Temecula and San Diego areas. It’s especially popular during holiday weekends and during their Halloween event in October.

🌄 Lake Hemet Campground (Mountain Center / San Jacinto Mountains)

Why families like it:
Lake Hemet is famous for spectacular mountain scenery and water-based fun. You’ll find a little bit of everything here–full hook-up sites, tent sites, and even glamping tents. Like the Vail Lake KOA, this Riverside Campground is going to cost a bit more than the county park campgrounds.

Lake Hemet is a popular spot for fishing. You can rental small boats or kayaks there. The swimming area is only open during the summer months and costs a fee to use.

• RV and tent camping, plus glamping cabins in some seasons.
• Picnic areas, playground, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking.
• Sports courts
• A general store/café on site — super convenient for families.

The combination of forest, water views, and recreation makes it one of the most beloved mountain campgrounds in Riverside County. Read about our experience at Lake Hemet Campground here.

🌲 Idyllwild Campgrounds

We can’t mention Riverside campgrounds without mentioning the gems in Idyllwild. Idyllwild is such a charming mountain town. And I once wrote a blog post about all the best cabins and lodges there. But now it’s time to shine a light on the amazing campgrounds you’ll find there. These are excellent options for families who want forest shade and trails:

• Idyllwild Regional Park Campground: Riverside County park with shaded forest sites, picnic areas, playground, and nearby hiking trails — just outside town.
• Stone Creek Campground at Mount San Jacinto: Smaller, forested campground with picnic tables, fire rings, and nature trails — great for a quieter getaway. Small trailers and RVs or tent camping only.
• USFS & Primitive Campgrounds: There are also smaller, often less crowded sites like Fern Basin and Marion Mountain for families who want a bit more adventure off the beaten path.

🧒 Tips for Family Camping in Riverside County

• Reserve early: Especially for county park campgrounds like Lake Skinner or Idyllwild — weekends fill up well in advance.
• Know the amenities: Some spots (like Lake Skinner and Vail Lake) offer hookups, showers, and stores — while mountain sites might be more rustic.
• Weather matters: Mountain spots like Idyllwild and Lake Hemet can be cool even in spring and fall, so pack layers.

🏞️ Final Thoughts on the Top Riverside Campgrounds

From lakefront family camping at Lake Skinner and Lake Hemet, to mountain pines around Idyllwild, and amenity-rich sites like Vail Lake, Riverside County offers some of Southern California’s most varied and accessible camping experiences — all within a few hours’ drive of San Diego or Los Angeles.

Whether you’re pitching a tent with small kids or bringing the RV for a long weekend, there’s a spot here that will make your family’s outdoor getaway memorable.

For more resources and ideas for future camping trips, check out these other popular posts:

• Quick and Easy Camping Meals
• Best Family Campgrounds in Northern California
• Yucaipa Regional Park Campground
• The Best Big Bear Campgrounds
• Camping Games the Whole Family Will Love
• How to Have an Outdoor Movie While Camping