RV camping near Campo, California offers options both within Campo itself and in surrounding communities like El Cajon, Mount Laguna, and Descanso. The area sits between 2,800-4,000 feet elevation with seasonal temperature fluctuations that can drop below freezing in winter months at higher elevations. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, with limited shade at many sites requiring campers to plan accordingly for sun exposure.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ramona Oaks RV Resort features a catch-and-release pond stocked with sunfish. "They do have a small lake that is catch and release only, don't know exactly what fish are in there but i did catch a few sun fish," notes Jesse C., who also mentions the resort has "a nice playground for the kids."
Water activities: Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay provides access to water recreation near Campo. "Great place right on San Diego Bay... Splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV! Food service as well," explains one camper. The resort also offers rental equipment: "There is also a nature center next to the campground that offers a discount to those who stay."
Hiking trails: The mountain terrain around Campo provides hiking opportunities with desert landscapes. "I did a hike in the area (TAKE LOTS OF WATER AND WATCH FOR RATTLESNAKES) and a dip in the pool was a great way to finish it off," writes a visitor to Thousand Trails Pio Pico, adding that the campground is "in the desert" where pool access is appreciated after hiking.
What campers like
Security features: Many RV parks near Campo offer gated access. At Ramona Oaks RV Resort, "Has a coded security gate which changes monthly. Has a pool, spa, playground, barn, RV storage, laundry, restrooms with showers, catch & release pond." Another camper confirms the security measures at Circle RV Resort: "It is gated so you need a code to get in."
Resort amenities: Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs provides recreational facilities despite its remote location. One camper notes, "The lodge is also warm and clean, worked out of there a couple of mornings, and the Wi-Fi was actually decent." Another visitor highlights, "Nice pool... excellent showers and bathrooms! Very nice people as well!"
Marina proximity: Military campers appreciate Fiddlers Cove RV Park's waterfront location. "Nice marina right nearby!" writes one reviewer, while another details, "Waterfront back in sites, pull through sites, other back in sites not waterfront and two tent sites... Water, sewage and power hook ups (30&50 amp). Small store and a boat house you can rent stuff like kayaks and paddle boards from."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connection quality depends on location and elevation. In Thousand Trails Pio Pico, "You won't have the best cell coverage but if your looking for a quiet getaway from society this is the place to be." At Oakzanita Springs, one camper reported, "My cell service, Consumer Cellular, was exceptional!!! Full bars, so I could Netflix, and YouTube!"
Traffic noise impacts: Several parks experience road noise issues. San Diego RV Resort "is situated between free ways. Road noise is the main issue. Otherwise it's a very nice and well maintained RV resort." Similarly, at Ramona Oaks: "One thing i didn't like was the tent sites being so close to the main road that all night long you hear semi trucks and rice burners with their load exhaust driving down the windy road."
Permanent residents: Many campgrounds host long-term guests. At Vacationer RV Park, a visitor observed: "We've had a really great stay at the Vacationer RV resort in San Diego," though another camper noted: "This RV park has huge potential but they need to get rid of permanent dwellers that have let their property decay. Junk cars, nobody seems to follow the rules, and rat problem."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational facilities: Multiple campgrounds offer family-friendly activities. At Pio Pico, "They have to offer things like mini golf and to have the land for a baseball diamond, but both were well overdue for maintenance." Another visitor notes, "We enjoyed what they had to offer though, the putt putt, pools, hike, store, activity center and youth center!"
Playground access: Several parks maintain play areas for children. "The park is secured with a gate which requires a code. Pool was clean as was the park," reports a camper at Circle RV Resort. At Ramona Oaks, one visitor specifically mentions the "nice playground for the kids" among the amenities.
Seasonal planning: Consider temperature variations when booking. A camper at Oak Creek RV Resort noted, "It was really nice spending some time here, we saw it on the app and wanted to check it out. We live close in the area. I had no idea there was a little like here, it's very pretty!" Another visitor to Oakzanita Springs cautioned: "Wouldn't come again this time of year without a heater, as it got uncomfortably cold at night."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Large rigs face navigation difficulties in some areas. At Oakzanita Springs, "Limited 30/50 amp full-hookups. Large rigs, beware. access roads are narrow, hilly, AND curvy. But, it CAN be done. Coming in from the south on Hwy 79 (the only road in) warns that 40' vehicles and longer, are prohibited."
Space constraints: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. A visitor to Circle RV Resort observed: "Not a lot of room to move around," while another mentioned "Sites are concrete with a brick patio. If you have a pull through you get a grill. We had a pull through but no room with parked cars to get our 42' 5th wheel in- so we backed it in and it fit nicely."
Utility considerations: Check hookup specifications before booking. At Oak Creek, one camper noted: "Nice park with a reasonable price. Facilities are nice. A bit of a drive out of town. The units are packed close together." For those without sewage hookups, services may be available: "Many sites are without sewer however on certain days a honey wagon may be available for $25.00."
