Best Cabin Camping near Carlsbad, CA

Recent Cabin Reviews in Carlsbad

393 Reviews of 38 Carlsbad Campgrounds

• 

  Amanda B.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 17, 2024

  Native Falls Campground

  Fun quick family stay

  Very cute set up tent sites are right next to road but it’s not to busy of a road. They have a basketball court one, lake for fishing or swimming and paddle boats to go out on the lake. There are tv hook ups and cabins. I did not see any fire pits on sites. Bathrooms are ok and have locks which you need code for.

• 

  Jeff T.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 21, 2024

  Dixon Lake Campground

  Great forestry feel. And good price ($30)

  We stayed here multiple times to car camp and have stayed in sites 3, 6, and 28. We really enjoyed site 28 due to the spectacular views of Escondido. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because their can be some creepy people occasionally like some old guy was following my son in his car. But other than that we had a good stay. If you are in a camper I would recommend Escondido RV resort instead due to the more inviting feel (we stayed there in our Coleman travel trailer). But if you car camp a lot like myself I would recommend staying here at Dixon lake. Great stay overall👍😊

• W

  Wendy R.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2024

  Dos Picos County Park

  Harassing Ranger

  I have never had a bad experience at a camp ground with any ranger. They have all been wonderful. Not at this park. My registration tags went to my home so I did not have current tags. I had to have a family member collect my mail and forward to me on my travels so it was delayed. I did have a receipt which I was required to provide. However, the ranger barged into my campsite in a huff, treated me as if I were vomiting a crime and demanded my receipt on the spot in front of all. It was quite over the top. Later the same man barged back into my campsite throwing accusations at me that I hadn’t paid my measly $4.00 parking fee and breaking the rules of the park. He had the nerve to argue with me after I explained that in fact I had paid. He backed down after realizing I had. He then returned to harass us for the kids using chalk. There were kids from several campsites using chalk. We apologized and made them clean it up, no big deal. But the ranger was didn’t simply ask for it to be cleaned. He was threatening and confrontational. I dealt with one other ranger here who was quite nice and helpful but this other was awful. I discovered I was not the only one to have this experience here. I would recommend Sweetwater or Lake Jennings in San Diego area or Aqua Caliente where they are quite friendly. Yikes this was horrible

• J

  Jeff E.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 17, 2024

  Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park

  Great family campground

  Great campground for families. Lots of activities for the kids to do, like smores by the fire, art, splash pad, and play ground. Facility was clean

• J

  John A.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 6, 2024

  Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

  Always something available

  There is always a spot or 2 open. Staff are always polite.

• 

  Dickie Simmons S.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 29, 2024

  Lake Henshaw Resort

  Inexpensive camping w/toliets and shower

  Just passing through, perfect spot for the night. Showers a bit run down but plenty of hot water. Great location for easy access to fishing. Friendly staff. Store stocked with fishing gear, snacks and booze.

• 

  Tina M.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 26, 2024

  Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

  Good stay

  We didn't particularly care for the area, it was not far enough out to feel like in serene nature but still far to drive to anything. Well kept campground, enjoyed the mini golf (probably our favorite TT mini golf so far) but weren't too majorly impressed overall. It didn't help that it rained a lot and the streets turned into lakes - so not only did you have geese on your roof but also right outside your door. ;)

• 

  Albert D.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 23, 2024

  San Diego Mountain Lodge

  lastminutewriting

  Wow, the San Diego Mountain Lodge sounds like the perfect escape! Thanks for sharing this recommendation. For those who want to capture their own adventures or share their experiences eloquently, I highly recommend checking out https://lastminutewriting.com/. Their expert writers can craft captivating narratives, whether it's about a serene mountain getaway or any other topic you want to explore. Happy writing and happy travels!

• A

  Andrew A.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 20, 2024

  GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

  More like Glamping than Camping!

  Let me first off say that the property is beautiful and that my hosts Carolyn and Bernie were very accommodating and had great energy.  Plenty of room for beautiful hikes on their many acres of land packed with some great views a few decks scattered around the property.  I found out they have a full size professional disc golf course here! I don’t bring my discs, but Carolyn and Bernie happily lent me some discs so I could try it out. 

  Now to the Glamping- now I been camping a bunch, the reason I say that this is glamping is that they have actual running water flushable toilets and outdoor hot showers!  I can’t tell you how excited I was lol, it really upleveled the whole camping experience. They also have an industrial kitchen as well as an outdoor bar where they have very fairly priced beer and wine. Did I mention they have a full size professional pool table? Turns out Bernie and Carolyn are professional pool players too! This place is awesome! I will definitely be coming back again again to relax. I live in sd so it’s only about 35-40min drive from my place.  Thank you so much Carolyn and Bernie for such a great experience!!

• D

  Deborah F.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 20, 2024

  GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

  Love This place!

  Beautiful nature getaway! Only 30 mins East of San Diego. 150 acres of beautiful pristine land. 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. Played some pool. The disk golf course is on the awesome hike I took. They have live music on the weekends. And 3 huge custom stone showers with natural spring water & full bathrooms with sinks & flushing toilets.

• 

  Grant W.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 8, 2024

  Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

  Great first RV stay

  This was our first camping trip in our travel trailer. The amenities available are great. Very clean and friendly staff

• J

  James H.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 5, 2024

  Dixon Lake Campground

  Cramped

  Spectacular night lights

• 

  Monica P.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 17, 2024

  Crystal Cove Beach Cottages — Crystal Cove State Park

  Awesome trip

  Spot #24 is amazing

• 

  Stephanie W.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 15, 2024

  Guajome Regional Park

  Pretty and clean

  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. The bathrooms / showers were clean and didn’t stink. Always had toilet paper. Showers take specific coins and you have to get them from the office before 5pm so if you arrive late, keep that in mind. Spots are good size and paved paths are well lit at night. Good for going to the restroom at night but bright if you have a spot near the walkways. Otherwise the camp is pretty dark at night

• 

  Robert G.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 11, 2024

  Dos Picos County Park

  Lots of spots

  Shouldn't have a problem finding a site here.

• 

  Patrick J.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 5, 2024

  Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

  My Favorite California State Beach

  This is a gem of a campground. Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind. 

  The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row. Wi-Fi works fair. Cell towers are in sight just to the north, so no reception issues. Lots of hiking and bike trails. We did a 12 mile loop to the north, and a ride along the coast on some bike paths. Shake shack and Beachcomber's restaurants are just down the street for an easy ride or walk. Bathroom and showers are very clean. The picnic tables are what you would expect, very seasoned. :-) Most are anchored to the sites. The length of the site is very good with lots of room to setup your outdoor goodies. Check in is at 3pm. They are hard on this. If you arrive early, you can register, but will be directed to Reef Point back down PCH or to the visitors center in front of the camp entrance.

• 

  Kerry L.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 1, 2024

  Glen Eden Sun Club (Nudist Resort)

  Years ago.

  I stayed here years ago with my husband. We swam, I did yoga and we just relaxed. We camped and enjoyed our stay.

• 

  Danny T.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 1, 2024

  Lake Henshaw Resort

  Not bad but not great

  Spaces are very close together. The camp store was closed and the camp host was a little strange. I know that can be the case often but I didn’t want to have Covid vivid conspiracy conversations. Not a spot I would have a desire TK go back to

• B

  Bob M.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 16, 2024

  Dos Picos County Park

  Great campground off the beaten path

  Second time here, booked to be close to the San Diego zoo safari park. This is a very well run county park.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 8, 2023

  Newport Dunes RV Resort

  HUGE RV Park with many (in-season) amenities

  We ended up here after a futile search for an affordable hotel in the area. Even though it was not inexpensive, we secured a beachfront site. The sites are in three sections: standard, deluxe, and premium. There are also cabins and a group tent area (on the public beach). 

  The reservation process was not easy – you cannot make same-day online reservations and have to navigate a detailed menu on the phone to finally get to the reservation desk.

  We arrived after dark, just as the office was closing but were able to get our information packet. Payment is in full when you make the reservation. As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites. The beachfront and preferred sites have a concrete and sand pad while some less expensive sites have just sand. 

  There are codes to enter the restrooms, the bike path, and the pool. The restrooms were clean as were the showers, with good hot water and decent water pressure. 

  In season, there are many activities and amenities offered including a water park, water sports rentals, a bistro, a snack bar, movies on the beach, and a swimming beach. About the only amenities available in November were the pool, two hot tubs (although one was not working when we were there), and the .75-mile concrete path around the lake. A gentle water aerobics class is offered three times a week. There is also a marina, but we don’t have a boat so we did not explore this. In season, you can rent pavilions, and pool or beach cabanas, all for an additional cost. 

  Although this is a fully contained resort, it is not quiet. You will hear road noise and at certain times of the day, near constant noise from planes at nearby John Wayne airport. 

  This was an affordable respite for us on a long road trip, but it is VERY expensive in season (about three times the price of “winter” rates). Also, it would be an entirely different experience when fully booked!

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2023

  Dos Picos County Park

  Convenient getaway from San Diego

  General: A mix of partial hook-up and tent sites plus six cabins about an hour from San Diego. 

  Site Quality: All the sites have paved pads except 64-68 and 70-75; these have gravel pads. These sites also have a curb which can be a bit challenging when backing in an RV. A fire ring and picnic table complete the site. Some have better separation/privacy than others. This area had a lot of recent rain so the creek that meanders through the park was very high. Sites 74 and 75 were flooded and unoccupied when we were there.

  Bathhouse: The one closest to site 73 was very basic (no hooks, shelves, or mirror); there was also one handicap-accessible separate bathroom. Although there were showers in other parts of the campground, there were not any in the bathhouse closest to our site.

  Activities/Amenities: Campfire program, horseshoe pit, short nature trail, dump station. There is also a large, enclosed picnic pavilion. This park seemed to attract family groups (at least on a Friday) and it was great to see so many kids around the campground not on their devices! Appreciate the dishwashing sink and the propane canister recycling. 

  We had to change our plans at the last minute so we were fortunate to secure a site at this park on a Friday night in late March and it was fine for an overnight.

• 

  Hector H.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 31, 2023

  Dixon Lake Campground

  Spectacular spot

  I thought this campground was pretty nice and I enjoyed the views, the peace and quiet, we slept in our Cargo Van set up as a camper. We paid $30 for the spot and restroom was pretty close about a 2 min walk. I recommend this location!

• 

  Debra T.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 18, 2023

  Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park

  Fall in California

  Very nice gated and secure campground with many amenities.

• K

  Karen G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 18, 2023

  Thousand Trails Pio Pico

  Terrible Experience

  I can’t believe how badly this park has deteriorated. On our last stay we saw so many weeds and potholes. The hot tubs seem to be broken all the time. Showers and bathrooms were filthy and rundown. Resort? How shameful. But worse than that are the rangers. They used to welcome us like we were members, paying customers. Not sure why they have such a hard time understanding that we pay their salaries. WE ARE THE CUSTOMERS. We were treated like we were unwanted guests. A new ranger named Christian is a cocky, arrogant kid. He clearly doesn’t want to work there and has no concept of customer service. We immediately asked for his manager and he didn’t care about how rude we were treated. The manager (Israel) only cared about flirting and gawking at another ranger who worked up in the activity center. There’s a married couple who work there selling memberships and he  told me the management is terrible and the park is going down the tubes. He told me much of their staff is unhappy about how they are treated and many have quit. I asked why they don’t get new management and he said even his boss said the women managers are untouchable. He told me secretly that he was quitting too. I guess that’s why he unloaded on them. He told me about the sexual assaults in the park from illegal Mexicans coming across the border. He told me about the 4 convicted pedophiles living in the park and showed me Megan’s Law. It’s all true. You can see them walking around and their addresses listed on their profile on Megan’s Law is the RV Park. He told me about all the drugs on the north side of the park and that one ranger was dating a member there and violently assaulted her and she turned out to be a prostitute. He said the company and manger knew he was a meth addict and yet kept him there and swept it under the carpet. He also told me that the 3rd in charge(Jesus) had to go to counseling because he keeps sexually harassing the other staff and members and he is still doing it. He apparently is harassing the girl who works in the store now. And yet they still protect him and hide it. Seriously? You want us to pay to stay here? Until they start firing these incompetent and rude employees we won’t be coming back.

• 

  Candy H.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 14, 2023

  Dos Picos County Park

  Quiet Park Near San Diego

  The county park is quiet and peaceful. During the week I’m 1 of about 4 campers. It has filled up on the weekends with mostly families and scout troops. It is a mix of RV and tent campsites.

• 

  Mark W.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 7, 2023

  Lake Cuyamaca Recreation and Park District

  Tight squeeze on the drive on, but plenty of space in the site

  • We arrived as the sun was setting and had a glare in the windshield so it was a little tough getting through the tight loop but we made it.  Had we noticed that we were supposed to turn right before the bathrooms, we would not have had to do a u-turn!  That was my mistake.   We had a 22 foot trailer and were just barely able to squeeze through.   Many people had their vehicles parked right along the narrow road in.  I saw larger RVs there - I can only imagine how difficult that just have been to get through.  There's a section of road where if you go off it, you could potentially roll down a hill. 

  • Check in for this campground is across the lake at the "bait and tackle shop" (15029 CA-79, Julian, CA 92036) and that's only open until 6PM.  If you arrive later than that, that's OK just check in in the morning.  I wouldn't recommend trying to pull a trailer over to the other side as you'll have a difficult time turning around.  The camp host will remind you as you're entering or leaving that you need that parking pass.

  • The best site in this park would be number 23 as it has a clear view of the lake and a very large "front yard".  We were in 21 and had a partial view with the two other sites closer to the lake blocking our view.

  • Cell service for Verizon was OK for phone calls, not so great for data.   I noticed driving around the lake that there was 5G in the area, just not at the campground.  Top data speed at the site was around 2 MBps down, 0.5 MBps up.  If you have a directional signal booster, that may help.

  • We brought out Starlink dish for internet service.  The trees blocked the satellites every 7 minutes but that was OK for streaming movies.  We never experienced a full outage, just brief moments where the speed went way down.  Our best Starlink speed at the site was 174 MBps down, 11 MBps up, plenty of bandwidth.

  • There are two free campground shower on site, bathrooms and a dishwashing area.  A small store near the entrance has a few food items.

  • The camp host was courteous and drove around once in a while to check out on everyone.  

  • I didn't notice any trash cans on site.  We packed our trash out.

  • The nearest town is Julian - about 6 miles away.  It's a nice place for a quick day visit where you'll find gas (including diesel), food, restaurants, historical buildings, etc.  Of course, you should get a pie while you're there!  Julian is well known for that.

  • The site was clean and neighbors were courteous.  We had a large group camping a couple spots away but they kept the noise down.

  • If you have kids, there's a nice playground by the lake.

  • We had a beautiful view of the Milky Way at night, visible to the naked eye.

  Overall, I would say this is a great camp area to visit with several recreation opportunities nearby.  We came for mountain biking.  There are plenty of trails to ride.

• 

  Raquel L.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 20, 2023

  Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

  Stolen Campsite

  My family and I take a yearly camping trip and this is one of the sites that we regularly come to. We are a big group of 19 and find this place very comfortable and enjoy the trails. However, we will not be returning! A squatter had hijacked one of our reserved spots and the rangers have done nothing but give is the run around. They just allowed her to stay in our reserved spot the entire stay. The rangers just kept making excuses for the squatter. What was supposed to be a carefree week turned to a stressful and cramped week. They do not care about the campers and it clearly shows.