Best Campgrounds near El Cajon, CA

Camping near El Cajon, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat or a quiet spot in the mountains, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Campers love the easy beach access, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One visitor mentioned, “Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean.”
• Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at William Heise County Park. A reviewer noted, “The park was clean and well-maintained, and the hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise.”
• Fishing Opportunities: Head to Lake Jennings for fishing. One camper shared, “The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout.”

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. A happy camper said, “The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky.”
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-kept amenities at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. One visitor remarked, “Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the welcoming vibe at Lake Hemet Campground. A reviewer noted, “Great place for family and kids. Affordable.”

What you should know:

• Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, “It can get very crowded and packed. Hard to get a site.”
• Limited Hookups: Many sites, like those at San Clemente State Beach Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor pointed out, “The only downside was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty.”
• Check-in Times: Be aware of strict check-in times at some campgrounds. A camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground noted, “Very strict check-in time. However, you can tell they are cleaning the sites and making sure the sites are in order.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Jennings that offer playgrounds and activities. One camper said, “There was a play area that had ladder golf, tetherball, and ping pong.”
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at William Heise County Park mentioned, “The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise.”
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the “great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks.”

Tips from RVers:

• Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like San Diego Metro KOA are big rig-friendly. A reviewer said, “Fanciest KOA out there. Plenty of sites. Plenty of place and more amenities than you can use!”
• Check for Hookups: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, “Some of the spots are shaded and summer direct sun, so please look at the pictures.”
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so arrive early. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, “If you get a site at the far ends, it's a hike to go in and out.”

Camping near El Cajon, CA, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for crowds and plan accordingly!