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Best Campgrounds near Chula Vista, CA

959 Reviews

Camping spots around Chula Vista include several good choices within driving distance. Paso Picacho Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has lots of shade trees and comes with flush toilets and coin showers that work well for families. You can also camp at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground right on the coast, where you'll get ocean views and can walk straight to the beach. The bathrooms and showers there make things easy, though many sites fill up fast in summer. The weather stays pretty mild near Chula Vista all year, but summer can get hot while winter brings nice cool temps for hiking and other activities. Being close to the ocean means fog sometimes rolls in and evenings cool down quickly. Watch out for wildlife when camping and keep your food secure. During dry times, fire rules might limit campfires, so check before you go. The area has both beach and forest camping depending on what you like. Remember to clean up after yourself when camping. The area has some good hiking trails worth checking out while you're there. Pack different clothes since the temperature changes a lot from morning to night. The camping around Chula Vista gives you a nice taste of Southern California's outdoors.

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Detours Nearby

GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

28 min away

Corte Madera Mountain

Corte Madera Mountain

1 hr 19 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Chula Vista, California (133)

    1. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    32 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "The campground is east of Chula Vista in a county park near a reservoir. Full hookup in part, water and electric in others. Well managed and clean. Allows open fires in fire rings."

    "I’m not sure you’ll find a campground like this anywhere else in California for $29/night with partial hookups. It was quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms could have used some attention."

    2. San Diego Metro KOA

    32 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 427-3601

    ".

    + The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.

    + During the week it felt spacious.

    + We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"

    "Walking distance to stores if something is needed."

    3. Silver Strand State Beach

    23 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 435-5184

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Great choice for camping along the ocean in Southern California."

    "Can’t beat the proximity to the beach! Spots next to the road are loud and the campground is busy with small parking lot style areas, but if you can get a spot backing on to the beach, A+."

    4. Fiddlers Cove RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 522-8680

    "Facilities are immaculate.. adjacent to the marina, so many boats, kayaks and watercraft are available for rent.."

    "Great location, quaint little town. Levels concrete pad, have room to put your stuff. Laundry and close to base."

    5. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay

    12 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 489-3950

    $150 - $280 / night

    "🔹Great location near I-5 , the Chula vista Marina, also Gas station. Fill propano available on site. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups sites. Spots are the concrete and very big."

    "The freeway is close by and it seems having a really loud car or a motorcycle id a thing there in Chula Vista. You will hear it at all hours."

    6. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 390-1623

    $35 - $140 / night

    "This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."

    "We had scoped this out as a wintering location for my snowbird dad, and I always remembered how powerfully silence of that hillside had impacted me... finally camped there- it was lovely!"

    7. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

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

    $24 - $25 / night

    "Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."

    "You are away from the city, but not too far. The facilities were nice and the only scare was the GIGANTIC spider seen outside the bathroom. We'd for sure come pack...the price is right too :$"

    8. Campland on the Bay

    21 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 581-4205

    $60 / night

    "It sits next to the bay, which is calmer and the beach. I've seen people jet ski, sail, paddle boat, play beach volleyball, and swim, and there are even bonfire pits on the beach!"

    "We had 4 campsites all next to each other. The camp hosts were all very nice, they drove around quite a bit making sure all was good. For how many sites they have it didn’t seem too crowded."

    9. Thousand Trails Pio Pico

    13 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Locations near Jamul Casino. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups sites. Fill propano available. Spot are very big. The pool and kid playground are great."

    "Showers were nice and warm, and not coin operated - a rarity given the water droughts around CA."

    10. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    16 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 596-3141

    "Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."

    "The fishing lakes are and best indoor walking paths are a bonus."

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Recent Camping Photos near Chula Vista, CA

290 Photos of 133 Chula Vista Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chula Vista, CA

959 Reviews of 133 Chula Vista Campgrounds

  • j
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Henshaw Resort

    My stay review

    This place is pretty. The staff is nice and not too strict. The place can definitely need a lil tlc but for the price per dayits nothing too complain too much. The pool is cool the showers and bathroom are all functional. Wich is a good thing. I was told to pick any spot i liked wich made my stay even better. No hookups at all i had my rv/camper but that was no problem i took my generator. Place is definitely recommended if you're a not too picky person.😉

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    Cool spot

    Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. Don’t feel like you missed anything if you can’t get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Fry Creek Campground

    Loved it

    We absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    Perfect weekend getaway

    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. The rangers even supplied Dr. Bronners Castile soap in each bathroom. We stayed in site number 17 and it was lovely. Each camp site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Online says you can buy firewood but they no longer provide that service, so make sure you bring your own firewood! You can’t swim in the lake, but you can fish and it’s very pleasant to walk around and bird watch. There is so much to do in this urban park, you could spend many days here. P.S. the Mission Trails visitor center is spectacular.

  • Moo
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Oceanside RV Resort

    For tent campers - pretty solid place for a quick couple stays

    First, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.

    For the down sides;

    1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.

    2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.

    3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.

  • D
    Aug. 1, 2025

    San Diego Metro KOA

    Trees are messy but creates shade.

    Spot is nice enough. Neighbors' campfires are 10 ft away from your trailer and makes your camper smell like smoke the whole next day when they start a campfire. Trees drop sticky droppings all over your camper and awning... not to mention your truck and camp site.

  • P
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Lake Jennings

    Beautiful and clean, but loud

    The campgrounds were clean. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The setting is quite beautiful. I’m deducting a full star because our neighbors were blasting profanity-laced music until late in the night. They also brought a TV and were loudly listening to a UFC broadcast from 6PM-10:30PM which really ruined the whole vibe. There is clearly no enforcement for noise. I hate when people blast music at campgrounds and I especially hate it since I have young kids who slept very poorly because of it. :(

  • Cassandra P.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    We love it

    Large parking spots and great atmosphere. The fishing lakes are and best indoor walking paths are a bonus.

  • Amber Lynn M.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Thompson Palms Campground

    Beautiful farm!

    My family and I had an excellent time at the Thompson’s farm! We stayed a few weeks, hanging out with their cows and chickens! Their eggs are fantastic and so beautiful I almost didn’t want to crack the shells! The family is kind and great hosts, definitely contact them to spend time on their farm!

Guide to Chula Vista

Camping near Chula Vista, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a serene spot in the mountains, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Campers love the easy beach access, with one reviewer saying, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at William Heise County Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing fun. A camper shared, "Nice clean water in the lake with plenty of fish."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One 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 noted, "Showers are clean, a little worn out but high pressure and REALLY hot."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At San Diego Metro KOA, one guest said, "Every amenity, wonderful customer service, and close to all the sites that most people enjoy visiting out this way."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get very busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at William Heise County Park warned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • No Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Paso Picacho Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor 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 reviewer at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground noted, "Very strict check-in time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby hiking trails. One family at Lake Jennings enjoyed, "There is a play area that had ladder golf, tetherball, and ping pong."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at San Elijo State Beach Campground reminded, "Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but they are allowed south of Tower 16."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park mentioned, "Fun areas for kids to play."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, are big rig friendly. One RV traveler noted, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, and electric hookups."
  • Reservations Recommended: It's a good idea to book your spot in advance, especially during busy times. A camper at Dos Picos County Park said, "Shouldn't have a problem finding a site here."
  • Dump Stations: Make sure to check for dump stations nearby. A visitor at San Diego Metro KOA mentioned, "There is also a dump station in the campground."

Chula Vista camping, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds in Chula Vista located?

Campgrounds in and around Chula Vista are conveniently situated near key attractions. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park is located east of Chula Vista near a reservoir, offering scenic views and easy access. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay is positioned near I-5 and the Chula Vista Marina, making it convenient for water activities. For those willing to venture slightly beyond Chula Vista, options expand to include coastal campgrounds and mountain retreats in the surrounding San Diego County area, all within reasonable driving distance from Chula Vista's urban center.

Are there any RV parks in Chula Vista with full hookups?

Yes, Chula Vista and its surrounding area offer several RV parks with full hookups. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay provides full hookup sites on concrete pads that are notably spacious, along with resort-style amenities including a pool. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park also offers full hookups in certain sections, with water and electric hookups available in others. For those willing to travel slightly further, Mission Bay RV Resort provides waterfront RV sites with full connections. Most of these parks can accommodate big rigs and offer amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and dump stations.

What cabin camping options are available in Chula Vista?

Cabin camping options in the Chula Vista area are limited but available at select locations. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, a short drive from Chula Vista, offers lakeside cabins with modern amenities. Campland on the Bay provides cabin accommodations with beach access. For a more rustic experience, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has cabins available a bit further from Chula Vista. Most cabins in the region require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons. Amenities typically include beds, electricity, and basic furniture, though specific offerings vary by location with some providing kitchenettes and private bathrooms.

How much does it cost to camp in Chula Vista?

Camping costs in the Chula Vista area vary based on amenities and location. Thousand Trails Pio Pico offers affordable options for longer stays, though prices reflect the proximity to San Diego attractions. San Diego Metro KOA near Chula Vista provides various price points depending on site type and season. Generally, expect to pay $30-45 per night for basic sites at public campgrounds, while resort-style RV parks with full amenities range from $60-120+ nightly. Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays, with some featuring weekly and monthly rate options that provide significant savings over daily rates.

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