Road Trips Starting from Riverside, CA
Best National Parks Near Riverside, CA
Located in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park comprises a sprawling landscape covered in its unique namesake cacti. The park features large, picturesque stretches of desert and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, backcountry camping, rock climbing, bird watching, and stargazing.
Another popular natural haven in southern California is Channel Islands National Park, which is spread across several islands off the Pacific Coast. The park is mostly known as an exceptional place for whale watching, tide-pooling, and bird watching. Other popular activities for visitors include kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and backcountry camping.
If you're up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you may want to pay Death Valley National Park a visit. The park is most known for its extreme temperatures, which can sometimes exceed 120 degrees during the summer. The area is home to the famous Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet below sea level. Every year, the park draws many bold, adventurous visitors looking to hike, bike, and horseback ride in the unique, unforgiving environment.
Popular State Parks Near Riverside, CA
Located about 11 miles of Riverside, Lake Perris State Park covers 8,000 acres on the shores of its namesake reservoir. The park features white-sand beaches, sparkling blue waters, and wide stretches of valley. Visitors can partake in all sorts of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, rock climbing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Another nearby outdoor haven is Silver Lake State Recreation Area, which features forests, mountain peaks, and the 976-acre Silverwood Lake. The park features 13 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, including a stretch of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Between January and March, the park offers Bald Eagle Barge Tours.
Chino Hills State Park is a wonderful destination for visitors to hike, bike, and horseback ride through canyons, ridges, and meadows. The park also offers top-notch opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
National Forests Near Riverside, CA
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Riverside, CA
You should try to check out a few of California's many fascinating monuments and landmarks when you have the opportunity. There are many iconic landmarks around Los Angeles, and one worth visiting in person is the Hollywood Sign. The world-famous sign has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, and there are several hiking trails that will take you to great vantage points for getting a look at it.
While in Los Angeles, you can also visit Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, which is known for its bright, colorful facade. You can catch a movie at the iconic theatre, and you can also check out the many celebrity hand and footprints on the sidewalk out front.
If you head up the coast to San Luis Obispo, California, you can explore the magnificent landmark of Hearst Castle. The building has a fascinating history and is known for its breathtaking architecture and design. There are several public tours available to get a look at the castle's magnificent interior.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
There are a lot of excellent camping destinations around Riverside, and one perfect example is Rancho Jurupa Park. The campground has 140 RV campsites available for $20 to $45 per night. The park offers full RV hookups and features lakes, waterfalls, rock climbing walls, and mini-golf.
You could also enjoy a serene stay at Prado Regional Park, which boasts 75 RV campsites available for $40-$50 per night. You can rent a full-hookup site, and during your stay, you'll have access to two full-sized golf courses, an Olympic shooting range, and horseback trails.
Another quality option in the Riverside area is the Reflection Lake RV Park, where you can rent one of the 119 RV campsites for $50-$75 per night or $300-$450 per week. Located on the shores of Reflection Lake, the campground is an awesome place for anglers to stay. There's also a full-sized basketball court at the park.
RV Dump Stations Near Riverside, CA
Dump stations in San Bernardino are usually active year-round, thanks to the area's great weather. You'll find many California dump stations at Elks Lodges, state parks, or rest areas. Elks Lodges allow members and their guests to use the facilities without charging a fee for their dump stations, although they do accept donations. State and county parks often let campground guests use dump station services for free and charge a small fee for everyone else. Rest areas are often free, or charge a small fee.
