Best Campgrounds near Del Mar, CA

Del Mar is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Del Mar, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Del Mar and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Del Mar, California (175)

    1. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "South Carlsbad SB is a gem ~ it sits on a bluff right over the Pacific Ocean and is just a few steps down to beach. 👣

    Each site has a large iron fire pit and picnic table ~ btahrooms and showers are"

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    2. San Elijo State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 753-5091

    $50 - $520 / night

    "If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."

    "It's classic California beach camping. Spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground. That said, the beach is great, and the river mouth is great for surfing."

    3. Campland on the Bay

    21 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    11 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."

    4. Dos Picos County Park

    34 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 789-2220

    $24 - $100 / night

    "The creek eventually flows into a pond located on the other end of the campground. The pond is actually pretty large! Lots of space to walk around and explore."

    "The missus and I decided to do a midweek overnight escape and chose Dos Picos Park due to its close proximity.

    Great little campground with partial (electricity & water) hookups."

    5. Del Mar Beach Cottages

    10 Reviews
    Encinitas, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 725-4640

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Really beautiful beach very clean with large bathrooms hot showers food nearby first come first serve shade structures."

    "The campsites are small but it is clean and family friendly also located right on a big beautiful beach. You must have a military ID to camp here, you can have alcohol on the beach but no glass."

    6. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    20 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    16 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 :$"

    7. Mission Bay RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 270-4300

    $87 - $245 / night

    "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."

    8. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 839-4045

    $39 - $50 / night

    "Dixon lake is a perfect spot for my nephews to fish and play in the dirt. The campsites look really nice and ideal for tents. The walks around the lake are definitely worth doing!"

    "I grew up in Oceanside and people talked about camping at Dixon lake in Escondido and I thought it was lame and not “real” camping. Having never been there, I based this off nothing."

    9. 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."

    10. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    23 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Del Mar, CA

1314 Reviews of 175 Del Mar Campgrounds


  • M
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Mission Bay RV Resort

    Trashy park

    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. Reservations failed to tell me while on the phone that the power was out but they’re still charging full price. Most of the lots are dusty dirt lots well over half of the park is not in use and in disrepair. There is trash everywhere and the staff could care less if you’re enjoying yourself. Do yourself a favor and spend the 20 extra dollars to stay at Campland Overall a waste of money and beach front property

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Great camp

    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.

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Pechanga RV Resort

    Good but can be noisy

    Pull-through sites have a little room not so close to neighbors Buddy sites are available


Guide to Del Mar

Camping near Del Mar, California, offers a fantastic mix of beach vibes and nature experiences. With several campgrounds in the area, you can enjoy everything from ocean views to hiking trails.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area has great bike lanes and running paths. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Jennings is a good spot. A visitor shared, "The lake is drinking water for the local town and therefore no swimming allowed but they do stock the lake with fish."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One said, "Couldn’t have better views. We watched dolphins and seals playing in the waves" at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A camper at William Heise County Park remarked, "Campsites were clean, rangers were nice."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Hemet are great for families. One reviewer noted, "Great place for family and kids. Affordable."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all sites have full hookups. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground pointed out, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine. As a tent camper, the spots are tiny, with zero privacy."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "Caught a few people walking through my site and around my van."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Lake Jennings that offer playgrounds and activities. A camper shared, "Bathrooms, playground, hikes, 360 views."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan beach days. One family mentioned, "Great if you want to ride along PCH."
  • Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can save you time and money. A visitor at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the "great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at San Mateo Campground noted, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area."
  • Be Prepared for Generators: Some sites may have noisy generators. A reviewer at Lake Hemet mentioned, "You can hear your neighbors snore at night after a long day."
  • Early Check-In: Arriving early can help you snag a good spot. A camper at William Heise County Park said, "They always help us get the best spot that’s open."

Camping near Del Mar, California, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for beach fun, family activities, or peaceful nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Del Mar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Del Mar, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Del Mar, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Del Mar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Del Mar, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 77 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Del Mar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Del Mar, CA.