Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

4.36

429 reviews

39755 Highway 79

Quick Facts

1,611 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Palomar Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,611 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Palomar Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

$25.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $25 to $50 depending on the site type (Standard Nonelectric, Tent Only Nonelectric, Equestrian Nonelectric). Discounts, taxes, or...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-788-0250

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 429 reviews

151 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshadespacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Dripping Springs Campground describe it as a peaceful and scenic location with clean facilities and helpful camp hosts. Common highlights include proximity to hiking trails and quiet surroundings, though some visitors note issues with barking dogs and vault toilet cleanliness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

39755 Highway 79

Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

39755 Highway 79

Driving directionsCampground is 11 miles east of Temecula off of Highway 79.

Access is directly off Highway 79, which is paved. No seasonal closures or particularly challenging terrain are noted.

Nearby places

Temecula (11 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Aguanga (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Temecula, including Wal-Mart and Big 5 Sporting Goods, approximately 11 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

Experience the dramatic seasonal transitions of Southern California's backcountry at Dripping Springs. Summer days can be intense, with temperatures soaring above 100°F, making early morning hikes and shaded afternoon rest essential parts of your routine. As darkness falls, the desert releases its heat, offering surprisingly cool evenings perfect for stargazing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland where morning frost sparkles on chaparral branches and nighttime temperatures can plunge into the 20s. Pack your rain gear for winter visits when Pacific storms sweep through, while summer adventurers should prepare for the bone-dry conditions that define California's Mediterranean climate.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer can exceed 100°F and the creek is usually dry; visitors note heat and biting insects.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as pleasant with fewer bugs and comfortable temperatures.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring reviews highlight cooler temps and good conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winter reviews note cooler temperatures and maintained facilities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations available starting January 1, 2025, with advance booking windows.
Current Alerts: Current fire restrictions should be checked with the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250.

About Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

Tucked away at the edge of the pristine Agua Tibia Wilderness, Dripping Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's tranquility. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for wilderness explorers, with well-maintained hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, refreshing potable water stations, and clean vault toilets. Despite its modest size, the campground delivers an authentic outdoor experience where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

Dripping Springs Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and equestrian camping. Primitive camping is also available, although group camping and cabin lodging are not offered.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the historic trails surrounding Dripping Springs Campground, where centuries of human history have left their mark on the landscape. The campground serves as a gateway to the culturally rich Agua Tibia Wilderness, where ancient pathways once connected indigenous communities and later guided early settlers through these rugged mountains. Today, these same trails offer modern adventurers a chance to walk in the footsteps of history while experiencing the timeless beauty that has drawn people to this region for generations.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transitions of Southern California's backcountry at Dripping Springs. Summer days can be intense, with temperatures soaring above 100°F, making early morning hikes and shaded afternoon rest essential parts of your routine. As darkness falls, the desert releases its heat, offering surprisingly cool evenings perfect for stargazing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland where morning frost sparkles on chaparral branches and nighttime temperatures can plunge into the 20s. Pack your rain gear for winter visits when Pacific storms sweep through, while summer adventurers should prepare for the bone-dry conditions that define California's Mediterranean climate.

ElevationNestled in the transitional zone between valley floor and mountain peak, Dripping Springs occupies a sweet spot that offers both accessibility and the refreshing benefits of higher elevation camping.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a remarkable tapestry of ecosystems at Dripping Springs, where the delicate riparian corridor serves as a sanctuary for the federally endangered Arroyo Toad. Listen for their distinctive trilling calls echoing through the streamside willows at dusk. The surrounding landscape rises dramatically from these precious wetlands through aromatic sage and chaparral-covered hillsides that burst with wildflowers after winter rains. Venture higher on the trails to reach majestic coniferous forests crowning the mountain peaks, where towering pines and cedars provide cool shade and panoramic views of the wilderness below.

Geological RegionPositioned at the gateway to the magnificent Agua Tibia Wilderness, Dripping Springs showcases Southern California's diverse geological story. The campground sits within a dramatic landscape where ancient tectonic forces have sculpted rugged mountains now clothed in classic California chaparral. This fire-adapted ecosystem gives way to cool coniferous forests at higher elevations, while precious riparian zones thread through the valleys below. The region's unique geology has created critical habitat niches, including the rare streamside environments that support endangered species, making this area both a geological wonder and an ecological treasure.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is before 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights year-round.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per single site.

Groups

No group camping facilities are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in loops, with equestrian sites in the upper section and standard sites in the lower area. Sites are paved with picnic tables and fire rings.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or its mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are primarily reservation-based; walk-up availability may be limited, especially during weekends and holidays.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before the scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and any reservation fees are non-refundable. Late cancellations (after midnight on the day before arrival) will forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the authoritative content or reviews.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, from small to spacious, accommodating tents, RVs, and equestrian needs. Some sites are reported to have inclines or uneven terrain, which may affect tent placement.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site, with some offering seclusion and others being more exposed. Equestrian sites are elevated and more secluded, whereas some lower sites have better shade.

Total Campsites34 campsites

Recommended SitesLower sites offer more shade and are recommended for RVs due to level ground. Equestrian sites are less shaded but provide access to corrals.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Dripping Springs Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, and trail running. The nearby Agua Tibia Wilderness features a 20-mile hiking loop, and trails such as the Dripping Springs Trail and Wild Horse Trail are accessible directly from the campground.

HikingThe campground provides direct access to hiking trails, including the Dripping Springs Trail and Wild Horse Trail. These trails are described as narrow and rugged in sections, offering scenic views and elevation changes. Some reviews mention biting horseflies and hot conditions during summer hikes.

Wildlife viewingThe campground's natural features include riparian habitats and chaparral-covered hills, home to diverse flora and fauna. Wildlife sightings may include the endangered Arroyo Toad. Some reviewers mention raccoons and rabbits near campsites.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, biting horseflies (summer), extreme summer temperatures, and wildlife such as coyotes and raccoons.

Active AlertsCurrent fire restrictions should be checked with the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed depending on seasonal restrictions. Firewood is not sold on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Typically from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest fire station is located at the entrance of the campsite. Hospitals and police stations are in Temecula, approximately 11 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available throughout the campground, but no recycling facilities were specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to a seasonal creek (usually dry in summer).

Camp HostHosts are consistently praised for being helpful, friendly, and maintaining cleanliness.

Weather at Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

Reviews

4.4

429 reviews

Recommended

Dripping Springs Campground (Ca) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Dripping Springs Campground describe it as a peaceful and scenic location with clean facilities and helpful camp hosts. Common highlights include proximity to hiking trails and quiet surroundings, though some visitors note issues with barking dogs and vault toilet cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 429 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned in reviews include clean and spacious campsites, friendly camp hosts, direct access to hiking trails, and shade provided by oak trees. The campground's proximity to...

Based on 429 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited cell phone service, barking dogs from nearby properties, occasional noise from other campers, and maintenance issues with vault toilets. Some sites are described as...

Based on 429 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing earplugs to mitigate noise from barking dogs and early hikers. Reservations are recommended due to high popularity, especially on weekends. Firewood should be purchased in...

Based on 429 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and spring reviews highlight cooler temperatures, while summer reviews mention extreme heat and biting insects. Fall is described as a pleasant time for camping, with fewer bugs and...

Based on 429 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Wonderful little campground with many shady spots. Nice and quiet. No hook ups.' - Joy Bradley 2. 'Clean bathrooms and very friendly and relaxed camp hosts.' - Rachel D. 3. 'Great campground!...

Based on 429 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 7 is frequently praised for its spaciousness and shade. Site 14 is criticized for its incline, making it unsuitable for tent camping. Equestrian sites are noted for their seclusion but limited...

Based on 429 reviews