Best Tent Camping near Carlsbad, CA

Tent camping options near Carlsbad, California range from established campgrounds to more remote backcountry sites within driving distance. Kumeyaay Lake Campground in Mission Trails Regional Park offers tent sites with basic amenities, while more primitive tent camping can be found at Pine Creek Road Camp in Cleveland National Forest. The Eyrie Farm provides a unique tent camping experience on private land, and Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground offers more secluded tent sites for those willing to travel farther from the coast.

Most tent campgrounds in the region have limited amenities, with varying levels of development. Kumeyaay Lake provides clean restrooms and hot showers but is only open Friday and Saturday nights. Pine Creek Road Camp features dispersed tent sites along a paved road with no facilities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing Tool Box Springs, where the dirt road can become challenging after rain or snow. Fire restrictions are common throughout the area, especially during summer and fall, with some locations prohibiting fires entirely.

Tent campers seeking solitude will find Pine Creek Road Camp particularly appealing, with widely spaced sites and minimal crowds. The area features seasonal creeks, oak groves, and access to hiking trails throughout Cleveland National Forest. Corte Madera Mountain offers backpacking opportunities with tent sites at the summit, requiring a free permit from the ranger station. According to one visitor, "Pine Creek Road Camp is a nice place to camp with only 3-4 other cars the whole time." Mission Trails provides an urban wilderness experience with extensive hiking trails directly accessible from tent sites. A recent review noted that "despite being close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods, it still felt quiet and comfortable."

Best Tent Sites Near Carlsbad, California (14)

    1. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    20 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 668-2748

    $24 - $25 / night

    "This campground is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and we absolutely loved it. There are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things."

    "No hookups here but they have great clean bathrooms and hot showers. Lots of hiking/biking straight from your campsite. This place is a jem, being so close to most parts of San Diego."

    2. The Eyrie Farm

    1 Review
    Ramona, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 843-3978

    $30 / night

    "We're happy to have this property on our platform. There are 2 sites to choose from, please read about them before booking. Check them out and leave them some love!"

    3. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground

    9 Reviews
    Anza, CA
    49 miles
    Website

    "Recommend four wheel drive to get to Tool Box Springs, the fire road is long but once you’re there it’s worth it."

    "This campsite is about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path. Pot toilets and trash cans available at the site. Nothing else much around to do other than hang out at the campground or hike."

    4. Pine Creek Road Camp

    6 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    49 miles

    "Great area--it's just close enough to some expensive campgrounds and a few connecting trails, so it's awesome to camp here for FREE. "

    "I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road). 

    There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed."

    5. GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

    2 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    41 miles
    Website

    $50 - $175 / night

    "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."

    "Plenty of room for beautiful hikes on their many acres of land packed with some great views a few decks scattered around the property.  "

    7. Falcon Group Campground

    1 Review
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 736-1811

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It is very hot during this time so we ended up going down to the Lake to cool off. The campground was very well priced and it had bolted toilets and a water spout. No showers or sinks. "

    8. Mt. Palomar North Side Area

    Be the first to review!
    Cleveland National Forest, CA
    29 miles

    9. Corte Madera Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Guatay, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 445-6235

    "If you’re looking for a nice hike, in the wild, with few people around, this is the one. Corte Madera Mountain in Cleveland National Forest, just east of San Diego."

    "You will need a permit, but you can get a free permit emailed to you if you call the rangers station. The Trail is a 7.5 mile out and back trail near Morena Village."

    10. Los Coyotes Camp Cahuilla Reservation

    1 Review
    San Ysidro, CA
    44 miles
    +1 (760) 782-2790

    "This place was so big it had space for another 10 cars and tents. We’re coming back for sure."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Carlsbad, CA

1190 Reviews of 14 Carlsbad Campgrounds



Guide to Carlsbad

Tent camping near Carlsbad, California, offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the city. With options ranging from well-reviewed campgrounds to unique amenities, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Kumeyaay Lake Campground, campers can enjoy clean bathrooms and hot showers, making for a comfortable stay.
  • GoodVibes Ranch & Farm features outdoor hot showers and flushable toilets, elevating the camping experience to a glamping level.
  • Falcon Group Campground provides bolted toilets and a water spout, ensuring basic needs are met while enjoying the great outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • The trails around Kumeyaay Lake Campground offer amazing hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities in Mission Trails Regional Park.
  • At GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, guests can explore beautiful hiking trails and enjoy a full-size disc golf course on the property.
  • Corte Madera Mountain provides a 7.5-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views, perfect for those looking to hike and camp in a serene environment.

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $22

  • Camping at Kumeyaay Lake Campground costs around $22 per night, making it an affordable weekend getaway.
  • GoodVibes Ranch & Farm offers a budget-friendly experience at approximately $15 for two people, including access to various amenities.
  • For those looking for a unique experience, The Eyrie Farm charges around $15 per night, providing a rustic camping atmosphere with farm animals nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carlsbad, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carlsbad, CA is Kumeyaay Lake Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Carlsbad, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Carlsbad, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.