Best Campgrounds near La Mesa, CA

Camping near La Mesa, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beachside escape or a serene mountain retreat, 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, with one reviewer saying, “Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean.”
• Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at William Heise County Park. One visitor mentioned, “The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise.”
• Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing fun. A camper shared, “The lake was clean with plenty of fish.”

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One reviewer said, “The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky.”
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor noted, “Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like San Diego Metro KOA are great for families. One camper mentioned, “Great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful campground.”

What you should know:

• Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get packed, especially during peak seasons. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, “It is loud, even if it isn’t because your neighbors are on top of you.”
• Check-in Times: Be aware of strict check-in times at places like Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One visitor noted, “Very strict check-in time. However, you can tell they are cleaning the sites.”
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blair Valley Primitive Campground, don’t have water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, “No drinking water, no electric hookups, but it’s a peaceful dispersed campground.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park that offer playgrounds and spacious sites. One family shared, “The campground was pretty quiet at night. We didn't have any neighbors too close to us.”
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Lake Jennings said, “There are so many trails to explore with signs throughout.”
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, “Nice food, great beach and surfing possibilities for the entire family.”

Tips from RVers:

• Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like Doheny State Beach Campground are great for larger RVs. One RVer noted, “The outside sites along the edge of the campground are much more spacious.”
• Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at San Mateo Campground mentioned, “Upper campground has water and electricity.”
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near highways. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, “You can try to imagine it’s the sound of the water but it doesn’t really work out when it’s off sync with the sound of the waves.”

Camping near La Mesa, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.