Best Campgrounds near Julian, CA

Camping near Julian, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something to suit your needs.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails around Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One reviewer said, "The Palm Canyon trail starts from the campground - no need to drive to the trailhead, and it is a hike worth doing."
• Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing. A visitor mentioned, "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."
• Stargazing: The clear skies in the area make for great stargazing. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground noted, "The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground said, "Flush toilets, bathrooms, well lit, and warm showers."
• Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. One camper shared, "The ladies at the front are always so incredibly sweet!" at Lake Jennings.
• Spacious sites: Campers enjoy the roomy campsites. A review for Lake Jennings stated, "Spaces are good size and plenty of room in between the next site."

What you should know:

• Busy during peak times: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "It is super busy, a lot of people around."
• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blair Valley Primitive Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No facilities but good cell service."
• Check-in times: Be aware of strict check-in times at some campgrounds. One reviewer at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground mentioned, "Very strict check-in time."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Lake Jennings, which has a playground and plenty of space for kids to play. A visitor said, "The campground had a ton of bonuses, close to town if you need things but far enough away to feel the full camping experience."
• Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground suggested, "Bring your bikes. There’s also a trailhead to the oasis right in the campground."
• Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and keep everyone happy. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground advised, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site you choose. A reviewer at William Heise County Park mentioned, "A more experienced human might not have struggled as much but it be hard to get a 20 ft plus trailer into this particular site."
• Look for full hookups: If you need amenities, opt for campgrounds like Lake Jennings that offer full hookups. A visitor noted, "There are areas that are full hookup, partial hookup, no hookup, tent only areas, and group camping."
• Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy times. A camper at San Diego Metro KOA mentioned, "The area around the campground doesn’t leave one feeling particularly safe."

Camping near Julian, California, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.