133 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Coronado, California primarily consist of developed sites with hookups rather than primitive sites, most within a 20-mile radius of the island. Silver Strand State Beach Campground offers oceanfront camping on a narrow strip of land between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The area features several mixed-use facilities including San Diego Metro KOA, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, and Fiddlers Cove RV Park, providing accommodation for tent campers, RV users, and in some cases cabin or glamping options.
Many campgrounds in the Coronado area require reservations, particularly during summer months and holidays when beachfront sites fill quickly. Water and electric hookups are standard at most developed facilities, with full hookups available at premium sites. "Spots are close together, but you're steps to the sand," noted one camper at Silver Strand State Beach. The region experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters, making year-round camping possible. Coronado's proximity to San Diego means most campgrounds have good cell service and are accessible via paved roads without need for high-clearance vehicles. Several RV parks offer dump stations or pump-out services for an additional fee.
Military personnel have access to exclusive camping options in the area. Fiddlers Cove RV Park, located on a military installation, receives consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate its waterfront sites and marina access. According to one visitor, it offers "20/30/50 amp power, water, and cable TV connections on the pedestals. Most spaces are back-in, but some are pull-through." Campland on the Bay and Mission Bay RV Resort provide popular alternatives with water recreation opportunities. Tent campers have fewer dedicated options near Coronado but can find accommodations at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park and Lake Jennings, both within reasonable driving distance. The coastal camping near Coronado offers unique experiences with ocean views and bay access, though availability is limited and advance planning is essential. Campers should be aware that some beaches in the southern portion of the region may experience periodic water quality issues due to proximity to the international border.
"Good location for long bicycle rides, e.g. Coronado, SD, Zoo, La Jolla, TJ. Chula Vista downtown is modern, not gritty like Petco Park. Get the bargain if you can. Otherwise, the coast is expensive."
"It's about 20 minutes from Sea World, 15 minutes to Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo, and 20 minutes to Coronado."
"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."
"Only complaint is the airplane noise from being in a flight path and the highway noise from the bordering highway. We stayed in the South Loop which is older, so has more developed trees."
from $34 - $38 / night
Check Availability"If you’re lucky enough to get a spot in the 100s you park right on the sand essentially. 200s are the next best, only separated by a street. 300s but up behind 200s and 400s are behind the 300s separated"
"Location is great for biking, with a separated trail that runs the strand all the way down to Imperial Beach and to ritzy Coronado."
from $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability"The campground is located in the marina with tons of rentals available for parties or days on the harbor. The campground is located adjacent to the bike path which runs into Coronado proper."
"Awesome park right on the water on Coronado. Well maintained, clean sites. Facilities are immaculate.. adjacent to the marina, so many boats, kayaks and watercraft are available for rent.."
"The bay and the marina are within walking distance and there is a restaurant at the marina. There is water electric sewer and cable at each site."
"Great access to bike trails, close to all that San Diego has to offer."
from $150 - $280 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"Right next to the beach, large campgrounds! Fire pits and dog friendly!"
from $60 / night
Check Availability"Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."
"You are away from the city, but not too far. The facilities were nice and the only scare was the GIGANTIC spider seen outside the bathroom. We'd for sure come pack...the price is right too :$"
from $24 - $25 / night
Check Availability"We did a monthly stay… about $500 less than the campground right next to it. Quiet neighborhood at night, but a lot of families which makes it feel homey. Kids playing and people walking their dogs!"
"We enjoy this park because of its proximity to the beach and boardwalk area. The park is clean, staff has always been helpful. We have had no issues."
from $87 - $245 / night
Check Availability"This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."
"We took our 28-foot travel trailer and two young kids (ages 5 & 8) for a long weekend at Lake Jennings Campground in Lakeside, CA — and it was a fantastic quick escape."
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability"Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides a well-managed 190-acre oasis ideal for large families seeking natural serenity and structured recreation near San Diego."
"Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."
TravelerI got in on an August bargain using the KOA app. Consequently, I stayed a month because it was the cheapest place on-the-coast.
Weekdays empty, weekends full, noisy everyday. Good location for long bicycle rides, e.g. Coronado, SD, Zoo, La Jolla, TJ. Chula Vista downtown is modern, not gritty like Petco Park.
Get the bargain if you can. Otherwise, the coast is expensive.
ScoutThis isn't a free place to stay.
ScoutBooked for two nights couldn’t eve stay for 1 due to strange sounds like walking around that would only stop when the lights were shone in that direction
TravelerIt's a really nice facility, which is good because there isn't much around it. Sites are large with good spacing, the place has everything; pool and spa, arcade, restaurant, bar, private showers (some have a toilet), playground , dog parks, and a great laundry facility. On site store has a lot of things you need, including some basic RV stuff. No rig, they have bungalows for rent as well. Staff is really nice, fire pits work on lpg 20 pound tank only which we rented full for 26 bucks since we couldn't connect it to our rig, you can use your own though. Downside is your pretty much driving anywhere for anything but the living coast is definitely worth the trip which is behind the park. Side note, this was definitely one of the buggier places I have been to, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, roaches, you name it, you'll see it.
TravelerWas able to score a 100 series spot which you back right up to the sand. Sites are tight but it felt huge in our 24½ foot rig. Power (standard, 30, 50) and water at site, one dump station that is 10 bucks at the south end or a truck comes around in the morning for 20. It's basically a giant parking lot with rigs stacked in, I would only want 100-200 sites. Bathrooms are fine on the south side, never found inside showers, just the outside beach style. Mix of folks but everyone was pleasant, enforcement of rules seems lax. Beautiful spot, short bike or Uber into IB or Coronado. Beach was mellow, uncrowded for how packed the campground was, clean and beautiful.
ScoutSweetwater is very nice. Only complaint is the airplane noise from being in a flight path and the highway noise from the bordering highway.
We stayed in the South Loop which is older, so has more developed trees.
The pull through spots are piggybacked, which does make privacy a bit harder.
Staff and rangers are very nice, helpful, and personable.
TravelerPretty lake views, good plots with easy access to restrooms. However, if you want to enjoy peace and quiet this place isn't for you. The 3 closest had large groups gathering so don't expect the limit of 6 to be honored. Ditto goes for quiet hours. Gave it a 3 b because I was using a truck tent (couldn't actually connect to my spot) and hoped for p&c. But the folks around me were having a great time.
ScoutSite 52 is great! Two parking spots with a large flat space. You could easily place three tents on the flats and another two tents on the slight incline. There are three trees perfectly set up for hammocks. There is decent shade but still gets sun. Bushes and shrubs create a little gulf to give you great privacy. Site 51 is downhill of the site and the fire pit is a bit close to your neighbors. Bathrooms and camp host are just around the corner. Bathrooms were very clean and water taps and sewer grates were convent for dishwater. Squirrels are confident here so they will only runaway if you are nearby them. We loved this site and would suggest it for big groups or someone looking for a flat campsite!
TravelerSame ownership, same deep disappointment. Do not be fooled by the rebranding.
I genuinely hate writing this because this property has so much natural potential, but I cannot believe it currently carries the KOA name. I did my homework before booking and hoped that becoming a KOA meant things had improved. They have not. It is the same management, the same issues, and the same disregard for guests—just under a new label.
To start with the positives: the frontline staff are kind, helpful, and clearly doing their best. Unfortunately, they are completely undermined by the owner’s behavior, which sets the tone for the entire experience.
We paid extra for an RV site specifically advertised as having a patio table and chairs. What we got was neither—just a small, wobbly picnic table sitting in direct desert sun.
The pool itself is nice, but it closes far too early, which is frustrating given the heat. The hot tub was broken during our stay, which was especially disappointing since we were looking forward to relaxing and stargazing at night.
The laundry facilities should have been avoided (sadly the main reason we paid to stay). The coin-operated washers left our clothes dirtier than when they went in—covered in sandy residue and grime. We now have to spend additional time and money finding somewhere else to rewash everything. Completely unacceptable.
I also want to call out something I saw in other reviews because it aligns with our experience: people mentioned issues with shower curtains being off or unusable. In our case, there weren’t even any curtains at all. So yes—those reviews are accurate.
Another surprise: the “meditation labyrinth” and small farm area (ostrich, pigs, goats) are no longer free amenities. The owner also operates the adjacent Harvest Host location and now charges for access to what used to be included perks. Between that and the smell in the desert heat, it’s not exactly the charming add-on it’s presented as.
And then there’s the owner.
We had a minor issue and called the after-hours number around 9:30 PM—the number they explicitly provide for guest support. An employee answered and was already handling it professionally when the owner took the phone from her and proceeded to yell at us for “making him get out of bed.” He then aggressively offered to “kick us out with a refund,” even though we never asked for one. It felt like a power play, not a solution. Completely unnecessary, unprofessional, and frankly uncomfortable.
If you somehow manage to avoid interacting with him entirely, you might get through your stay. But based on our experience—and many others here—that’s a gamble.
This property could be amazing. But until ownership changes or management practices drastically improve, it remains a poorly run park hiding behind a reputable brand name.
Avoid.
Camping near Coronado, California includes sites within a 20-mile radius that offer varying degrees of access to water recreation and urban amenities. Temperatures remain mild year-round with summer highs averaging 76°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F. The regional campgrounds experience high visitation from April through October, with many requiring reservations months in advance for weekend spots.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Cross under the pedestrian tunnel at Silver Strand State Beach to access San Diego Bay for water activities. "A pedestrian tunnel under the road leads to San Diego Bay and an aquatic center that rents kayaks and paddle boards. Also nice hiking trails overlooking the bay and navy ships," notes a visitor.
Fishing: Several lakes offer fishing opportunities in the area, particularly at Lake Jennings. "We had a campsite on the outer loop (9) that backed up to an overlook of a field. If you don't need a pull through, definitely get one of the outer loop spaces - they're way less cramped," suggests a camper who enjoyed the lake views.
Bike riding: Miles of paved paths connect many camping areas to beaches and attractions. At Mission Bay RV Resort, "There's a path that goes along the bay that is about a mile long, and also a bridge that connects the park to Campland on the Bay. As a resident of mission bay, you will have full access to Campland, without paying the extra $$ to stay."
Urban proximity with natural setting: Many campers appreciate Kumeyaay Lake Campground for its surprising peacefulness despite being in the city. "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."
Beach access: Direct beach access ranks high among camper preferences. "The 100s are unbeatable. One of the best beach camp grounds probably in CA. If you're lucky enough to get a spot in the 100s you park right on the sand essentially. 200s are the next best, only separated by a street," shares a Silver Strand State Beach camper.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms receive consistently positive reviews. At Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, "Great pull thru sites on level concrete pads. Full hookups. Many hiking trails and bicycle trails," with another camper noting the "nice showers and water."
Military-only camping options: Some of the best waterfront sites are exclusive to military personnel. Fiddlers Cove RV Park receives high ratings but requires military ID for access. A visitor explains, "Military installation so it's not open to the public. This is our go to staycation place on San Diego bay. Close enough to Coronado but far enough to be secluded."
Noise considerations: Being near urban areas means occasional noise disruptions. At San Diego Metro KOA, "Clean sites, and super friendly staff make this an easy and fun place to set up your rig. But, if you are looking for being in nature, this isn't the best spot. The calming sounds of the I-5 swoon you to sleep."
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds restrict entry after certain hours. At Silver Strand State Beach, "They lock entrance gate and restrooms around sunset" and another camper notes, "They also lock you in the campground at 8 pm. That makes it difficult to go out at night. Well, impossible."
Water play options: Families with children appreciate campgrounds with water features. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve offers "Great areas of campgrounds. Great water park for kids and everyone. Full hook ups. Small supply store on site," and another visitor mentions, "Perfect spot to forget you're in San Diego. There's lots for kids to do here! Feed the ducks, fish, ride the pedal boats."
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Facilities with organized activities keep children entertained. San Diego Metro KOA "offers everything from tent/car camping to full hook-up for large RVs. The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic."
Reserve well in advance for preferred sites: Family-friendly spots fill quickly, especially during summer and school breaks. At Santee Lakes, "Something this nice you have to reserve at least 6 months ahead for nicest tree sites. Many sites (200+) but very popular."
Hook-up accessibility issues: Pay attention to site layouts when booking. At Mission Bay RV Resort, "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."
Consider cell service quality: Working nomads need reliable internet. For Lake Jennings, an RVer reported, "internet service was great for Verizon. We got 23 Mbps with 3 bars of 4G LTE unboosted, and 69 Mbps with 5 bars using a simple MIMO antenna."
Full hook-up locations: Know what's available at each site before booking. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, "Elite Full Hookup RV Site includes your very own gas fire BBQ grill, gas camp fire, 4 Adirondack chairs, dinner table with 6 chairs, full hookups including cable tv."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Coronado, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Coronado, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 133 campgrounds and RV parks near Coronado, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Coronado, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Coronado, CA is San Diego Metro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coronado, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Coronado, CA.
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