Because of the many recreation and sports opportunities, there are many campgrounds on or near Lake Elsinore. Campgrounds are open year round and the majority offer RV and tent sites, as well as amenities such as public showers and bathrooms, marina or boat parking, walking trails and electric and water hookups. It's advisable to make reservations in advance, as campgrounds tend to fill up quickly, especially on holiday weekends. Some area campgrounds include Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park and RV Resort (cranelakeside.com), Lake Elsinore Campground (rockymountainrec.com), Lake Elsinore Marina and RV Resort (lakeelsinoremarina.com) and Pechanga RV Resort (pechanga.com).
Motorized and non-motorized water sports are allowed on Lake Elsinore. However, visitors need to purchase a lake pass ($50 per year for non-motorized vessels) to participate in activities such as kayaking and canoeing. Passes can be purchased at Lake Elsinore City Hall. Those interested in fishing are required to have a valid California state fishing license and should check with the California Department of Fish and Game to determine if there are limits on catching specific fish. Those who don't want to participate in water sports can sunbathe at designated beaches and wade in designated areas
Purchase a $225 yearly pass at City Hall to participate in motorized waters sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, wind surfing and boating. Daily passes are $15 and can be purchased at any boat launch area at Lake Elsinore. There may be a separate boating fee. There's a $150 fine (at the time of publication) for visitors caught without a lake pass. Motorized vessel rentals are available at multiple locations near and around the lake, and motorized vessels should only be launched from designated areas. Scuba diving isn't allowed on Lake Elsinore.
Aside from sunbathing, picnicking and leisurely walks around Lake Elsinore, land-based sports enthusiasts can drive out to Cleveland National Forest (fs.fed.us), just a 15-20 minute drive from Lake Elsinore. This 423,000-acre protected forest offers activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking and birding trails ranging between 0.5 miles to 32 miles in length. The park also offers winter activities such as cross-country skiing. If you want to visit Cleveland National Forest, a $5 daily Adventure Pass or a $30 yearly pass is required. Other park activities include camping, fishing and picnicking. Some campgrounds close during the winter months. Private campgrounds offer more amenities and services than those found within the park.
Lake Elsinore has dining options to satisfy most palette, whether you're looking for American-options like the Lookout Roadhouse (lookoutroadhouse.com), which serves steaks and BBQ dishes; more refined dining options such as Italian-inspired Rusticanana Bistro (No website; 111 N Main St, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530; (951) 471-0404); or plain old chain or fast food options. As for shopping, Historic Old Town offers upscale boutique shops and typical souvenir shops, while the Lake Elsinore Outlets (lakeelsinoreoutlet.com) offer over 100 stores for the bargain hungry.
