FAQs - — Lake Hemet

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Helpful Camping Tips

Remember to bring warm clothing for chilly winter nights/mornings.
Waterproof tent gear during rain or snow months.
Hiking shoes, hat, water bottle.
Always pack a First Aid Kit (including sunscreen).
Remember to bring insect repellent and or Bug Spray, Citronella Candles.
Please bring sunscreen, hats, skins and or rash guards for sun protection.
Shade is limited, so please bring a canopy, umbrella, etc.
Cell service and Internet access is spotty. Please plan accordingly.

Please be respectful of your neighbors. This includes keeping your campsite free of clutter and trash. Be courteous of loud noises and smells. Please use designated trash cans for garbage and disposable trash. Quiet time is a prompt 10:00pm to 8:00am.

General Inquiries

Where is the nearest town?
The closest town is Idyllwild, and it is approximately 8 miles from Lake Hemet. Anza is approximately 18 miles from the Campground. Hemet is approximately 24 miles. Palm Desert is 31 miles. Temecula is 36 miles.
Is there a grocery store nearby?
The Lake Hemet Market is located at the entrance to the campground. Chain grocery stores and shopping malls are located in Palm Desert, Temecula, and nearby Hemet.
Where is the nearest gas station?
The closest gas station is Mountain Center approximately 4 miles from Lake Hemet; Spirit Fuel. It is located at the intersection of Highway 74 and Highway 243. Anza also has two gas stations on Hwy. 371; Circle K and Mobil. Please remember when traveling to Lake Hemet to fill your gas tank before leaving a major metropolitan area, as some of the local gas stations in the mountain areas are closed by 9:00pm.
Can campers have visitors at their campsite?
Yes, but they will have to pay the Day Use Fee upon entering the Campground. Should your visitors find themselves relaxing in the peaceful environment that surrounds Lake Hemet, enjoying the clean mountain air and bright starlit sky, and decide to stay past the Day Use check out time (sunset), they will have to pay the difference for overnight camping. If your guests come to visit you during the summer they will not be provided access to the Splashing Eagle Swim Zone. That swim area is only for overnight camping guests.

Boating Questions

Are boats inspected upon arrival?
Yes, it is a State Law that all boats must be inspected for Quagga Mussels before launching in Lake Hemet. It does not matter whether your boat has been on dry land or not. When it enters the Campground, an inspection is mandatory before entering the water. Your boat must be clean, drained, and dry. Any moisture is an immediate failure of the Quagga Mussel Inspection. Boats and kayaks may only be inspected and launched on days when our marina is open. There is a $20 personal launch fee for each boat or kayak.
Can I launch my own boat and what length of boat is allowed? What type of boats and engine size are allowed on Lake Hemet?
Yes, you can launch your own boat, and it must be a minimum of 10′ in length and have a minimum beam width of 3′. We allow fishing boats, motorboats, rowboats and kayaks on the lake. We do not allow inflatables of any type. Engines can be two or four strokes; however, the speed limit on the lake is 10 mph, and 5 mph in the marina.
Can I bring my own kayak or canoe to Lake Hemet?
You may bring your own kayak. If you plan on bringing a kayak it needs to be 10 feet in length or longer. We allow canoes equipped with an outrigger. We do not allow inflatable boats, sailboats, or race boats on the lake.
Are sailboats or PWC’s allowed on Lake Hemet?
No. We do not allow sailboats or personal watercraft (jet skis) on Lake Hemet.

Fishing Questions

Do I need a state license to fish at Lake Hemet?
Yes. Anyone 16 years of age or older who is fishing shall have a valid California State Fishing License (except on state “Fish for Free” days).
How much is a fishing license?
For any questions you have regarding CA fishing license prices, rules and regulations for the state of California please visit Sport Fishing Fees and Descriptions
Where can I purchase a State Fishing License or annual permit?
You may purchase a Fishing License or permit at our Lake Hemet Market located at the entrance to the Campground.
What types of fish are in Lake Hemet? What are the limits for fish caught?
Trout, Bass, Blue Gill, Catfish. Trout is the only fish we stock. The limits are: Trout – 5, Bass – 2 (min. 15″), Bluegill – 25, Catfish – 5.
How often is Lake Hemet stocked?
Lake Hemet does our own private trout stockings exclusively from Mount Lassen. We stock 4-5 times per year, typically from November through May, and with an average weight of 4,000 lbs per stock.
Does Lake Hemet allow night fishing?
Yes, you may fish at night on the shoreline of Lake Hemet until 10:00pm if you are overnight camping with us. There are no boats/kayaks allowed on the lake after the marina closes.
What type of live bait is allowed in Lake Hemet?
The only live bait allowed in Lake Hemet is nightcrawlers and red worms.
Does Lake Hemet sell fishing bait?
Yes, you can get bait, fishing tackle, and many other fishing items at the Lake Hemet Market and the small marina store.
Can I fish by the Dam?
No, there is no fishing allowed near or by the Dam. Boats must stay a minimum of 100ft from the Dam. Nor is there access to the Dam by car or foot.

Camping Questions

Do you have full hookup sites available at Lake Hemet?
There are full hook-up sites and the number available varies based on occupancy.
Do you have dry camping sites available at Lake Hemet?
Lake Hemet has dry camping sites for tent or RV camping. A majority of dry camping sites also have water available. Lake Hemet has both full hook up and dry camping.
Can I camp in a tent? How many vehicles can be parked on a site? Is there a limit to the number of people per camping site?
Yes, you can camp in a tent in our tent camping area (no tents in the RV sites). There may be up to a maximum of 6 people per site, regardless of age. The maximum number of vehicles per site shall not exceed 2. One vehicle is included in your campsite fees and a second vehicle may be added for $25 per night.
Can I have a campfire at my site? Do all campsites have fire rings?
Yes, you may have a campfire only in designated fire rings that are provided by the campground on every site. If you are bringing your own firewood it should be no longer than 24″ in length. Please do not bring rail logs, pallets, or pre-treated construction wood containing nails or other hardware. There are no open ground fires allowed. No bonfires. No fires under trees. No splitting wood in Campground. Please do not leave unused wood in the Campground upon leaving. All rules must be followed when starting a campfire. All campfires must be attended at all times and cannot be left burning or smoldering without direct supervision. Any failure to comply with campfire rules is subject to inspection by Campground Personnel, Management, and Rangers, and may be cause for being asked to leave Lake Hemet Campground.
Can I have a charcoal grill at my site?
Yes. We allow charcoal grills and we also have several charcoal grills in our picnic area that are available for use.
Are there picnic tables for each site?
Yes, every site has a picnic table and fire ring.
Can I bring my dog(s)?
Yes, you may bring your furry friends. Lake Hemet has a maximum of 2 dogs per family. Your pets must be leashed or restrained at all times while in the Campground. The leash cannot be longer than 6′. NO DOGS are allowed in the lake. Please do not leave your dog unattended or alone in a vehicle at any time while at Lake Hemet.
Can we have a generator at our site?
Yes, you may run a generator at your site. A properly running generator is allowed between the hours of 8:00am until 10:00pm year-round. Loud, construction-type generators are not permitted. All generators must be on the same site as the camper. These rules are subject to change only in the case of emergency and such operation is approved by the Campground Manager.
Can I camp along the shoreline of Lake Hemet?
When the lake level is high, there are many camping sites that are situated on the shoreline with a breathtaking view of Lake Hemet with Little Thomas Mountain as the backdrop. When the lake level is low, the exposed shoreline is not included in your campsite and guests must not camp outside of the natural borders of their campsites.
Where can I purchase firewood?
Lake Hemet Market is located at the entrance to the Campground and sells bundles of firewood.
If we are camping in an RV with full hookups, can we also pitch a tent on our site?
No, we do not allow a tent to be staked in any partial or full hook up RV sites. Guests may have one small tent on a dry RV site if space permits.

Campground Questions

Is Lake Hemet a State Park or State Campground?
Neither. Lake Hemet is a private campground owned by the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District.
Is there security at the campground?
Yes, Lake Hemet is patrolled by resident staff and camp hosts. We also have a Riverside County Sheriff’s substation located within several hundred feet from our Campground Entrance. tel:951-776-1099. Emergency dial 911.
Can we bring our own boat to Lake Hemet?
Yes, you may launch a private boat on Lake Hemet. It must be at least 10′ feet in length. The speed limit on the lake is 10 mph, and the speed limit in the marina is 5mph. All state boating laws apply.
Does Lake Hemet rent boats?
Yes, we have motorboats, pontoon boats, and even kayaks for rent.
When are the quiet hours?
Our quiet hours are 10:00pm until 8:00am daily.
What are the laundry hours?
Our laundry facilities are typically available for use from 7:00am to 8:00pm daily, but hours can vary by season and day. Please see our front gate staff for current hours upon arrival.
Are there restroom/shower facilities available in the campground? Do the showers have hot water?
Yes, we have restrooms and showers located in several areas throughout the Campground. Yes, the showers have hot running water. There is no cost for the showers.
Can I swim in Lake Hemet?
Yes, only in the swim zone area of the lake during the summer months. The swim zone is generally open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Swimming and water play is permitted in this designate, buoyed-off area only, and any water contact outside of these areas is prohibited. Should you violate this ordinance, you may be immediately removed from the campground.
Is hunting allowed at Lake Hemet?
No, there is no hunting allowed at Lake Hemet. Please contact the local Forest Service in Idyllwild for information regarding hunting, hunting season, designated hunting areas, and the appropriate license required.
Are motorcycles allowed?
Motorcycles are allowed in designated campsites only and may not be used for general transportation throughout the Campground. Please respect the peace and keep motor noise to the barest minimum.
Is skateboarding allowed?
For guest’s safety, no skateboarding is allowed on the property.
Are pets allowed?
Up to two pets (on a 6ft leash or less at all times) are allowed at each campsite. Pets are only permitted in select rental units, so please check details before booking. Loud or aggressive pets will cause their owners to be asked to leave. Pets are not permitted in the water at any time, and may not be left unattended in a vehicle, at a campsite, or in a rental unit.

Reservation Questions

How do I make a reservation?
Reservations may be made online at golakehemet.com or by contacting our friendly staff Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm at (951) 659-2680.
Is it necessary to have a reservation to camp at Lake Hemet?
While it is not necessary to have a reservation to camp at Lake Hemet, reservations are highly recommended. Reservations are especially encouraged during peak summer months and major holiday weekends as sites book up 6-8 weeks in advance. Same day, drive-up reservations are never guaranteed, but when possible, we are happy to accommodate.
Does Lake Hemet require a deposit when making reservations?
We require full payment at the time of booking reservations. We accept VISA, Discover, MasterCard, and AmEx. Please review our reservation cancellation policy before booking a reservation.
How far in advance should we make our reservation for Camping over a Holiday Weekend?
Every weekend in the summer will be sold out, sometimes more than 4 weeks in advance, so guests should book early for best sites and rates. We encourage guests to make reservations up to a year in advance for all major Holiday Weekends.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in time for all tent and RV sites is 2:00pm and check-out time is 12:00 noon. Check-in time for all cabins, rentals, and glamping tents is: 3:00pm and check-out time is 11:00am. Late Check-Out Policy: Late check-out at sunset is an option for campers wishing to stay longer for an additional $35 Sunday through Thursday, excluding any holidays. Late check-out is not typically available for cabins, rentals, and glamping tents, but guests are welcome to request it upon arrival if our schedule permits. After check-out, all guests are welcome to stay for the remainder of the day until day use closing time to enjoy fishing, boating, and other recreation after they pack up their site.
How do I cancel a reservation?
You may cancel or change your reservation by calling our staff at (951) 659-2680. Changes are permitted until 72 hours before your stay. There is a $9.00 reservation date change fee. Cancellation with 30 days or more prior notice will forfeit the $9.00 booking fee. Cancellations made between 30 days and 72 hours prior notice will forfeit one night as a cancellation fee + the $9 booking fee. Cancellations made with less than 72 hours notice prior to reservation are non-refundable. Grace Period: Full refund if reservation is cancelled within 24hrs of booking (unless arrival date is within 72hrs)
How many vehicles are allowed in a campsite?
There is parking for one vehicle included in your campsite fees. A fee of $25 per night applies to the second vehicle in a campsite. There is a two-vehicle maximum at all sites.
Does Lake Hemet have seasonal rates for camping or boating?
We frequently offer special rates and/or promotions throughout the year. Please see our promotions page for current discounts.
Does Lake Hemet offer any discounts?
Lake Hemet proudly offers a ‘Hero Discount’ to all military, veterans, and first responders. It provides $5 off per night for overnight camping. Lake Hemet also offers a ‘Senior Discount’ to all guests age 65+. It provides $5 off per night for overnight camping. Additional discounts and special promotions are run throughout the year. Please see our promotions page for current discounts.
What is the maximum length of RV that a campsite will accommodate?
The maximum length for an RV that our campground can accommodate is 40′. We have a limited number of sites available for an RV of that length, so we encourage early reservations.
Does Lake Hemet accommodate group tent camping?
Yes. We have Group Sites for group camping in three areas. Please visit the bottom of our “Tent Camping” page for pricing and details.
Does Lake Hemet accommodate RV group camping?
Yes. The Wagon Master of your group may contact our staff at (951) 659-2680 to make reservations, check availability, or for more information. Our friendly staff is available to answer questions about planning your RV Camping group.
Does Lake Hemet host special events for organizations: Day Use and/or overnight camping?
Yes. Please contact our staff, or the Campground Manager for more information and to answer all questions regarding your specific event or group.
Are there cabins or RVs to rent at the campground?
Yes, Lake Hemet has a variety of onsite vacation rentals, cabins, and glamping tents. You may contact the reservations staff at (951) 659-2680 or make reservations online.