CA Lake Ranks Among Best Place To Camp In National Survey: 'Sunshine Without Crowds'

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A Riverside County lake ranked in the top three West Coast camping spots for people who want to get away, spend quality time, and usher in that "campground culture" of friendly interaction.

This year, families looking to reconnect, battle loneliness and improve work/life balance should consider camping, according to a recent study by CampSpot.com.

Based on a survey of 1,633 Campspot customers, 82% said a desire for connection will significantly impact their 2026 travel plans, and 75% said they wish for a stronger sense of community in daily life.

Carolin Fuller, director of consumer marketing at Campspot, described what the group saw following the survey. "When we looked at where togetherness is thriving in travel right now, these cities rose to the top as places people come to connect, not just visit," she said.

In the West, the top three places to camp, reconnect, and experience that elusive "campground culture" were as follows:

West:

1. Yuma, AZ
2. Bend, OR
3. Lake Elsinore, CA

Ranking third in the west, Lake Elsinore brings Southern California's sunshine, without the crowds.

"This natural freshwater lake offers boating, fishing, hiking in the nearby Ortega mountains, and even glider rides for an easy group escape just beyond the L.A. Basin."

When planning a camping trip to Lake Elsinore, the CampSpot suggests the following locations, with top reviews:

Emerald Bay RV Park:

"Emerald Bay RV Park offers a welcoming destination for RV enthusiasts and campers alike. With stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, this campground provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and relaxation," according to CampSpot. "Whether you're fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, Emerald Bay RV Park has something for everyone. Book your stay now and experience the charm of Lake Elsinore firsthand!"

Launch Pointe:

A 2025: Top Unique Campgrounds award winner, Launch Pointe features seven camping areas that range from peaceful, secluded stays to spacious lakeview lawns with convenient access to amenities, along with unique lodging options such as vintage trailers and yurts, according to CampSpot. "Guests can enjoy family-friendly attractions, including a canopy court playground, a splash pad, relaxing time in the hot tub, or on-site boat rentals for fun on the lake, and those who wish to fish should note that a valid fishing license is required. "

"More than half of the responders to our survey felt regularly stressed out in 2025," a spokesperson for the survey wrote. "Across the generations, the need for connection is no longer a side benefit; it's a deciding factor." And there is no greater way to connect than to pile in the family car, truck, or SUV and go camping.

When you camp, part of the joy is meeting people you may otherwise never interact with, according to the survey. That "Campground Culture," cited by 80 percent of those surveyed, revealed that people who camp are interested in meeting other campers at their campground. Approximately 92 percent of people who camp have proactively offered to lend a hand to others at the campground, and over 70 percent of those surveyed say they experienced "an act of kindness" while camping. "In a world that often feels divided, spontaneous generosity and shared purpose make campgrounds one of the few places where community still comes naturally," according to CampSpot.

Also of note, camping is more affordable, offers opportunities for adventure, and allows you to bring pets along for the ride. Families this summer will plan trips that include multiple generations or family reunions.

"More travelers are planning around people, not places, prioritizing memory-making, quality time and spontaneous social moments over bucket lists," according to CampSpot. Going camping makes it easy to both meet new people and share unfiltered, real-time with loved ones.

Lake Elsinore is one of many Riverside County lakes in the "10 Lake Valley," as described by the local visitor's bureau, Visit Temecula Valley. It is considered "ideal for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, skydiving, hang-gliding, wingsuit, boating, jet ski, and windsurfing, among other water activities."

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