Looking for the perfect spot to camp with your family? Prado Regional Park for camping offers a true outdoor escape just minutes from busy city life. The park spans over 2,000 acres with a 60-acre lake stocked with fish year-round.

This guide will show you all the camping choices, fun activities, and special features that make Prado a top pick for outdoor lovers. Pack your tent and join us!

Key Takeaways

• Prado Regional Park spans 2,000 acres with a 60-acre lake for fishing and offers both RV sites with full hookups and tent camping areas with fire rings.
• The park has clean restrooms, hot showers, a splash pad for kids, and many outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, disc golf, archery, and horseback riding.
• Camping costs range from $35-$55 per night depending on hookups and day of week, with entrance fees of $8-$10 per vehicle.
• Reservations can be made by calling 909.597.4260 or through the San Bernardino County parks website, with a $10 non-refundable fee.
• Upcoming events include an Herb Garden workshop on April 19, Easter Egg Hunt on April 20, and half-price day on July 18, 2024.

Camping Options at Prado Regional Park

Prado Regional Park offers cozy spots for every type of outdoor lover. You can park your RV at a full hook-up site with water and power, or pitch a tent under the stars in one of their spacious camping areas.

RV Sites with Full Hook-Ups

Prado Regional Park offers top-notch RV sites with full hook-ups for your camping trip. Each spot comes with water, electric, and sewer links that make your stay easy and clean. The sites sit on level ground with enough space for your gear and outdoor fun.

I parked my 32-foot RV there last summer and had plenty of room for my awning and camp chairs. The dump station saved us time at the end of our trip, and we loved having hot showers nearby after long days of hiking.

Families love these sites because they blend outdoor fun with home comforts. Kids can play at the splash pad while parents set up camp with ease. The sites have fire pits for s’mores and stories under the stars.

Most spots offer some shade from trees, but bring your own canopy for extra cover on hot days. Next, let’s look at the tent camping spots for those who want a more rustic feel.

Tent Campsites and Group Camping Areas

Prado Regional Park offers spacious tent sites perfect for family trips. Each spot has a fire ring where you can roast marshmallows under the stars. We spent last summer at these sites and loved how clean they were.

The ground is flat and soft – great for setting up tents of any size. Dogs are welcome too, so your furry friends can join the fun!

Group camping areas at Prado make it easy to plan big family events or friend meetups. These larger spots can fit many tents, giving everyone space to spread out. My kids loved playing catch in the open areas while we set up camp.

The park staff keeps these areas well-maintained with easy access to trails and picnic spots. After a good night’s sleep in your tent, you’ll want to check out the many outdoor activities the park has to offer.

Essential Amenities for Campers

Prado Regional Park offers top-notch bathroom and shower spots that will make your camping trip feel like a home away from home. The clean facilities and hot water make a huge difference after a day of hiking trails or disc golf fun.

Restrooms, Showers, and Laundry Facilities

Prado Regional Park keeps things clean and simple for all campers. The park offers ADA accessible restrooms near every camp area, so you won’t need to walk far from your tent or RV.

Hot showers are ready when you need to wash off the day’s dirt from hiking trails or fishing at the lake. Many families love this feature after a long day of outdoor fun in San Bernardino County.

The shower buildings stay clean and well-stocked with paper goods.

Laundry spots sit close to the main camping areas too. This helps if kids get muddy from splash pad play or you stay for many days. The washing machines work well and don’t cost much to use.

Families with small kids find these extras make camping at Prado much easier than other parks. No need to pack tons of clothes or go home with bags of dirty items after your outdoor adventure.

Splash Pad and Playground for Families

Kids jump with joy at Prado’s splash pad during hot summer days! This water play area gives families a perfect spot to cool off after hiking trails or fishing. Little ones splash through water jets while parents relax nearby.

The playground sits just steps away with swings, slides, and climbing spots for all ages. Your children can burn energy while you chat with other campers or plan your next park activity.

Families love the horseshoe pit next to these play areas too. You can teach kids this classic game while younger siblings enjoy the playground equipment. The multi-purpose room near these spots offers a cool break from the sun.

Next, let’s look at the many outdoor activities that make camping at Prado Regional Park so fun for everyone.

Outdoor Activities to Enjoy During Your Stay

Prado Regional Park brims with fun outdoor sports for every family member. You can cast a line for trout in the lake, walk the nature trails, or try your hand at disc golf on the shaded course.

Fishing, Hiking, and Nature Trails

Grab your fishing poles and hiking boots at Prado Regional Park! The lake offers great fishing from November to April when trout are stocked, and May through September for catfish.

My family caught three big trout last winter using simple worms as bait. You need a California fishing license before you cast your line. The park hosts fun fishing derbies where kids and adults can win prizes for the biggest catch.

The nature trails wind through the Chino Valley Basin with paths for all skill levels. We walked the main loop last summer and spotted rabbits, birds, and even a fox! The trails are marked well with signs that tell you about local plants and animals.

Bring water and wear good shoes since some paths get dusty. The trails near the campground are perfect for a quick morning walk before breakfast at your camp site.

Disc Golf and Boating Adventures

Prado Regional Park offers a top-notch 18-hole disc golf course that keeps families coming back. The course winds through trees and open spaces, giving players both easy and tricky shots.

My kids love to count how many throws it takes to hit each target. We bring our own discs, but the park office sells some if you forget yours.

Water fun awaits at the park’s lake where you can bring your own electric trolling rowboats, kayaks, or canoes. The calm water makes a perfect spot for first-time boaters to learn.

Note that pedal boats are closed as of April 8, 2024, and the park doesn’t rent boats. Last summer, our family spent hours on our kayaks spotting turtles and birds along the shore.

Unique Features of Prado Regional Park

Prado Regional Park shines with rare outdoor fun you won’t find at most parks. The archery range lets you test your aim while the trails welcome horses for a wild ride through nature.

Archery and Shooting Range

Prado Regional Park boasts a world-class archery range run by the Oranco Bowmen Archery Club. My family tried archery here last summer, and even my eight-year-old hit the target! The range offers spots for all skill levels with clear paths and safety rules that make parents feel at ease.

Next to it stands the famous Prado Olympic shooting range – the very same one used during the 1984 Olympic Games! This historic spot draws both new shooters and pros who want to test their aim where Olympic athletes once competed.

The ranges sit away from the camping areas, so noise won’t bother your peaceful stay. Both spots offer rental gear if you didn’t pack your bow or want to try shooting for the first time.

Staff members help new folks learn the basics with quick tips that had my wife hitting bullseyes by day’s end. These unique features make Prado stand out from other parks in San Bernardino County and add fun options beyond hiking trails and fishing spots.

Equestrian Trails and Horseback Riding

Beyond the archery and shooting areas, horse lovers will find their own piece of heaven at Prado Regional Park. The park boasts a huge 14-acre Equestrian Center with room for more than 100 horses.

Families can enjoy scenic trails that wind through the natural beauty of the Chino Valley Basin. The paths range from easy loops for kids and first-timers to longer routes for those with more riding skills.

Horse shows happen often at the center, making for a fun family outing even if you don’t ride. Many parents tell us their kids love to watch the horses and riders show off their skills.

You can book guided trail rides for the whole family – a perfect way to see parts of the park you might miss on foot. The trails offer great spots for nature photos too, so bring your camera along for the trip!

Reservation Tips and Camping Rules

Planning your Prado Regional Park camping trip needs some simple rules to follow. These tips will help you enjoy your outdoor adventure without any problems.

1. Book your spot early for weekends and holidays at Prado Regional Park – spots fill up fast!
2. Pay the $10 non-refundable fee when you make your reservation.
3. You can only camp for 14 days within any 30-day period.
4. Check-in starts at 3:00 p.m., and you must leave by 11:30 a.m. on your last day.
5. Quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. – perfect for stargazing at night.
6. Bring cash for fishing permits if you plan to catch trout in the park’s lakes.
7. Pets must stay on leashes no longer than six feet at all campsites.
8. Fire safety rules are strict – use only the campfire pits provided.
9. RV campers should check hook-up types before booking to make sure they match your needs.
10. The splash pad is open during summer months only – a big hit with kids!
11. Park rangers check sites daily, so keep your area clean and follow all posted rules.
12. Bring proper hiking shoes if you plan to explore the nature trails around the park.

Now let’s look at the exciting outdoor activities you can enjoy during your stay at this recreational paradise.

Upcoming Events and Seasonal Highlights

Prado Regional Park buzzes with fun events all year long! Mark your calendars for the Create Your Own Herb Garden workshop on April 19, 2024. Kids will love the Easter Egg Hunt planned for April 20, 2024.

Bird lovers can join the All About Birds event on May 31, 2024, perfect for nature photography fans. The Family Fish & Wildlife Festival happens on June 7, 2024 – a great day for outdoor recreation with fishing and nature trails.

Don’t miss Parks & Recreation Month Half-Price Day on July 18, 2024! This special event lets families enjoy the splash pad, disc golf, and picnic facilities at a discount. These seasonal events make Prado Park a recreational paradise for San Bernardino County residents and visitors from Los Angeles County and Orange County.

Exploring Nearby Attractions in San Bernardino County

Prado Regional Park sits close to many fun spots in San Bernardino County. Families love to visit Calico Ghost Town, an old mining town where kids can pan for gold and adults can enjoy the wild west shops.

Just a short drive away, Glen Helen Regional Park offers cool water play areas and fishing spots that make for a perfect day trip. Big Bear Lake is great for summer swimming or winter snow fun, with trails that work for all ages and skill levels.

Need a break from nature? Seccombe Lake Park has nice picnic spots and playgrounds for the little ones. Joshua Tree National Park, though a bit farther, shows off amazing rock piles and desert plants you won’t see anywhere else.

These places add more fun to your camping trip at Prado. Most spots have clean bathrooms and food stands, so you can spend the whole day exploring without worry.

Reviews and Feedback from Previous Campers

Campers love Prado Regional Park! Many families praise the clean restrooms and hot showers after long days of hiking the nature trails. “We stayed at the RV sites with full hook-ups and had plenty of space for our kids to play,” wrote one mom on the park experience survey.

Dads often mention the trout fishing as a highlight, with several reviews noting the excitement of catching fish with their children. The splash pad gets five stars from almost every family with young kids.

Some couples point out the peaceful spots along the footpaths that offer great nature photography chances. Not all feedback shines though – a few campers mention crowded weekends during summer months and suggest booking early.

The disc golf course earns special praise from teen families who enjoy friendly competition during their stay.

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Packing Tips for a Comfortable Stay

Packing right can make your Prado Regional Park camping trip much better. Here’s what to bring for a fun and comfy outdoor stay at this San Bernardino County gem.

1. Pack a sturdy tent with extra stakes for windy days near the nature trails.
2. Bring sleeping bags rated for the season – nights can get cool even in summer.
3. Don’t forget camping chairs and a folding table for meals at your campsite.
4. Pack a first aid kit with band-aids, bug spray, and sun block for hiking trails.
5. Bring fishing gear and permits if you plan to enjoy trout fishing at the park.
6. Pack easy-to-cook meals and a camp stove with extra fuel.
7. Bring plenty of water bottles or a large water jug to stay hydrated.
8. Pack flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries for night time.
9. Bring games, books, or a disc golf set for fun between outdoor activities.
10. Pack trash bags to keep your campsite clean – leave no trace!
11. Bring swim gear if you plan to use the splash pad with your kids.
12. Pack layers of clothes for warm days and cool nights.
13. Bring cash for camping fees and any special events during your stay.
14. Pack binoculars for nature watching and cameras for nature photography.
15. Bring a small tool kit with a hammer, rope, and duct tape for quick fixes.

Next, let’s look at the costs and fees you’ll need to plan for at Prado Regional Park.

Costs and Admission Fees

Planning your Prado Regional Park adventure means knowing exactly what you’ll pay. My family visited last month and found the pricing structure straightforward. The park offers different rates for vehicles, pedestrians, and camping options.

Daily Entrance Fees
Vehicles	Weekdays	$8 per vehicle
	Weekends/Holidays	$10 per vehicle
Pedestrians	Any day	$3 per person
Dogs	Any day	$1 per dog (must be on 6-foot leash)
Annual Passes
Multi-Park Pass	$125 per year
Individual Park Pass	$60 per year
Fishing Fees
Monday-Wednesday	$10 per person
Thursday-Sunday	$12 per person
Camping Fees
Sites without hookup	Monday-Thursday	$35 per night
	Friday-Sunday	$45 per night
Sites with hookup	Monday-Thursday	$45 per night
	Friday-Sunday	$55 per night

Families should note these fees change based on the day of the week. We saved money by camping mid-week. Cash and credit cards work for payment at entrance gates. The annual passes offer great value for locals who visit often. During peak season (summer months and holidays), prices stay the same but spots fill quickly. Make sure you bring exact change if paying cash – the park rangers rarely carry much change with them.

How to Reserve Your Campsite at Prado Regional Park

Now that you know the costs, let’s talk about how to book your spot at Prado Regional Park. Making a reservation is easy and will save your family from disappointment when you arrive.

1. Call the park office at 909.597.4260 to check if spots are open for your dates.
2. Visit the San Bernardino County parks website to see a map of all campsites.
3. Pick the right spot for your needs – RV sites have full hook-ups while tent areas offer more nature views.
4. Book at least 30 days ahead for weekend stays, as the park fills up fast in summer.
5. Pay the $10 reservation fee when you book (this fee is non-refundable).
6. Print your confirmation email to bring with you on arrival day.
7. Know the cancellation rules – if you cancel 31+ days before, you lose $10 plus the reservation fee.
8. For cancellations 30-11 days before, you lose 50% of your first night plus the reservation fee.
9. Last-minute changes (10-1 days before) cost you the full first night plus the reservation fee.
10. Save time by filling out check-in forms before you arrive at the park.
11. Bring ID and your credit card used for booking when you check in.
12. Ask about fishing permits if you plan to enjoy trout fishing during your stay.

Conclusion

Prado Regional Park offers a perfect escape for families who love the outdoors. The park has everything from RV sites to tent camping, plus fun activities like fishing, disc golf, and hiking trails.

Kids will love the splash pad while parents enjoy the peaceful lake views. You can bring your pets to the dog park or try your hand at archery. With its mix of comfort and adventure, Prado gives you all the joys of nature without going far from home.

Pack your gear, grab the family, and head to this San Bernardino County gem for your next weekend trip!

FAQs

1. What camping options does Prado Regional Park offer?

Prado Regional Park has spots for tents and RV camping with campfire pits. Each site comes with a table and fire ring for your outdoor meals.

2. Are there fishing spots at Prado Regional Park?

Yes! The park sits in the Chino Valley Basin and offers great trout fishing. You’ll need a fishing permit, and they do regular stocking to keep fish plentiful.

3. What activities can I enjoy besides camping at Prado Regional Park?

The park is a recreational paradise with disc golf, nature trails, and a splash pad for kids. You can also visit the Oranco Bowmen archery club, try the shooting range, or play a round at El Prado Golf Course.

4. How close is Prado Regional Park to major cities?

The park sits near the borders of San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County. It’s an easy drive from any of these areas for a quick weekend getaway.

5. Are there meeting spaces for group events?

The park offers picnic facilities and a meeting room perfect for club meetings or special events. Many groups book these spaces for family reunions or team gatherings.

6. What other parks are nearby if Prado is full?

If Prado is booked, try Glen Helen Regional Park or visit Calico Ghost Town for a different outdoor adventure. Both offer hiking trails and their own unique outdoor recreation options.