Best Campgrounds near Descanso, CA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Descanso, CA? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Descanso campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Descanso, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Descanso, California (179)

    1. William Heise County Park

    46 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-0650

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Nice campground away from the main roads. All spots outside of the R.V. loop are spread out and pretty secluded. Very friendly and helpful rangers. About a 10 minute drive from Julian pie co."

    "Lots of flat areas for pitching tents well away from the fire pit."

    2. Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    23 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-3023

    $40 - $250 / night

    "The only downside to this site is that it was very close to the bathrooms. That actually bummed me out a bit when we first arrived, but it ended up not being much of an issue at all."

    "The trash cans were just a few feet from the site and the bathrooms were a short walk just a couple spots away."

    3. Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    16 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 465-3020

    $40 / night

    "While both have their positives, I personally love this one for its close proximity to the waterfalls that are a short trail from the campsites."

    "Tucked away from the city lights of San Diego. Very nice camp ground with multiple trails climbing up Mt. Cuyamaca."

    4. El Prado Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-2082

    $35 / night

    "This is the closest campground to the lakes. Just a couple steps away from the beautiful meadow it overlooks. Lots of trees for hammocking!!"

    "It is a big, big campground that is wooded and adjacent a large meadow, recreational area and lake (when not dried out, drought sucks)."

    5. Burnt Rancheria Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-0120

    $35 / night

    "I love this campground because it's woodsy and close to home.  You get that far away feel without being too far away. "

    "We had hosts that were helpful, friendly, the restrooms were stocked/clean, they brought firewood around, and were just good people."

    6. Lake Jennings

    32 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    16 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!"

    7. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    35 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    "This site is located in anza borrego, the only dark sky community in California, so you will see more stars here than anywhere else in California (unless there’s a full moon then there won’t be stars)."

    "This place is tucked away off the S-2 with camping along a dry lake bed. Beautiful spring blooms here, the lake bed is a protected space, so admire from a distance."

    8. Lake Cuyamaca Recreation and Park District

    11 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-0515

    $32 - $45 / night

    "Located at Lake Cuyamaca in Julian. Gorgeous views of the lake!!!! Picnic area, tent camping sites, and also cabins and condos as well."

    "Proximity to the lake was great for the kids. The view was also amazing. Bathrooms were clean but lots of bugs (but expected). No showers on this West Shore section of the campground."

    9. Lake Morena County Park

    15 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 565-3600

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Lake Morena is an awesome place to stay. This was our first campsite during our PCT thru hike, approximately 20 miles from the Mexico border via the trail."

    "The campground at Lake Morena has around 80+ spots that range from hookups for RV to basic tent camping. There's a indoor entertainment room and multiple bathrooms."

    10. Dos Picos County Park

    33 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    21 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 179 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Descanso, CA

1165 Reviews of 179 Descanso Campgrounds



Guide to Descanso

Camping near Descanso, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around William Heise County Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing fun. A camper shared, "The lake is clean with plenty of fish. I will definitely stay again in the future."
  • Beach Access: If you want to hit the beach, check out San Elijo State Beach Campground. One reviewer said, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway… just at the sea."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A visitor at Idyllwild Campground noted, "The campground was very clean and the bathrooms and showers were very clean and well kept."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpful staff. A review for Dos Picos County Park stated, "This is a very well-run county park."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground said, "The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky."

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "It can get a little loud on the weekends with drunk party-goers."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blair Valley Primitive Campground, don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "Peaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views."
  • Check-in Times: Be aware of strict check-in times at places like Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One camper said, "Very strict check-in time. However, you can tell they are cleaning the sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like San Diego Metro KOA, which offers amenities like a heated pool and bike rentals. A visitor shared, "Great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful campground."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at William Heise County Park mentioned, "Definitely was a nice stay and will be going back."
  • Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks for the kids. A camper at Lake Jennings suggested, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dos Picos County Park noted, "All the sites have paved pads except a few which have gravel pads."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "Even during the day it is quite noisy."
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Be aware of busy times at dump stations. A camper at Idyllwild Campground said, "The line for the dump is long and slow moving."

Camping near Descanso, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Descanso, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Descanso, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 179 campgrounds and RV parks near Descanso, CA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Descanso, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Descanso, CA is William Heise County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 46 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Descanso, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Descanso, CA.

What parks are near Descanso, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Descanso, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.