Inland Empire State Parks

Inland Empire State Parks Overview

The state park system is responsible for almost a third of California's scenic coastline. State parks include underwater preserves, parks, redwood forests, plant and wildlife reserves, state beaches, recreation areas, wilderness areas, reservoirs, historic parks & homes, Spanish buildings, lighthouses, ghost towns, waterslides, conference centers, and off-highway vehicle parks. Below you'll find a list of the more popular Inland Empire state parks and ones we personally recommmend from the rolling landscape of Chino Hills to the popular Lake Perris Recreation Area.

Inland Empire State Parks

Chino Hills is located off Highway 91. This is a 12,000 acre park on the edge of urban development. Popular with hikers and mountain bikers, trails lead over rolling hills and through oak shaded creek beds. The vistas offer panoramic views and surprising serenity. Spring and Fall are the best seasons for temperature and the rolling green hills.

Chino Hills
Chino Hills, California 91709
(951) 780-6222
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is located off highway 138 near the interstates 15 and 215 interchange north of San Bernardino. Features include a campground, hiking trails, swimming beaches, boating, water skiing and fishing. The lake has trout, large-mouth bass, catfish and bluegill. There is a launching ramp at the marina where they also rent boats and equipment. The park has picnic areas, including three that can only be reached by boat. Waterfowl include Canadian Geese and sometimes bald eagles. Camping, picnicking and hiking are other popular activities.

Silverwood Lake
Hesperia, California 92345
(760) 389-2281 or (760) 389-2303
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Camping  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Mt. San Jacinto is located off highway 243 south of interstate 10 in Idyllwild. At 10,804 feet above sea level, Mt. San Jacinto is the second highest peak in Southern California and features pine forests, mountain meadows and granite rock formations. The park has two drive-in campgrounds near Idyllwild and hike-in camps at higher elevations. The Pacific Crest Trail that follows the highest peaks from Canada to Mexico passes through this park. A hiking trail links Idyllwild with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Palm Springs Tram. The state park offers concerts and movie showings during the summer months and has a nature trailing leading to indian grinding rocks. This was one of California's earliest parks and contains old-growth pine trees throughout. See our Cool Towns page for more details on Idyllwild.

Mt. San Jacinto
25905 Highway 243
Idyllwild, California 92549
(951) 659-2607
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Camping  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Lake Perris State Recreation Area is located off highways 215 or 60 south of Riverside. Activities include swimming, boating, sailing, water skiing, biking, camping and fishing from shore, pier or boat.

Lake Perris
17801 Lake Perris Drive
Perris, California 92571
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Camping  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

State Parks by Region
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