Camping cabins near Del Mar, California range from basic shelters to well-equipped accommodations within a 25-mile radius. The coastal Mediterranean climate creates mild year-round conditions with average summer temperatures between 65-75°F and winter lows rarely below 45°F. Fall often delivers the warmest temperatures and clearest skies for cabin camping, with October averaging 15-20% less precipitation than winter months.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Dixon Lake Campground offers fishing without requiring a California fishing license. "I first started coming here as a Boy Scout and now I life just 5 minutes away and my wife loves to come up here, sometimes a few times a week, to go fishing. I've camped here only once in the last few years because not being able to have a camp fire really takes away from camping to me," notes one regular visitor to Dixon Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing: William Heise County Park features trails where visitors can spot local fauna. "Wooded beautiful county campgrounds a couple miles from sweet town of Julian. Hiking and biking trails. Spacious campsites. Great facilities," according to one camper at William Heise County Park. Another visitor mentions, "Great trees, privacy between sites and wild turkeys wandering through the sites."
Paddle boating: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve offers water recreation beyond swimming. "Feed the ducks, fish, ride the pedal boats. It's an awesome place for a day outside!" shares a regular visitor. The preserve features multiple lakes with rental options for various watercraft.
What campers like
Convenient location near attractions: Guajome Regional Park provides access to both natural areas and nearby entertainment. "This is such a great campground! We wanted to take a trip to Legoaland and this was the only park available and nearby. It takes about 25 minutes to get to Legoland," explains a family who stayed at Guajome Regional Park.
Clean facilities: San Diego Metro KOA maintains high standards for their bathrooms and common areas. "This is one of the nicest kOA campgrounds we have visited. They recently redid the pool area and it's like a resort! Only drawback is that the campground is about a 15 minute drive from the beach. It's a great place to stay to explore San Diego!" according to a visitor at San Diego Metro KOA.
Helpful staff: Dos Picos County Park rangers receive consistent praise. "This place is a jewel, and if you live in San Diego, right in your backyard! Rangers are super helpful and friendly, the campground is clean and quiet, and the setting is beautiful. There's a tranquil pond, nice hiking trails, places for kids to play…. Just a fantastic option close to home for locals and well worth consideration for visitors to the area," notes a camper at Dos Picos County Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many cabin sites require booking well in advance, especially for weekend stays. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve has specific rules about timing. One frustrated visitor noted, "I have been trying for 2 1/2 years to get back in, almost every day so we can visit our grandchildren. The thing is if you are not from town or immediate area you can only reserve Monday afternoon to Friday morning!"
Cell service variability: Some camping areas have limited connectivity. At Thousand Trails Pio Pico, a visitor observed, "I didn't get any TV reception, but others did. I didn't have a powered antenna, but I do now. The internet was slow and iffy. They said they were working on it. I got to see a few shows on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube... No cell service at all, but I did get a little with my WeBoost."
Military access requirements: Some of the best beach cabin options require military ID. "This campground is so picturesque! It has a camp store, cabin rentals, and camping spots 10 feet from the sand. There are tent only, partial hookup, and full hookup sites available. Other amenities include playground, bathrooms and showers, a baseball field, and even a large gathering hall! The only downside to this location is that it is for military only, but this keeps the crowds down," explains a visitor to San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Select cabin sites with dedicated children's areas. "We visit this place once a year in the summer, sometimes twice. This place is glamping for sure. They have full service hookups for rv's and trailers, bungalows and cabins. Lots of amenities for the kiddos when COVID isn't around. The new pool is great," reports a regular visitor to San Diego Metro KOA.
Check for family-oriented activities: Some campgrounds organize special events. "We enjoyed what they had to offer though, the putt putt, pools, hike, store, activity center and youth center!" shares a family who stayed at Thousand Trails Pio Pico.
Select cabins with proximity to bathrooms: Ease of access matters for families with young children. "It was close to the trials but a slight up hill walk to the bathrooms and showers. We had space. Lots of nature trails (beware of poison oak), ducks and geese," notes a visitor at Guajome Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Reserve beachfront spots early: Prime RV cabin locations book quickly. "We were able to call in reservations early enough to get a front row spot (a tiny bit more expensive and back in sites only) and I think it makes it such a better experience. Camping directly on the sand makes for a dirty experience but it's the beach!" shares an RV camper about Del Mar Beach Cottages.
Consider hookup availability: Full-service options vary widely among cabin camping areas. "Nice hot showers and a great dump station to empty my tanks," notes an RVer who stayed at William Heise County Park. This practical detail matters for self-contained units needing service access.
Check noise factors: Location within campgrounds affects the experience. "For the price of full hook up ($35) in a location so close to the beach, I call it a win. It was beautiful with a pond and walking paths. There were many dogs and we saw horses on the paths too. The bathrooms/showers were clean and didn't stink. Always had toilet paper. Showers take specific coins and you have to get them from the office before 5pm so if you arrive late, keep that in mind. Spots are good size and paved paths are well lit at night. Good for going to the restroom at night but bright if you have a spot near the walkways."
