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Best Campgrounds near Campo, CA

860 Reviews

Campo, California provides an array of camping destinations across San Diego County, including developed sites at Lake Morena County Park and dispersed options in the surrounding Cleveland National Forest. The area supports mixed-use campgrounds catering to multiple accommodation styles including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Lake Morena County Park features both tent-only primitive sites and RV-friendly spaces with electric, water, and sewer connections. Other nearby camping areas include Burnt Rancheria Campground, Boulder Oaks Equestrian Campground, and the KOA in Boulevard.

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with Burnt Rancheria operating from May to October while others remain open year-round. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during spring when Pacific Crest Trail hikers pass through the area. One camper noted that "Lake Morena is an awesome place to stay. This was our first campsite during our PCT thru-hike, approximately 20 miles from the Mexico border via the trail." The terrain features varying elevations with temperatures fluctuating between hot days and cool nights. Cell service can be limited, with reviews indicating spotty coverage except for AT&T networks in some campground options.

The camping landscape near Campo combines mountain views, lake access, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Several visitors mentioned encounters with local wildlife including wild turkeys, bald eagles, and bobcats. As one reviewer described, "There were a lot of wild turkeys that cruised through the campground a few times. Pretty epic sight!" Lake Morena's water level fluctuates seasonally, with some campers noting the lake was "very low" during certain periods. Campground amenities vary significantly, with some sites offering full hookups, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers, while others provide only basic facilities. Weekends tend to draw larger crowds, with reviewers recommending weekday visits for those seeking quiet. The camping areas balance accessibility with natural immersion, situated close enough to town for convenience while maintaining a sense of seclusion.

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Best Camping Sites Near Campo, California (145)

    1. Lake Morena County Park

    15 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 565-3600

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Music must be off by 10, and there is a ranger who comes around to make sure of it. Fires out by 11. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. Water and electric hookups."

    "Lake Morena is an awesome place to stay. This was our first campsite during our PCT thru hike, approximately 20 miles from the Mexico border via the trail."

    2. Burnt Rancheria Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-0120

    $35 / night

    "I love this campground because it's woodsy and close to home.  You get that far away feel without being too far away. "

    "We had hosts that were helpful, friendly, the restrooms were stocked/clean, they brought firewood around, and were just good people."

    3. El Prado Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-2082

    $35 / night

    "This is the closest campground to the lakes. Just a couple steps away from the beautiful meadow it overlooks. Lots of trees for hammocking!!"

    "It is a big, big campground that is wooded and adjacent a large meadow, recreational area and lake (when not dried out, drought sucks)."

    4. San Diego County Lake Morena County Park

    8 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 579-4101

    $24 / night

    "The Lake Morena campground is well-kept and relaxing. It has a variety of sites including full-hookup, partial hookup, and tent only."

    "The views of the lakes and mountains are breathtaking. Lots of wildlife to see. Bobcats, deer, quail, rabbits and wild turkeys. Good internet if on Verizon network"

    5. Potrero County Park

    7 Reviews
    Potrero, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 478-5212

    $30 / night

    "Good hiking trails. We stayed in “Tent site 2” which was good. My only criticism is that the sites are just a little too close, unless you don’t have a neighbor."

    "Nice drive just outside the city, great trail and all the necessary amenities. We will definitely be back!"

    6. Cibbets Flat Campground

    6 Reviews
    Pine Valley, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "Such a great little campground tuck away from the rest. First coke first serve basis. Pit toilet (extremely clean). Running water. Plenty of huge shaded sites. Awesome night sky viewing as well."

    "Awesome campsite with a cute little river tucked away. There was plenty of flat ground for our tent and Jeep. It was a really nice spot to spend the whole day at as well."

    7. Boulder Oaks Eqst

    4 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 445-6235

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Found this spot after being turned away from lake Moreno campgrounds. Plenty of room for our trailer and enough space between sites to feel like we were alone out here."

    8. BOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY

    4 Reviews
    Boulevard, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 766-4480

    $75 - $85 / night

    "It’s off the beaten path of I-8. To get here you take some very windy roads, bigger rigs will take up most the road. Almost all sites are back-in with little site definition."

    "It’s a bit off the beaten path, but it’s a beautiful part of San Diego county.
    Amenities include a mini petting Zoo and things like a hayride in warmer weather."

    9. Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    16 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 465-3020

    $40 / night

    "While both have their positives, I personally love this one for its close proximity to the waterfalls that are a short trail from the campsites."

    "Tucked away from the city lights of San Diego. Very nice camp ground with multiple trails climbing up Mt. Cuyamaca."

    10. Bobcat Meadow Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    3 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    6 miles
    Website

    "There's enough space to spread out when it's not busy, but if all the spots are taken it would feel too close to other campers for us."

    "Right next to one of the main trails and surrounded by 50+ miles of them."

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Recent Camping Photos near Campo, CA

265 Photos of 145 Campo Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Campo, CA

860 Reviews of 145 Campo Campgrounds

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Pinezanita RV Park & Campground

    Scenic campground with great staff

    Wonderful sites nestled in the Oak trees, grounds are very well kept you can see a lot of work and attention went into them. Don’t come expecting to find any level ground and the way the sites are arranged it’s kind of like an RV challenge course, so bring your A game. I would definitely camp here again though.

  • Stephanie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Roadside Pulloff in Pine Valley

    Pine Valley, CA Roadside Pulloff

    Beautiful spot to pull over and car camp! T-mobile had 3 bars with 5G. No amenities (other than a picnic table), so pack out what you pack in. The location was just a pull off, not a full on camp site. There are hiking trails nearby (Cottonwood Creek Trail is the closest). The spot overlooks the mountains and the valley. Quiet spot with few cars stopping by for sunset, but that was it.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Dos Picos County Park

    A family fun zone site.

    Nice site I stayed 1 night with W/E hook ups, my first time with my new camper trailer. It was ok, trailer spaces were tight but have plenty of tall trees, not much privacy. My space was next to a rec center to have a security light on all night, more stars than the city and the moon looked good in my telescope. Overall decent site, didn't have time to enjoy the hike, fishing or park.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Open Desert Fun

    October 4th stay was new to me, my 3rd trailer camping trip from San Diego. It was nice and warm at arrival and cool by the moonlit night with the gnats going away until morning. No one was next to me so I had it good, most were tent camper and quiet by 10pm... great views. Shack guard was nice and helpful... I liked this site.

  • R
    Sep. 18, 2025

    The South Forty (Group Camp)

    Great location

    This property is very close to store food and gas. Property is fenced in for the safety of our kids.

  • C
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Granite Springs

    Little Known Gem

    Primitive camp site with chemical bathrooms. Has 3 areas to set up tents. First come first serve, but you must check in at the ranger station before you go. $5 per camper. We comfortably fit 3 tents on one site.

  • M
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Mission Bay RV Resort

    Trashy park

    Several issues here. First the most obvious 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. Reservations failed to tell me while on the phone that the power was out but they’re still charging full price. Most of the lots are dusty dirt lots well over half of the park is not in use and in disrepair. There is trash everywhere and the staff could care less if you’re enjoying yourself. Do yourself a favor and spend the 20 extra dollars to stay at Campland Overall a waste of money and beach front property

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Great camp

    Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.

    Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California.

Guide to Campo

Camping near Campo, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. One camper mentioned, "The trails were well kept, and the views were fantastic even with the fire damage."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing. A visitor shared, "Nice clean water in the lake with plenty of fish. I will definitely stay again in the future."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at William Heise County Park. One camper noted, "Common animals are wild turkey, gray fox, bobcats, and the occasional mountain lion."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. A reviewer said, "The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground remarked, "Showers are clean, a little worn out but high pressure and REALLY hot."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff. One camper at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park said, "Ranger patrols all night, helpful and friendly."

What you should know

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground noted, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Many sites, like those at Paso Picacho Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "There are no water, sewer nor electrical hookups at this campsite."
  • Check-in Times: Be aware of strict check-in times at some campgrounds. A visitor at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground said, "Very strict check-in time."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like William Heise County Park that attract family groups. One camper shared, "It was great to see so many kids around the campground not on their devices!"
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Lake Jennings enjoyed fishing and hiking, saying, "We went during winter storms and it was still so beautiful!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, "There’s a small shop/cafe with live music."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dos Picos County Park noted, "All the sites have paved pads except a few that have gravel pads."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some RVers recommend visiting during the week to avoid crowds. A visitor at San Diego Metro KOA said, "It was busy and slightly loud but quieted down by midnight."
  • Bring Cash for Firewood: Some campgrounds only accept cash for firewood. A camper at Paso Picacho Campground mentioned, "Fire wood is cash only. It's not bad 3 bundles for $20."

Camping near Campo, California, has something for everyone. With beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and plenty of activities, it's a great spot for your next outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Campo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Campo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Campo, CA and 25 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Campo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Campo, CA is Lake Morena County Park with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Campo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 free dispersed camping spots near Campo, CA.

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