Outdoors
National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near Temecula, closest first.
Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.
19 mi southeast · USDA Forest Service
Science buffs and families are drawn to Observatory Campground for its proximity to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomy research operated by the California Institute of Technology.
21 mi southeast · USDA Forest Service
Crestline Group Campground is located in a wooded area on Palomar Mountain, at approximately 5,390 feet in elevation. Many trees including Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir and Live Oak surround the site.
21 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service
Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway.
Map of 26 places loads as you scroll.
Science buffs and families are drawn to Observatory Campground for its proximity to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomy research operated by the California Institute of Technology.
Crestline Group Campground is located in a wooded area on Palomar Mountain, at approximately 5,390 feet in elevation. Many trees including Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir and Live Oak surround the site.
Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway.
Located on the Cleveland National Forest, Oak Grove Campground is nestled in a valley of large oak groves and manzanita. Recreation Oak Grove Trail is a short walk of 1.5 miles and is located across Rt. 79, behind the Ranger Station.
The Beauty Mountain Wilderness encompasses a total of 15,627 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office .
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA.
17 sites. Pacific Crest Trail Access. No Water. The nearest water can be found at the Warner Springs Gas Station.
The picturesque Fern Basin Campground is a perfect escape from a busy lifestyle. It provides peace and quiet in the mountains of southern California as well as access to countless recreational opportunities.
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended with a minimum ground clearance of 6 inches. Drive at your own risk.
The Marion Mountain Campground offers a beautiful retreat in the San Bernardino National Forest. It provides access to a number of hiking trails that lead to some of the most spectacular views of Southern California.
Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. 4 Wheel Drive is recommended. The road is currently a high-priority for maintenance, which should be occuring in June, 2023.
The Barton Flats Campground provides a taste of just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer.
Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.
The Council Group Campground is a great place to enjoy a large outdoor gathering with just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer.
This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet.
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve/ACEC is well recognized as an important wildlife corridor that links BLM's San Gorgonio Wilderness with the San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park.
Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
The terrain within the Santa Rosa Mountains Wilderness is rugged with elevations rising dramatically from just above sea level to 7,000 feet.
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto shore, becoming the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States.
San Bernardino County Parks manages this project in the high desert wilderness at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains. No permanent pool, but camping and picnicking facilities are available. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.
The north-central portion of this Wilderness area holds the rugged Bighorn Mountains and the eastern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Temecula. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Observatory Campground (USDA Forest Service), about 19 miles southeast of Temecula as the crow flies. Next are Crestline Group Campground (21 mi) and Falcon Group (21 mi).
Based on Temecula’s average highs, November–June. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.