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 (166)

    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

    37 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

    20 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

    33 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

    19 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. 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."

    8. Mission Bay RV Resort

    11 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."

    9. Lake Jennings

    32 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!"

    10. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    15 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."

    "Kids loved the convenient fishing right behind our trailer and the swimming pools a short drive away. Also was able to rent paddle boats to cruise around the lakes."

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Showing results 1-10 of 166 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Del Mar, CA

1288 Reviews of 166 Del Mar Campgrounds



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 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Del Mar, CA and 6 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 6 free dispersed camping spots near Del Mar, CA.

What parks are near Del Mar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Del Mar, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.