Open Friday through Sunday only, Kumeyaay Lake Campground sits within Mission Trails Regional Park and charges $24-25 per night for sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads. The campground operates on a reservation system and provides drive-in access to its open terrain near the lake.
Each site includes standard amenities but no hookups, though campers consistently praise the clean restroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers. Rangers stock the bathrooms with Dr. Bronner's soap, and the facilities include sinks for washing gear. Most sites lack shade, which becomes particularly noticeable during summer months when temperatures climb significantly.
The adjacent lake allows fishing with proper licensing but prohibits swimming. Hiking and mountain biking trails branch directly from the campground into Mission Trails Regional Park's extensive trail system. Early morning starts work best during hot weather, as several reviewers note the heat can become intense by midday. The park's visitor center offers additional resources and exhibits about the area.
Weekend-only operations mean the campground fills regularly, especially Saturday nights when families with children frequent the sites. Elise F. notes "each camp site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad," though firewood is no longer sold on-site. The proximity to Santee, just 10 minutes away, provides convenient access to stores and restaurants for supply runs.
City park regulations prohibit alcohol throughout the campground. Campers exploring the broader region can find additional camping near Santee for extended stays. Reserve early, as this urban camping option attracts both local families and visitors seeking trail access without lengthy drives.
Description
The Kumeyaay Lake Campground is open for Friday and Saturday night camping. The 46 campsites are available for reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis and the is $22.66 per night. On the reservation website page, go to the "Location" drop-down menu at the top of the page and select Kumeyaay Lake Campground. All cancellations must be made 14 days in advance.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundKumeyaay Lake Campground is located in California
Directions
Two Father Junipero Serra Trail San Diego, CA 92119 From Interstate 8 - Take 8 to the Mission Gorge Road/Fairmount Avenue exit. Turn north onto Mission Gorge Road, then east at the Friars Road junction, to stay on Mission Gorge Road. Proceed east on Mission Gorge Road for 6.5 miles, passing both Father Junipero Serra Trail and Golfcrest Drive. Continue east and turn left onto Father Junipero. The entrance to the campground is located two-tenths of a mile at the stop sign on the right. From Highway 52 - Take the Mast Blvd. exit. Driving from the west, turn left onto Mast Blvd., go under the freeway to the second traffic signal at West Hills Parkway, and turn right. Driving from the east, turn right onto Mast Blvd. and turn right at the first traffic signal onto West Hills Parkway. Continue 2/3 mile to Mission Gorge Rd. and turn right. Proceed down Mission Gorge Road for two-tenths of a mile, then merge right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. The entrance to the campground is located two-tenths of a mile down the road on the right, at the stop sign. From Highway 125 - Take 125 north to Mission Gorge Road and turn left. Proceed west on Mission Gorge Road for two miles and merge right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. The entrance to the campground is located two-tenths of a mile down the road on the right, at the stop sign. From Route 15 - Take Route 15 to the Friars Road exit and head east. Friars Road will turn into Mission Gorge Road, which you then follow for about 6.5 miles. After you pass the light at Golfcrest Dr., turn left onto Father Junipero. The entrance to the Kumeyaay Lake Campground is located on the right, at the stop sign.
Coordinates
32.84005825 N
117.03355175 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/28/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/28/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/28/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/28/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/28/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Reservable
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 8 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 26 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 48 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 27 min from Yuma, AZ
