Lake Henshaw is not the most scenic or well maintained campground, but we enjoy going there. It is unique in that the campsites are not designated or even clearly defined, you basically pay an entry and set up camp wherever you like. There are fire rings and you can kind of tell where one site stops and the next starts in most places. There is always availability, even on holidays so it is one of the few places in San Diego County where you don't have to make a reservation a month or so in advance.

The rules, if there are any, are very lax which works both ways. It's cool that I can gather natural materials to do a little bushcrafting, but we've also experienced a loud fiesta going crazy late into the night with music blaring.

The bathrooms have been hit and miss. The first few times we went they were totally fine. On our last visit they were pretty dirty and didn't get cleaned while we were there.

It is a short drive to Palomar Mountain for some nice hiking or Julian isn't far away for shopping and pie.