Best Tent Camping near Alpine, CA

Tent campsites near Alpine, California range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites within Cleveland National Forest. Kumeyaay Lake Campground in Mission Trails Regional Park offers designated tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings, while Pine Creek Road Camp provides free dispersed camping options for tent campers seeking more solitude. Corte Madera Mountain offers permit-required backcountry tent camping with panoramic views of Lake Morena and surrounding desert landscapes.

Most tent camping areas near Alpine have limited amenities, with facilities varying significantly between established and dispersed sites. Kumeyaay Lake Campground provides clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and hot showers, making it suitable for newer tent campers. In contrast, dispersed tent sites along Pine Creek Road require campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste management. The road access to Pine Creek's walk-in tent sites involves single-lane mountain roads with limited passing areas, requiring careful navigation. Permits are required for backcountry tent camping at Corte Madera Mountain, available by contacting the ranger station in advance.

The tent camping experience varies seasonally, with desert-adjacent sites becoming extremely hot during summer months. Corte Madera Mountain offers tent campers secluded sites surrounded by granite boulders at the summit after a 7.5-mile hike. Pine Creek Road Camp features several widely spaced tent sites, some tucked back from the road with good tree coverage providing privacy and shade. According to one visitor, "Some spots were tucked back from the road with lots of trees. I barely saw or heard any cars, even though I was probably only about 15 feet from the road." Tent campers at Kumeyaay Lake benefit from proximity to extensive hiking and mountain biking trails within Mission Trails Regional Park, though the campground is only open Friday and Saturday nights.

Best Tent Sites Near Alpine, California (18)

    1. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    20 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 668-2748

    $24 - $25 / night

    "This campground is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and we absolutely loved it. There are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things."

    "No hookups here but they have great clean bathrooms and hot showers. Lots of hiking/biking straight from your campsite. This place is a jem, being so close to most parts of San Diego."

    2. GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

    2 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    $50 - $175 / night

    "Gorgeous oaks shading our camp site. Loved the kitties & the ranch doggies. Went for a hike. Saw lots of flowers, a seasonal creek, sage, views of the valley & nearby mountain."

    "Plenty of room for beautiful hikes on their many acres of land packed with some great views a few decks scattered around the property.  "

    3. Corte Madera Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Guatay, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 445-6235

    "If you’re looking for a nice hike, in the wild, with few people around, this is the one. Corte Madera Mountain in Cleveland National Forest, just east of San Diego."

    "You will need a permit, but you can get a free permit emailed to you if you call the rangers station. The Trail is a 7.5 mile out and back trail near Morena Village."

    4. Pine Creek Road Camp

    6 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    17 miles

    "Great area--it's just close enough to some expensive campgrounds and a few connecting trails, so it's awesome to camp here for FREE. "

    "I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road). 

    There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed."

    5. Corral Canyon Campground

    2 Reviews
    Potrero, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    "All other public campgrounds nearby are booked solid, but there are only 3 other groups here beside me. 1 camper told me the CG is always empty. Why?"

    "This is a beautiful area to off-road, it is closed temporarily due to covid so hopefully that opens back up here pretty soon. I’ve never camped here but have always wanted to."

    6. Kitchen Creek Road

    4 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    18 miles

    7. The Eyrie Farm

    1 Review
    Ramona, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 843-3978

    $30 / night

    "We're happy to have this property on our platform. There are 2 sites to choose from, please read about them before booking. Check them out and leave them some love!"

    8. Julian Hideaway

    Be the first to review!
    Julian, CA
    14 miles
    +1 (760) 421-8705

    $80 - $50 / night

    9. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-5391

    "This is a great open camping area, you can camp near others or find a secluded spot of your own. There are fire rings, picnic tables, toilets and even showers."

    "Season starts around Halloween and ends in May for Red stickers. They have public restrooms spread through the grounds. It's great for tent camping and RVs/campers, tents."

    10. Bow Willow Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    5 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-5311

    "We set up quickly and enjoyed ourselves a walk around the site. Not too many trailheads around and it was very hot and dry but we enjoyed it."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Alpine, CA

1048 Reviews of 18 Alpine Campgrounds



Guide to Alpine

Tent camping near Alpine, California offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $22

  • Enjoy a weekend getaway at Kumeyaay Lake Campground for around $22 a night, perfect for those seeking a quick escape from urban life.
  • Pine Creek Road Camp offers a budget-friendly experience with no permit required, making it an easy choice for spontaneous trips.
  • For a unique experience, GoodVibes Ranch & Farm provides tent camping for just $15, along with the charm of a working farm.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Kumeyaay Lake Campground, you can explore amazing hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing trails in Mission Trails Regional Park.
  • Kitchen Creek Road is a great spot for those who enjoy a more rugged experience, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness.
  • For a peaceful retreat, Corte Madera Mountain offers a 7.5-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views, ideal for backpackers looking for solitude.

Campground features that enhance your stay

  • Kumeyaay Lake Campground features clean bathrooms and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • At Pine Creek Road Camp, you can enjoy the freedom of dispersed camping without the hassle of reservations or permits.
  • Corral Canyon Campground provides incredible privacy with only a few other campers nearby, making it a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Alpine, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alpine, CA is Kumeyaay Lake Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Alpine, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Alpine, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.