I didn't realize there were so many amazing camping spots and nature parks around Riverside.

Since I've experienced them myself, I'll share some great places I've discovered while camping near Riverside with my family over the past few years.

The first place I recommend is San Bernardino National Forest. This national forest, located about 30 to 40 minutes from Riverside, is a vast natural reserve covering approximately 820,000 acres. It includes mountain lakes like Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, along with dozens of campgrounds. Oh, this is really fantastic! The Serrano Campground near Big Bear Lake is a popular spot where you can pitch a tent right next to the lake. You can make reservations on Recreation.gov.

Wow, did you know about Mount San Jacinto State Park? You can take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from Palm Springs to reach an elevation of 8,516 feet (2,596 m). At the top, you'll find the San Jacinto Wilderness, where you need a Wilderness Permit to camp.

You can experience a completely different cool mountain climate compared to the heat of the Riverside valley. The view of Coachella Valley from the summit is a breathtaking sight you'll never forget.

The Idyllwild area is also a gem of a mountain town located about 1 to 1.5 hours from Riverside. Situated at an elevation of 5,400 feet (about 1,645 m), this town is known for its artistic community. Nearby, you'll find Idyllwild County Park and Lake Fulmor campgrounds, as well as beautiful trails like the Devils Slide Trail. Trust me, visiting in spring or fall offers perfect weather and stunning natural scenery.

Close to the city, there's also the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center. While it's not a camping facility, it's a natural history site where dinosaur footprint fossils have been found, making it perfect for family nature explorations. It's only about a 15-minute drive from downtown Riverside, so it's easy to visit. This is based on my own experiences.

There's much more nature around this city than you might expect. Whether you're a beginner or an expert camper, make sure to enjoy nature near Riverside at least once.