Tent campsites near Del Mar, California span several ecological zones, from coastal areas to higher-elevation mountain sites in the Cleveland National Forest. The region experiences significant temperature variations, with coastal areas maintaining mild conditions while inland sites can drop below 40°F at night even during summer months. Many dispersed camping areas require advance permits that must be obtained 2-3 days before arrival.
What to do
Hike expansive trail systems: At Kumeyaay Lake Campground, campers have direct access to extensive hiking networks. "Lots of trails to hike. Family friendly," notes Jose V. The campground serves as a gateway to Mission Trails Regional Park's 60+ miles of trails.
Play disc golf: GoodVibes Ranch & Farm offers a professional disc golf course within their 150-acre property. As one visitor explains, "I found out they have a full size professional disc golf course here! I don't bring my discs, but Carolyn and Bernie happily lent me some discs so I could try it out."
Fish at nearby lakes: While swimming isn't permitted at Kumeyaay Lake, fishing is available. According to Elise F., "You can't swim in the lake, but you can fish and it's very pleasant to walk around and bird watch."
Explore mountain views: The backcountry sites at Corte Madera Mountain require a permit and significant hiking but offer exceptional vistas. "There are great views over the Lake Morena area and the desert as you climb," reports Elsye W.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Pine Creek Road Camp provides genuine solitude compared to more developed sites. One camper reported, "A great spot if you want to get away and enjoy some alone time... We never saw another person during our stay."
Clean facilities: Many tent sites near Del Mar feature well-maintained amenities. At Kumeyaay Lake, Taylor E. notes, "The campgrounds were very clean and we were surprised with the high sanitization of the bathrooms!"
Free dispersed camping: Several locations offer no-cost tent camping options with proper permits. As one Pine Creek Road visitor explained, "It's just close enough to some expensive campgrounds and a few connecting trails, so it's awesome to camp here for FREE."
Night sky viewing: Areas further from San Diego provide excellent stargazing. As Taylor mentions about Corral Canyon Campground, "It's so secluded and the stars out here are unreal."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most dispersed camping areas require advance permits. For Pine Creek Road Camp, "Friday sent an email to SM.FS.DescansoRD@usda.gov requesting the free permit (after doing research and finding out you need one), filled out the form, and got it back in the same day."
Limited availability: Many campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. Kitchen Creek Road sites fill quickly on weekends, with one camper noting, "Pretty small spot off the road, does get kind of loud from cars."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans affect most tent camping areas, especially during dry periods from May through October. Always check current regulations before arrival.
Road conditions: Access to Los Coyotes Reservation Campground and other remote sites requires driving on unpaved roads. As Taylor notes, "This place was so big it had space for another 10 cars and tents."
Tips for camping with families
Mission Trails proximity: Kumeyaay Lake provides family-friendly tent camping with amenities close to San Diego. Katie O. advises, "Perfect campground located right in San Diego. Great for families with small kids and there are many close trails. Bring a picnic to eat by the dam and let the kids explore, but beware of rattlesnakes. They are everywhere during the summer."
Bathroom facilities: When camping with children, prioritize sites with proper facilities. At GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, Andrew A. appreciated that "they have actual running water flushable toilets and outdoor hot showers! I can't tell you how excited I was, it really upleveled the whole camping experience."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife precautions, including rattlesnake safety during warmer months. Campgrounds at higher elevations typically have fewer snake encounters during spring and fall.
Water availability: Not all tent sites provide drinking water. The Eyrie Farm offers potable water access, making it suitable for families who don't want to haul large water containers.
Tips from RVers
Road width considerations: Pine Creek Road has challenging sections for larger vehicles. "Warning though: if you're nervous about driving on single lane mountain roads, this is not the place for you! Pine Creek Road is several miles long, with some sections that are on sheer cliff edges with very few turn-off spots to allow for passing," reports Sheridan S.
Campsite size limitations: Most dispersed tent camping areas near Del Mar cannot accommodate larger RVs. Ruben notes about Pine Creek Road Camp, "Great spot for camping, if you have a big rig it's a little tight to move around on the roads but definitely nice for sprinters / trucks / suvs or even cars!"
Ground clearance requirements: Access to many Cleveland National Forest camping areas requires vehicles with adequate clearance. As one Pine Creek visitor mentioned, "The road was recently paved so it's easy to drive on, there's a handful of spots just along side the road."
