RV campgrounds near Bonita, California provide access to the diverse microclimates of San Diego County, where inland temperatures can vary 10-15 degrees from coastal areas. Most Bonita area campgrounds sit at elevations between 300-500 feet, offering varying proximity to both urban amenities and quieter desert environments. Winter brings milder temperatures, making it popular with seasonal visitors.
What to do
Coastal biking trails: Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay offers direct access to marina biking paths. "Walking and biking in the Marina is so nice!" notes a camper, while another mentions "Beautiful wildlife, sunsets, sculptures, beach, marina, bike paths."
Water activities: Fiddlers Cove RV Park provides equipment rentals for water recreation. "Great hidden gem...they have a boat house you can rent stuff like kayaks and paddle boards from," reports one visitor. This military installation campground requires appropriate ID for access.
Off-leash dog areas: Rancho Los Coches RV Park features a "gorgeous and HUGE area across a small bridge and creek that had some disc golf and allows dogs to be off leash!" The park includes shade trees and privacy walls between sites.
Recreation facilities: Several parks offer on-site recreation beyond standard amenities. One camper at Mission Bay RV Resort noted, "There's a nice basketball court and clean bathrooms. There is a gated pool and hot tub," while another mentioned access to Campland's "full bar/restaurant and live entertainment" via a connecting bridge.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Parks offer varying distances to major San Diego destinations. A Fiddlers Cove visitor highlighted "Easy access to all of San Diego," while another noted it's "Right off the amphib base."
Security features: Multiple parks prioritize security measures. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, a visitor appreciated "having key card access similar to a hotel room. You drive up to a gate and present the card to get in which is very nice and provides a secure site." Rancho Los Coches is "secured with a gate which requires a code."
Facility quality: Thousand Trails Pio Pico in Jamul offers amenities despite its more rural setting. "I didn't have any human contact whatsoever with anyone there during my stay... 30 amp, and water at site. Dumping area with two stations. Nice paths to hike, or walk your dog," reported one camper, highlighting the quieter experience.
Recreational amenities: Some parks offer extensive on-site activities. "Amenities isn't all that great when they're not maintained well," noted one visitor about Circle RV Resort, commenting on "damaged equipment" in the gym and issues with the pool.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location. A Thousand Trails Pio Pico visitor warned, "Cell service is non-existent, though they of course can't control that," while another mentioned, "No cell service at all, but I did get a little with my WeBoost."
Traffic noise: Highway proximity affects sleep quality at several locations. A Circle RV Resort visitor noted, "Hwy 8 is right outside your door and very loud," while another mentioned the property "is located in between freeway and major road...so there is no escaping any traffic noise."
Laundry costs: Prices for laundry services vary widely. At Escondido RV Resort, a visitor appreciated the "heated outdoor pool" and that "staff is kind and professional," though specific amenity conditions may fluctuate by season.
Extended-stay options: Several parks accommodate longer visits. Rancho Los Coches earned praise from a monthly resident: "For the monthly stay, our electric only came out to be about $80 which is awesome considering we had something running at all times, including AC and/or heat."
Tips for camping with families
Pool areas: Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay features family-friendly water amenities. A visitor described "Splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV! Food service as well."
Indoor recreation: Several parks maintain indoor activity spaces. "An arcade for the kids. There is also a comfort station with a playground and horse shoe pits," reported a camper at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay.
Safety concerns: Supervision requirements vary by park. A Mission Bay RV Resort visitor noted it has "more so adults than families in comparison to Campland," indicating different atmospheres between neighboring properties.
Organized activities: Circle RV Resort receives mixed reviews for family amenities. One visitor noted, "Gym has damaged equipment, pool has lose hand rails and heated pool is filthy," emphasizing the importance of checking current facility conditions before booking.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Space considerations matter for larger rigs. A Circle RV Resort visitor advised, "We had to back in our 42' because there was no way to just pull in with a vehicle and a tree in the way. But backed in just fine."
Hookup configurations: Connection placements can create challenges. At Mission Bay RV Resort, a visitor warned, "The connections are at the front of the space on the drivers side. If you back in you better have 100 feet of hose sewer and power cord."
Long-term options: Monthly rates provide economical alternatives for extended stays. At Rancho Los Coches, visitors found value: "We stayed here 2 times, once for about a week, and once for a little over a month. Both times were very pleasant stays!"
Propane availability: Refill access varies between parks. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, a visitor noted, "You do need to pop off a tank from your camper as they do not supply a direct line of propane," while another mentioned, "Propane is available to refill your rv tanks."
