surface area: 420 acres
elevation: 5000'
vegetation: sage brush, pine trees
recreation: backpack, boat, camping, hike, horseback, off road, picnic
fish: trout, bass, catfish
Lake Hemet is -
8 miles south of
Idyllwild, CA
12 miles south of
Pine Cove, CA
20 miles east of
Hemet, CA
30 miles west of
Palm Desert, CA
Large campground has 74 camp sites, plus cabins for rent; store, boat ramps.
Lake Hemet Campground
Lake Hemet RV Park & Campground
56570 Highway 74, (SR 74)
Mountain Center, CA 92561
951-659-2680
Idyllwild Ranger Station
USFS San Jacinto District
San Bernardino NF
54270 Pine Crest
Idyllwild, CA 92549
909-382-2921
additional camping nearby
Located less than a mile away from Lake Hemet, this meadow-like-park offers 130 camp sites, plus group campsites. Picnic area, BBQ, large grassy lawn w/ playground. Birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking trails. Contact 951-659-2050
(a recent wildfire has scared much of the land near this park, but the campground is still green w/ pine forest)
The best remote, private and secluded camp sites are along neighboring dirt roads. Forest Service Rd #6S13 east of lake, explore more up on Thomas Mountain. Look for the
yellow post camp sites. High clearance vehicle needed to access this area.
Steep dirt road leads up to the big forest and wilderness boundary. Hiking trailheads for Toro Peak; a few small developed camp sites. High clearance vehicle needed to access this area.