Lake Hemet

Lake Hemet caters to the outdoor enthusiast with hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Located 50 miles southwest of Palm Springs and at an elevation of 4500 feet above sea level, this lake is tucked in the San Bernardino National Forest.

The scenic 420 acres of Lake Hemet offers campsites, picnic sites, hiking and biking trails, horseshoes, stargazing, and movies during summer evenings. In addition, there are a boat launch ramp, a camp store, and restrooms with showers.

Lake Hemet Campground is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during summer months. During the winter months the park operates from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the fishing is still great during the winter. This campground has three group campsites available for use. Body contact with the water is prohibited as is fishing by the dam and hunting.

Lake Hemet has one market just outside the campground. The closest town of Idyllwild, which is 8 miles away, has other grocery options and the closest gas station.

By car, Lake Hemet is located one hour and twenty minutes southeast of the San Bernardino International Airport. Take a scenic drive to Palm Springs to enjoy the Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or to Temecula for the Faulkner Winery. :