Big Bear Lake Resort Association

Big Bear Lake Resort Association encompasses the mountain cities and Big Bear Lake. The region is a perfect getaway with hotels, cabins and vacation rental options on the lake, in the village or within the wooded countryside. The mountains provide scenic natural beauty and romantic getaways. Adventures include fishing, mountain bike trails, hiking trips, boating and water activities, off road adventures, horseback riding and camping. www.bigbear.com

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is an idyllic resort area nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. This breathtaking community neighbors other quaint mountain communities, including Blue Jay, Cedar Glen, Skyforest, Rimforest, and Twin Peaks. The centerpiece of Lake Arrowhead is Lake Arrowhead Village and the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa. The Village features great dining options, exceptional shopping, rides and games for kids, and incredible views of Lake Arrowhead. The free entertainment series draws visitors from all over Southern California and features top talent free of charge. The Village also hosts a wide variety of events, including one of the country's largest antique wooden boat shows. Lake Arrowhead is about an hour and a half from most Southern California locations. www.lakearrowheadvillage.com

Lake Hemet

Lake Hemet is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains.  The scenery is breath-taking no matter which direction your gaze travels.  Tall pines, Manzanita trees, sage, and giant oaks abound.  Remember to pack a camera and binoculars, and keep a watchful eye, as the Bald Eagles are often seen soaring above and around the Forest and Campground.  Come and enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and the breath-taking scenery all year round.  Camping starts at $21 a night.  www.LakeHemetRecreation.com

San Bernardino National Forest

San Bernardino National Forest serves as Southern California's outdoor year-around recreation destination. Drive the scenic Rim of the World Scenic Byway and Palms to Pines Scenic Byways to discover your local National Forest.

Mt. San Jacinto State Wilderness

The deeply weathered summit of Mount San Jacinto stands 10,834 feet above sea level, and is the second highest mountain range in Southern California. No more than a two hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego, the mountain's magnificent granite peaks, subalpine forests, and fern-bordered mountain meadows offer a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy a scenic, high-country wilderness area. The park offers two drive-in campgrounds near the town of Idyllwild. Most of the park is a designated wilderness area enjoyed by hikers and backpackers. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636

Campgrounds at Inland Empire Regional Parks

Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino have several large regional parks with campgrounds.  They include:

Bogart Park is located 5 miles North of Beaumont at the North end of Cherry Valley situated in on the foothill of the stunning San Gorgonio. Bogart Park has over 400 acres of luscious green fields, amazing mountain views, and a picturesque lake.

Glen Helen Regional Park is the place to hike, swim, fish, and picnic on 1,340 acres in the rolling hills at the mouth of Cajon Pass, gateway to Southern California since prehistoric times.  A YouTube video can be seen here.

Hurkey Creek Park is located 4 miles South East of a little town called Mountain Center off Hwy 74 in the San Jacinto Mountains. This beautiful park is a vast and remote getaway with plenty of luscious pine trees, babbling brooks, numerous trails, and stunning mountain views.

Idyllwild Park is located less than1 mile north of the quaint village of Idyllwild at the end of Riverside County Playground Road. The park has 202 acres of beautiful open space, mature forest, breathtaking hiking trails, and a wonderful nature center. In the past Idyllwild was recognized as America’s cleanest forest and is the perfect place for family and friends.

Lake Gregory Regional Park is nestled in the natural alpine forests of the San Bernardino Mountains. The 150-acre park features sandy beaches, rowboats, paddle boats and more. It's the ideal location for kayaking or even jogging around the lake.

Lake Skinner is only a few miles east of the Temecula wineries and within easy access of Interstates 15 and 215. Created in 1973 Lake Skinner has 1400 acres of surface water and is operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Supplied by the Colorado River through the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project the lake feeds the Robert A. Skinner filtration plant and in turn supplies water to many residents of Southern California.

McCall Memorial Park is located in mountain center 2 miles from the town of Idyllwild. McCall Memorial Park is an extraordinary park for its commitment to equestrian camping and is one of the few parks that center its attention on trails and open spaces for equestrians and their horses.

Mojave Narrows is a virtual oasis in the Mojave Desert. Fish, boat, camp, hike nature trails, and enjoy horseback riding on 840 acres along the ancient riverbed of the Mojave River. It's also home of the Huck Finn Jubilee Country and Bluegrass Festival.  A YouTube video can be seen here.

Rancho Jurupa Park is situated along the Santa Ana River and is located near charming downtown Riverside just seven miles South of Mission Boulevard on Crestmore Road. Flourishing cottonwood trees, gorgeous meadows, and two lovely 3-acre lakes surround this beautiful park.