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Lake Hemet
Overview
Lake Hemet Campground and Wilderness Resort provides a refreshing high-altitude escape within the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. This expansive destination is centered around a picturesque freshwater reservoir, offering travelers a blend of rustic charm and modern recreational facilities. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a longer mountain retreat, the park serves as a serene backdrop for those who want to reconnect with nature while enjoying comfortable RV accommodations under a canopy of stars.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Mountain Center, CA, at an elevation of approximately 4,300 feet, the park is nestled within the San Bernardino National Forest. The landscape is characterized by towering pines, rugged mountain peaks, and wide-open vistas of the water. The air is notably cooler here than in the desert floor below, making it a popular year-round destination for those looking to escape the heat of the Coachella Valley or the bustle of nearby coastal cities.
Amenities & Park Features
The resort offers a variety of camping options to suit different travel styles. RVers can choose from a range of sites, including many with full hookups and others that provide a more primitive experience for those who prefer dry camping. The park is equipped with several key features to enhance your stay:
- A private boat launch and seasonal boat rentals for exploring the water.
- The Splashing Eagle seasonal water park and designated swim areas.
- On-site market and deli providing essential groceries and camping supplies.
- Large, well-maintained shower houses and laundry facilities for guest convenience.
Fishing enthusiasts especially appreciate the lake, which is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and supports healthy populations of bass and bluegill.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the campground, the charming village of Idyllwild is just a short drive away, offering local art galleries, unique dining, and mountain culture. Outdoor adventurers can easily access the Pacific Crest Trail or explore the numerous hiking paths within Mount San Jacinto State Park. The area is also excellent for bird watching, with frequent sightings of bald eagles and various migratory species that frequent the shoreline and surrounding forest canopy.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for outdoor-focused families and fishing hobbyists who prioritize waterfront access and recreational activities. Because of its diverse site types and natural setting, it also attracts social groups and solo travelers seeking a peaceful mountain environment. It is a fantastic choice for RVers who enjoy a wilderness resort atmosphere where the primary focus is on natural beauty, lakeside relaxation, and traditional camping experiences in the heart of the mountains.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ally’s Fun Adventures
It's a relaxing place to go for camping or a day trip. Toilets we're replenished and clean all the time, sorroundings is very decent alot of amenities to do. Bonfire can be lit til late, not too congested and feels safe to camp. Just maybe, they can build more showers around the property in the future.
LaToya ShaBazz
This place was amazing! It was recommended to me one week and booked for the next week. I'm happy to have had the experience I did have. It all began with a great check-in process (smooth and kind service), readily available and considerate care during the stay, and it ended with just as smooth of a check-out as the check-in. The amenities offered were not all listed, so I was pleasantly surprised to see I didn't have to pack as much as I did. - Bathroom: hand soap, hand towel, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash dispenser in the shower. - Kitchen: Dish soap and sponge, paper towels, dish towels, coffee maker, pots and skillet, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, can opener, corkscrew, knives, cooking utensils, toaster, microwave, tableware for 8 (wine glasses, cups, coffee cups, plates, dessert plates, bowls, silverware), broom and dustpan. - Bedrooms: towels on all beds, space heater, plenty of pillows, heating pads (only in colder months) I think it's important to know these are available, especially if you're already excited about staying at one of their lodges so you can focus on packing only the necessities. I enjoyed my first stay so much that I'm already ready to book there again and make it an annual trip.
K
We loved the campground - it was well organized and very clean. We were placed beside another RV containing a family of three (one young boy). Unfortunately, the family has 3 dogs. The dogs were kept tethered to a long line by a one foot lead. Each dog was basically pinned in place. They were never off of that one foot lead unless they were being literally thrown by the scruff of their neck/back into a crate. They did not have access to water and we did not see them fed in the two days we saw them. The dogs stayed outside at night with no place to keep warm - the temperature one night dropped to approximately 30°. I informed the campground person who was stationed at the gate that on day 1, the dogs were left alone while pinned in-place for several hours. Never did we see anyone from the campground visit their campsite. I then texted the campground on their 24 hr number the next day to report the worsening situation. Also, the people had hunting rifles which we saw and reported. I also reported the presence of weapons via text. I got no response from the campground nor did I see a campground representative pay a visit to the campsite next to us. The campground appeared to not respond to my reports and to not uphold their rules: only 2 dogs/site, never leave dogs outside unattended, and no guns in the campground.
Cathy Brown
We had a great 4 month stay this summer! This was our 5th summer at the Lake - as it's the perfect escape from the desert heat!! The staff is what makes it such a pleasure! Every single one of them are just wonderful "stellar" people!! A special big thank you to Jeff Walls! He was very instrumental in setting us up for a perfect situation to make our future returns even more amazing for years to come! Jeff is attentive and works hard to build a good moral within a very diverse community. He makes himself available for any and all situations. We appreciate all the staff and their conscious support of keeping the grounds safe and efficient for the many who call it home! Thank you! Looking forward to next summer already!
Sharon Her
It's a campground. The Google page makes it sound like a hotel. I enjoy camping here, its peaceful and usually pretty quiet. Camping neighbors are respectful and we have not run into any issues. As a kid I remember swimming... but the last few years we have come we are not allowed to touch the water because the algae is so bad. If you have fishing waders you can go into the water. It's not as fun for kids because they cant play in the actual water. There is fishing, riding bikes, hiking and other activities toward the main entrance to do. There are hook ups depending on which camp site you pick or just plain tent camping. Their website was very helpful and easy to navigate. This last time we went the water is SUPER low then normal too. Still overall a great relaxing trip.