Lake Hemet is one of the most popular spots in Southern California for camping and fishing.  Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, in Mountain Center, near the charming town of Idyllwild, the scenery is splendid no matter which direction you look. Tall pines, manzanitas, sage, and giant pine trees abound!

Remember to pack a camera and binoculars, and keep a watchful eye as majestic eagles, hawks, and other wildlife are often seen soaring throughout the forest and campground. Come and enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and the breathtaking scenery all year round.

The Lake Hemet Day Use Area is popular with anglers, but sadly, their visits often leave traces – abandoned fishing nets, tangled lines, food containers, and plastic bottles littering the shoreline.

After camping overnight, I woke at dawn and spent over an hour combing the water’s edge. The result? A bulging trash bag filled with debris, and that deeply satisfying feeling of making a visible difference before most visitors even arrived.