It was our first time camping at Lake Skinner, usually we just fish and then head home but, it was a nice experience. Unless you enjoy fishing, this lake is not for you. It is a potable water lake therefore no water activities other than fishing is allowed. Kayaks must be above water. I would recommend renting them from the marina. We rented a pontoon $85 the first 2 hours, $20 every additional hour. Be aware that weekends are super busy and may require a wait. Get there early. Campground A is very cramped. If you're looking for picturesque camping experience, this is not your place. Neighboring tents are right next to you. You will hear every snore, fart, tent zipping and crying toddler at 5am. The campsite is all dirt and the area can get relatively windy so be sure to bring a hammer to stake down your tent. Be sure to stay off the grass because the sprinklers will flood your tent at 3am. Lots for kids to do with a nearby playground and splash pad opened daily at 10. The bathrooms were somewhat clean when we got there, but gradually declined during the weekend. Port-a-potties scattered around campground were pretty rank. The camp store is well stocked with anything and everything. Some friends went to the adjacent Reservior Grill and didn't have anything great to say about the $7 breakfast burrito and the 40 minute wait. Better off making your own. All in all, come with low expectations and you will be pleasantly surprised. read more

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This place is beautiful I admit the parking lot type of areas that we camp out on are a bit small as far as getting away from all people in general but everything here is good normal camp ground adventuring, It's a little bit older then some of the new exciting campgrounds around but not as inexpensive, their over priced even. All you need for room to sleep or enjoy group fires is right here but speaking for all campers the size of each renters area should be at least 25 feet from outside of radius not point center, I love this place and sorry for any negative interpreted thoughts or disagreements to all who this may apply to, as for me I call this my spiritual vacation but I tell my Woolf the honest truth, that this place is sacred land. read more

I've lived in Temecula for 20 years and Lake Skinner has been a staple in the community for as long as I can remember. The area is used for events throughout the year, but most of the time it's just campers and fisherman. This lake is tough to catch fish. You really have to be educated and use bait that are tailored for the type of fish you want to catch. Here, you don't just drop in a night crawler and pull out a bass. You definitely want to search for structure away from the shore fishing areas. If you want to catch strippers, the best place is near the inlet channel. Trolling back and forth near the channel has usually worked well for me. I've only tent camped here and it's not my favorite. The tent camping spots are almost like sharing your space with someone unknown. Each tent space isn't divided, every two spaces share the same area. So essentially you are listening and hanging out with strangers the whole time, maybe 10 feet away. I'm sure being in an RV or fifth wheel trailer is better. Also the weather makes tent camping rough if you go when the weather's hot. Just make sure to check the weather report and go when it's 80 degrees outside or less. The general store has food and fish bait if you need it. You need to have a fishing license to fish here. Also you need to purchase a fishing pass from the lake for fishing rights. You can rent aluminum boats and pontoons here. They have a splash pad which is awesome for the kids! Besides entry fee to the lake itself, using the splash pad is free once you're in. It's undoubtedly the best splash pad around the Temecula area. read more

We came here on a whim just to drive around. We weren't totally prepared to hike around but we checked out the lake. It was pretty. It appears that you can camp here, ride your bike in the dirt, hike, and watch out for mountain lions. There seems to be a ton of amenities, so it looks like a campsite for the not-so-adventurous. We'll probably come check it out one of these weekends just because it is so close. read more

So, we came out here to camp with a bunch of girls. Having camped other places before, here are my opinions on Campground B: Camp sites are way too close together. And they are small. People actually DRIVE around (and ride skateboards) at 5AM. (really not quiet or "camping-like"). There is not a lot of greenery at the site. I.e. trees or bushes for cover or privacy. The bathroom is rarely maintained, though nice when clean. Only one sink was working and one of the lights was out in a stall. The vending machine was broken. In my opinion, not worth the amount spent on the site. read more

Basically my first camp ground... dont have too much to compare it too. But its nice.. showers are warm and the people are cool. Fairly cheap at $30 for all the amenities you get. Store front, water, big open space, showers and plumbing. read more

We've come to Lake Skinner a couple times this last year and had a great time each visit. We chose campground B by suggestion from some friends. We definitely liked having a grass spot so we did the same the subsequent times back. It's like having a big backyard for your trailer. We have kids so this helps a lot. Also gives you room to setup ladder ball, bean bags, pop up covers and watch the kids ride their bikes around the grass area if they leave the campground. Campground B is also not that bad of a walk for fishing. I know there's another review about the curfew time and with the families I see that happening but we don't come to a county park if we're going to party up late. We can still have a great time into the night just can't put the music and movies up loud which we also enjoy, we just do that out in the desert. We'll be coming back again probably in November to continue some great family fun! read more

This isn't the place if you want to relax and get sleep. It's 1:30am and party central next to us!!! Earlier today people's music so loud we could hear it loudly in camp A from camp B. No one answered the phone so we could ask Ranger to intervene. My last time coming here. Guess I should have expected this since ran by county of Riverside... read more

Full-hookup sites with room for 30+ ft RVs. The campsites themselves aren't bad for the price you pay. There aren't many showers and public bathrooms, so I'm not sure how the people who were camping in tents handled standing in line to get a turn. There's boat and bike rentals if you want to go fishing or ride the trails around the lake. There's also shore fishing spots, but some regulars told my husband the fish won't bite close to shore. You can't swim in the lake, but they do have a really nice splash pad that's free. There's lots to do here and we had a great time, but I didn't give this place a higher review because if you don't reserve two campsites you'll be sharing a common area with your neighbors. There's really no privacy. read more

Check in folks were great! The full hook up sites are close enough to hear all your neighbors conversations. Sardines have more room. The grounds were mostly barren with dirt. I was on "Shady Lane" and spent most of the day in full sun... The Camp Store has just one person the manager who gets the goods to sell at the store. When she is out they just go without. For instance, there must have been 50-100 children camping with their parents etc. Not one drop of milk to be found because the manager hadn't done her job. Nice folks to camp with although there are some sketchy looking people in orange vests who occasionally picked something up but mostly just stood around gawking at the campers. It was rather creepy. Nice place to visit for the nature but leaves a lot to be improved. read more

Our power keeps going out and we are having to keep calling someone every 15 min to turn it back on. Their breaker is bad and they refuse to fix it. They want us to move after being unhooked for a day. Dont bother camping here!!! read more

Loved camping here. Stayed for 5 days through Halloween weekend. No Drama with other campers. The weather was great. Mini water park was a lot of fun for my 14 month old/ there is a separate are of little ones. Rented a boat to go fishing not over priced at all.. the boats are old though for renting. Camping was close enough to all the winery's just a short drive. We will be camping here again. This was a great place to have a big group we took over 4 spots read more

Must be sponsored by tent stake companies because the terrain is basically decomposed granite. Bring plenty of stakes! The lake is nice and there are some good facilities nearby. But it's best for RV camping. read more

Lake Skinner Camp Grounds - Spaces are 10x10' at most. - Campgrounds Near Me - Temecula, California

We love this campground. We stayed for 9 days in our RV. We fished. Kids played in the splash pad. We would go back again.

Nice, family friendly campground. Clean facilities and nestled just outside of Temecula's Wine Country. Nice views at sunrise of the hot air balloons,fishing, mountain bike and horse trails. We will be back! read more

Lake Skinner Camp Grounds - Campgrounds Near Me - Temecula, California

I love this campground and the splash pad. Last time we were there the electricity was out!!! I was seriously going to get grumpy ..or how my hubby calls it "crunchy". Lol. Anyway, I call to complain and the staff totally took care of us!!! Love this place read more

As far as facilities went we were impressed. Showers and restrooms close by for those who need to use them. There were a couple of things that were not in the parks control however, like the fresh pile of dog shit left in the middle of my campsite before we got there and the noisy campers after quiet time. The rest of the park was clean and appeared to be well run. Too bad a few idiots can't follow simple rules by cleaning up after their dog and knowing when to STFU when the time comes. read more

Great place to visit! Only downside is they don't follow quite time rules or care if guest show up or not. Very poorly managed! I won't be back! Too many people who only care about themselves! You get what you pay for! read more

One of our favorite spots to fish and relax. How much fun catching bass and blue gill. Beautiful and relaxing. Great place to camp as well

This place cost $6 for adults and $3 for kids, if you want to bring poles in to try and fish then there's additional cost for that. Disappointed overall since it was a ghost town with very little to do and park rangers everywhere. Well maintained grass areas but the lake not so much. Can't imagine returning anytime soon, was hoping to rent some kayaks but they closed up the rental store a little early it seemed and weren't able to. Enjoyed the scenic trip in getting there but that's all. Used to enjoy bike rides there, next time definitely bringing my bike, if there's a next time. read more

Camped at Lake Skinner on 3/30 and 31 2019. We've been there many times. We come in on bicycles, and wonder, why we have to be lumped in with all the giant motorhomes and their generators. Could you please consider making a "hike and bike" site somewhere secluded and quiet, where you charge a per person amount, without the need to make reservations, like so many of California parks do. There was only 1 working bathroom stall in the men's bathroom for the 200 or so guys that were there in campground A. Made for very gross conditions. read more

Wow been working on the Splash and Playground for the past week and a half. The staff at the entrance are very nice. But I heard they had a deli mini food service spot and wow I'm glad I tried it. Delicious burgers and wings. Outstanding flavor from this little spot. Can't wait to eat there again. read more

To camp here means you'll constantly put up with noise and a lower class of people hell bent on breaking the rules. Parent supervision of children is lacking while they run around to make mischief. The bathrooms and showers are not maintained. They're a reflection of how they're being used and by whom. You will get no sleep at night because the quiet hours are not enforced. read more

I've camped here twice in the past two years and have always had a good time. Friendly neighbors and a clean RV site. Lots of mosquitos so be prepared to have some bug spray. Only reason I'm giving it a 4 stars is because I arrived after hours (already checked in) and the gate code did not work. There was no phone number to reach the camp host and if it wasn't for another camper coming in late (which their code didn't work either) getting ahold of someone inside we wouldn't of made it inside that night. read more

So after packing up our trailer the whole day on Friday, we were excited to camp here for our anniversary weekend which we do every year. We pulled into our site Friday evening into what looked like a homeless encampment. Section C was completely taken over by loud, obnoxious tent campers. There was a huge group that had taken over about 20 sites with multiple tents on them. There were at least 50 people hanging out on the entire grass area in front of our site so we couldn't even enjoy it with our family. The best part is, they have the play structures roped off for "social distancing" so the poor kids can't even play on them, but they allow people to throw a freaking party on the grass. They had inflatable pools which they were dumping out as we pulled up and flooded our site. Our picnic table had been stolen by the group when we got there, so we had to call the ranger to get it back. They were up talking and yelling til 2am, and not once did anyone from the park drive by to do a noise check. We left after one night of getting no sleep and did not get our money back. They really need to make a section for only RVs or there is no way we'll be coming back and I know all the other RVers in our area were on the same page! My husband has been camping here since he was a kid so this is very disappointing. read more

Hot. That's all. No access to the lake because you can't have body contact with water. It's a potable water source. Don't they have water treatment plants here? WiFi... 'They've been working on it'. This is a county facility, i.e. Government-operated, so there is no motivation to do anything right. We were to stay 4 nights, left after one. read more

We love Lake Skinner!!! We go a couple times a year! They have a lot of green grass for kids to play on and bike trails. Fishing from a real lake and a playground for kids which is really fun!! Added a water play area for the kids and it is so fun! Water shoots out from all different places! Bigger than the Vic. Gardens one! You want Loop C! Other Loops are smaller and too close to the park! Loop C is the best and has big pull in sites! Loops A and B are known to be the party areas so if you want to avoid that then go to C! Happy Trails! read more

I gave this lake a 4 star only because I was overcharged by one night. And I was told because of the Internet service being spotty that the charge did not go through. However it did go through on my end with my bank and they would not return the funds. I even had the printed transaction receipt from the bank showing I was overcharged. So I had to dispute it with my bank but besides that I enjoyed our family stay at this beautiful lake. This beautiful large lake is nestled in between the mountains on the tip of the wineries. Drive out the Lake turn left and there are several wineries for your selection. . The campgrounds were nicely situated in three different ABC sections , gates locked at night . Very safe atmosphere. There is a nice size of grass, right next to full Rv hook ups , to sit or play on. However there were signs saying no tents on the grass....pop ups ok. The lake was very clean and beautiful- no swimming or putting any body parts in water because it is a drinking water reserve. They did have a nice size kids aqua center for water play and to cool off. The lake is large and has plenty of fish in it. It has two boat/kayak launches. No jets skis. Lots of great secluded fishing areas from the shore. Very peaceful beautiful lake. We will return . read more

Not happy that they charged us a $7 reservation booking fee. When the park was practically empty ... Not happy they charged $2 per day for our two small dogs. Not happy that the park host had their dogs off the leashes and numerous times ran over to our site and upset our dogs. Not happy with the 2 pm check in. But other than that Nice quiet park with lots of shade. Nice little store but a little spendy. Both ours and our neighbors surge protectors kicked off on us. So beware. Of power surges. read more

Actually the campground it self is nice. But lets hope something does not come up were you have to cancel your reservation. New policy as of May you have to cancel 14 days prior and you still get charged $14.00 or if you cancel 13 days prior you still get charged $14 plus your first night stay. No matter the circumstances. Trust me I know. What ever happened to 48 hours to cancel??? Or how about understanding that sometimes things come up out of your control. Well let me tell you the reservation people at Lake Skinner does not CARE!!!!! and that includes management. All they could say is "Well it is Policy" I say!!!!!!! Whatever happen to customer service. read more

If you like regular ants and fire ants to attack your trailer and tents camp here!!! The sites or super small and the female ranger danger is lame!!! Right at ten o'clock she comes and rudely tells you it's quiet time and to SHUT down your music. What am I in preschool?!?!?! Also if you are not planning on staying the night u better make sure u give yourself enough time to make it to the front gate by 10pm or u are trapped in like The Hunger Games!!! We used to have so much fun here back in the day. I don't know what happened!!! Would not recommend this place to people trying to have a good time!!! At least the bathrooms were super clean!!!!! read more

Campground is very clean and spacious. Neighbors were not too close nor too far. We were in campground B which was ways away from the water park and the Deli. Bathrooms are about a five minute walk so be prepared. And showers were always packed! Make sure to watch the speed limit since I got yelled at by a fellow campgoer (thanks, jerk lady!) overall a pretty great place to camp and lights out at ten! read more

This campground is huge. However there is really no shaded camping spots and a little bit of a walk from the lake depending on which campground that you get. However the store that they have there is awesome and has everything that you need to camp. We went in September and it was literally hot as hell the AC in my RV was having trouble keeping up. Overall it is a good campground because they have full hook ups and good prices. read more

We had our annual family camping trip here for 2016. Pros: the lake, the privacy, the large size of the campground, the splash pad for the kids, boats for rent. Cons: the bathroom situation (the group campgrounds only had portable potties), the long line to enter the campground. read more

I have camped here for years! This Thanksgiving holiday was a nightmare. I booked online not realizing my spot had no electricity or sewer after booking a 35 foot beautiful trailer. Trying to switch spots didn't happen even though there were numerous spots open. I was told they couldn't double book a spot ( understandable) however the spot was open online... So I knew it wasn't booked. In fact there was an entire row almost not booked. Secondly & the thing that upset me the most was we brought our electric golfcart. Literally the slowest thing ever, for my handicapped mother to drive around in. We were told it wasn't street legal & had no plates, so it couldn't be used... Luckily I showed the ranger her legit handicap plaque to prove she really did have MS & walking issues. I was stopped by rangers the ENTIRE weekend because no one explained we were ok. The only thing that truly upset me was i was hassled for 3 days about that cart, however I saw adults & even children going faster than the speed limit in a motorized scooter that had no plates, wasn't street legal, going way too fast, and wearing no helmets & shorts.... But somehow our slow golfcart was an issue? Hassled about moving spots, but we had a truck parked next to us totally smoking pot that didn't have the spot booked & was there because it was vacant. The only thing I strongly suggest... Is watch the company you keep Lake Skinner. You keep giving good families with nice things a hard time & turn a blind eye over people who didn't even pay for a spot & that park because it was vacant & you will be run down in no time! read more

had an awful experience here. the bathrooms were atrocious, and there wasn't any shade where we were... the splash pad was nice but that was the only bright note in the whole trip... actually left early because (we picked record breaking temp weekend) we couldn't keep ice in the coolers and the kids were getting listless... (almost impossible for a 2+4 yr old). read more

Lake Skinner Camp Grounds - Campgrounds Near Me - Temecula, California

Love this campground. We are tent campers and feel very much at home amoung the RV'ers. Very clean facilities, quiet at night, cute little camp store. Only one thing, DO NOT BUY the wood there. Bring your own. There are signs that ask you not to bring your own but I'm telling you, that wood does not flame. It smolders, gets nice and hot, but no flame. And it was hard to get it going. We have bought the wood there 3 times, use it to augment our own supply. Anyway, very nice camp ground, pretty lake. read more

Took the boat for a nice labor day run with the wife to lake Skinner this afternoon. I checked the boat launch fees online which was reasonable $6.00 plus we were expecting to pay an additional $6.00 per person. Total expected cost per the lake Skinner web site,$18.00. Well much to our surprise, they charged us in additional $10.00 labor day fee. This was not on their web site so I am taking as if they are taking advantage of holiday to make extra money. That is price gouging in my mind. That puts them up there with the gas companies. read more

We live in Temecula and have enjoyed biking, hiking, fishing, splashing and picnicking here over the last several years. I read one review that complained about the dirt campsite and while we haven't camped here, we've camped elsewhere where there is dirt and that is easily remedied with a large tarp. This is a beautiful park and I'm very glad it's so close to home! read more

Drove up here on December 31, all the way from La Mesa (69 miles) with my wife and two of our best friends to check out the campground, of which, we had never been to. All we wanted to do was quickly drive through the park to see if it was a place we would like to camp in the future. The older gentleman at the front gate said the campground was busy and that it would be unsafe to let us in. (?) We tried to explain to him that we had driven all the way from La Mesa for that sole purpose. He didn't care. The odd part is, that if we would cough up the 6 dollar a person day use fee we could go right in. So, for $24, it would make it safe??? What kind of twisted, idiotic logic is that? I'll be damned if some volunteer or power hungry campground host tries to charge me $24 dollars just to check out a place for 15 minutes. Now they have lost potential customers that may have spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We have lots of friends with whom we like to reserve the group camping areas as well. (More money lost). We will pass on to everyone we know, the terrible hospitality displayed by the person who makes first contact with anyone entering or trying to enter your facility. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Our friends and ourselves will simply forget that Lake Skinner exists. Wish I could give ZERO! stars. read more