Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Vista, CA has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Vista campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Vista. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$50 - $650 / night
"If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."
"One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"
$50 - $520 / night
"If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."
"It's classic California beach camping. Spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground. That said, the beach is great, and the river mouth is great for surfing."
$29 - $35 / night
"For the price of full hook up ($35) in a location so close to the beach, I call it a win. It was beautiful with a pond and walking paths. There were many dogs and we saw horses on the paths too."
"Flush toilets available and a nice nature walk around a lake. The park was a great/affordable base camp for nearby Legoland amusement park."
$39 - $50 / night
"Dixon lake is a perfect spot for my nephews to fish and play in the dirt. The campsites look really nice and ideal for tents. The walks around the lake are definitely worth doing!"
"I grew up in Oceanside and people talked about camping at Dixon lake in Escondido and I thought it was lame and not “real” camping. Having never been there, I based this off nothing."
"Overall liked this rv park, close to town for us to explore all the restaurants close by. Beach is a 5-10 minute walk. Staff was friendly ask for Diana sweetheart."
"After circling back and now coming from the east, the narrow drive with the street light and curb wasn't enough for us to turn...so backed it up and went to the wider entrance down the street."
"The campground is situated very close to the beach and has all the amenities to make life easier.  I was very impressed with the level of security at this campground to include day and night patrols,"
"Love how there was so much to do on the grounds and around.
They had an indoor rec room with billiards, shuffle board and more.
Outdoor rec area with corn hole, picnic area and more."
"Location near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking."
"The site itself is simply stunning, nestled in a peaceful and beautiful location that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway."
$35 - $65 / night
"The campsites are small but it is clean and family friendly also located right on a big beautiful beach. You must have a military ID to camp here, you can have alcohol on the beach but no glass."
"But being that close to the ocean was wonderful! You just can’t beat falling asleep to ocean waves!"
$24 - $100 / night
"The creek eventually flows into a pond located on the other end of the campground. The pond is actually pretty large! Lots of space to walk around and explore."
"The missus and I decided to do a midweek overnight escape and chose Dos Picos Park due to its close proximity.
Great little campground with partial (electricity & water) hookups."
$45 - $250 / night
"San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."
"Another beautiful gem along the California Coast. Although not on or too near the beach, this campground is truly a lovely spot. All or most of the campsites boast a bit of privacy."
GuideNice spot, close to road with shade from the trees
ScoutWhere do I start...
Reservations messes up your reservation, front desk has no clue what they are doing, Rude security staff during the day, sites so small you can't even open your awning, water stinks, sewer backs up daily, drunk people passed out in bushes, kids driving golf carts crash into things, drunk people running over kids, way overpriced, etc,etc..
TravelerYellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.
Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.
Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.
A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.
TravelerI am low-income and sometimes I can't reserve additional nights until I get paid in the afternoon. The rest of the employees at Lake Perris campgrounds had no problem with me, always polite, and welcoming. I was contacted 12 times by this deputy for minuscule infractions, several of them before checkout ⏲️ time.
TravelerNot all capsicum are flat, but the park is always beautiful and full of life, birds, squirrels, coyotes, Bobcats. Great place for solo camping, couples, or groups.
TravelerThey will write you 2 tickets for checking out late. One for my car and the other for my travel trailer. I thought I had one more day before I had to check out. Their parking passes are confusing.
TravelerThe campground sites are a bit slanted and there isn’t much privacy at any of the sites. But the location is nice right next to Idyllwild town. All the sites are mostly in shade among the trees and stay cool in the summer. There are large stall gendered bathrooms with showers and sinks. Seems like a good spot for families. Right next to Idylwild Regional Park.
ScoutWe pulled up and it's anywhere between $6 and $10 to park for the night & it's right on the beach. Beautiful. The public restrooms garbage was overflowing that's the only bad thing about it.
ScoutI gave it one star, not because it is a bad place, but because it is not a campground or an rv park. It is a mobile and manufactured home park with permanent residents and an HOA. You can not pitch a tent there, nor can you pull up an RV and camp for the weekend, or any other length of time for that matter. Nice place to live, but not a place to camp. So, as a campground or RV park, one star because the is no option for zero stars. BTW.. I have lived in Escondido for over 20 years and know the park quite well. Although I have not stayed there, I know for certain that what I am claiming on this review is factual information.
Camping near Vista, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and serene parks, perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping around Vista, CA, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to families looking for a peaceful retreat. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Vista, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 235 campgrounds and RV parks near Vista, CA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vista, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 77 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Vista, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Vista, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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