Lake Camping in Irvine, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
—
California
—
Irvine

90% (266 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Irvine

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

94%

(160)

Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals

36 sites · Lodging1 acre · Running Springs, CA

Escape to the San Bernardino mountains and experience the ultimate mountain retreat! Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin for a romantic getaway, or a spacious lodge for a family vacation, we've got you covered. With a dozen stunning cabins to choose from, we offer the perfect accommodation for all seasons and activities. Embrace the winter wonderland with skiing and snowboarding, or explore the great outdoors with hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. Or simply unwind and relax in the serene mountain surroundings. Our cabins are conveniently located in Green Valley Lake, Big Bear, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead, each offering its own unique charm and adventure. Let us be your host and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay with us today and discover the magic of the San Bernardino mountains!

96%

(103)

Lakeshore Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴

63%

(8)

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!

Villa Sans Souci (No Worries)

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Temecula, CA

Beautiful location on 5 acres at 2200ft, overlooking Temecula Valley wine and horse country with 50-mile panoramic lake, mountain and vineyard views. Vineyard right next door. Close to DePortola Wine Trail wineries and Horseman's Row, just 20 min from Old Town Temecula. Wine tours, hot air ballon rides, horseback riding. Miles of dirt roads to explore. Stunning sunrises, sunsets, scenic views and dark nights for serious astronomy or just stargazing. Two great locations for RV/motorhome (max 37ft) with wifi, water and 30A electric hookups.

7 top lakeside campgrounds near Irvine

96%

(103)

Lakeshore Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴

Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals

36 sites · Lodging1 acre · Running Springs, CA

Escape to the San Bernardino mountains and experience the ultimate mountain retreat! Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin for a romantic getaway, or a spacious lodge for a family vacation, we've got you covered. With a dozen stunning cabins to choose from, we offer the perfect accommodation for all seasons and activities. Embrace the winter wonderland with skiing and snowboarding, or explore the great outdoors with hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. Or simply unwind and relax in the serene mountain surroundings. Our cabins are conveniently located in Green Valley Lake, Big Bear, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead, each offering its own unique charm and adventure. Let us be your host and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay with us today and discover the magic of the San Bernardino mountains!

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!

Villa Sans Souci (No Worries)

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Temecula, CA

Beautiful location on 5 acres at 2200ft, overlooking Temecula Valley wine and horse country with 50-mile panoramic lake, mountain and vineyard views. Vineyard right next door. Close to DePortola Wine Trail wineries and Horseman's Row, just 20 min from Old Town Temecula. Wine tours, hot air ballon rides, horseback riding. Miles of dirt roads to explore. Stunning sunrises, sunsets, scenic views and dark nights for serious astronomy or just stargazing. Two great locations for RV/motorhome (max 37ft) with wifi, water and 30A electric hookups.

100%

(327)

Villa Macala

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · 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. This master planned 20 acres is a great escape from city life. Come take in the views, enjoy the many hiking trails and rest in the peace, quiet and beauty of Villa Macala. *NOTE: Scroll down to RV/Tent sites to book for a larger tent camping party over 4 people or for a camper van under 14 feet. 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 and more set in the natural rock landscape. (NOTE: We have tent camp sites only and can accommodate camper vans and truck campers depending on size and which site selected, however we CANNOT accommodate pull behind trailers, pull behind campers or RVs of any kind). 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. Enjoy walking the grounds of the 20 acres and taking in the views. We have 2 outdoor bathrooms, one was most recently added one at our Elderberry Camp Site (site 1), closer to site 4 our Oaks Campsite as well. (Please note our 2nd bathroom is a good walk uphill from the campsites). Currently the bathroom closer to the sites has a toilet and sink and shower still to come. Our larger bathroom (a little walk uphill) 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 bring your own tents. OTHER SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING: Your own fire wood, cooking wood, starter material, lighters, utensils, etc. We offer firewood bundles for $7 you can choose to purchase at time of booking or bring cash. Your own cooler to store food close to your site and grill that you need on hand since the small fridge is a good walk from those 2 places. We sell bags of ice for $4. Bring cash if you would like to purchase. Your own camp chairs. Easy up shade. Sunblock, cool clothes. We are closed for the bulk of summer but at times daytime temperatures can reach 90+ even in late spring and early fall. Please bring your own towels for shower use. The towels provided in there are for orchard workers during the week. Thank you! PLEASE NOTE: Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Please make sure to select the site you wish to stay at. SITE AVAILABILITY AND OPTIONS: We have 4 Tent Sites available and A Teardrop Trailer Site. All sites have fire-pits and picnic tables. SITE 1: Elderberry Park. This site is for a large group up to 12 people. Chose site 1 for groups larger then 4 people and groups with children. There is shade cover over the picnic table. *This is the only site that can accommodate a camper van. SITE 2: Olive Orchard. This site is located on the perimeter of our olive orchards overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains. This site can fit up to 2 tents and we recommend a maximum of 4 people. SITE 3: Private Corner. This site is in a private far corner of the property. We recommend a maximum of 4 people and have determined that for safety reasons this site is for adults only. If Site 3 is chosen it would require a Polaris Shuttle from the Camp Host down to the site, a car will not be able to go direct. SITE 4: This site is under the Oak Trees and is a very small site suitable only for 1-2 people max. TEARDROP TRAILER SITE: See listing for details. Sleeps 2 comfortably if guests are under 6 feet. *All tent sites can be shown to camp guests for decision and viewing upon arrival unless multiple groups are booked. All sites have either a covered firepit or a wood burning stove and all a picnic table. *We do our best to keep our maximum capacity of 12 campers at one time. 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. If you have questions prior to check-in, please message us. Bring your own fire wood, starter material, lighters, utensils, etc. 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 only if we have the proper staff during your visit to accommodate. Our products are available for purchase, with or without a tasting. We recommend you bring cash if you are interested. We also take Venmo! Thank you.

Holistic Health Day Spa & Lodge

8 sites · Lodging, RVs3 acres · Wrightwood, CA

Holistic Health Day Spa & Lodge is located 6,300 ft in the Los Angeles National Forest. This site is located in the breathtaking mountains of Wrightwood, C.A. The property is located on approximately three (3) acres of rural land. Approximately, five (5) miles west is many hiking adventures not to mention zip-line! Fishing is always a relaxing way to start or end your day at our local lake. So come on up to to a relaxing, and fun-filled day and camp out with us ! You just may stay longer than you want! This private space is a large 600 square foot open wall suite. It offers a king size bed, with two additional pull out twin sofa beds. This suite sleeps up to 4 comfortably. We do not exceed four guests. Please message us about our Signature Spa Treatments & Packages! We can also accommodate special themes, business gatherings and presentations. Please message us for details. We have a large back patio with cooking grills, Screen Projector and screen for outdoor theater. We also offer a wide range of Holistic Day Spa Services.

Hogan House

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Wildomar, CA

We live in a mobile home on my property with a travel trailer that is off to the side. I would love to have people stay so that they can enjoy what our location has to offer and give you a comfortable stay! Bring your toys the property is gated. The travel trailer fits about 4 comfortably and we have boat parking or two car parking that’s in a gated property!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

95%

(76)

Cleveland National Forest

Descanso, California

92%

(224)

Angeles National Forest

La Crescenta Montrose, California

93%

(15)

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

Crestline, California

94%

(141)

San Bernardino National Forest

La Quinta, California

79%

(12)

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Moreno Valley, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Irvine guide

Overview

Lake camping is a great way to cool down in Orange County and reset from urban life. Fortunately for those in Irvine, Irvine Lake is just a 20-minute drive northeast of town in the Santa Ana Mountains and a local go-to for swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating in the OC. On the other side of the Santa Ana range are a number of other lakes and reservoirs to plan a camping trip around, including Lake Elsinore, Diamond Valley Lake, and the Skinner Reservoir near Temecula. For Alpine lake camping, there's also Big Bear Lake at over 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, where you can try skiing in winter, too. Whether it's a campground, RV park, cabin, or glamping site, many Southern California lake campsites feature amenities like fire pits, wifi, showers, full hookups, and more.