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Best Campgrounds near Dulzura, CA

1,030 Reviews

Camping opportunities near Dulzura, California range from developed RV resorts to remote wilderness areas. The region includes Thousand Trails Pio Pico, a large campground with tent and RV sites, plus cabins and glamping options. Lake Morena County Park and Potrero County Park, both within 30 minutes of Dulzura, offer tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Private ranches like GoodVibes Ranch & Farm provide more secluded camping experiences with amenities such as outdoor showers and hiking trails.

Road access varies throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring navigation on narrow mountain roads. The Otay Mountain Wilderness, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, allows dispersed camping but requires careful attention to designated roads. Temperatures in this region can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, particularly during summer months when daytime heat can be intense. Most developed campgrounds maintain year-round accessibility, though reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas, especially in more remote camping locations. According to one visitor, "Not all the roads that lead out to the mountain are legal to camp on, so be careful where you park."

Campers consistently mention the scenic value of the area, with opportunities to view wildlife including rabbits, squirrels, and birds. GoodVibes Ranch receives praise for its natural setting and amenities, with one reviewer noting it offers "150 acres of beautiful pristine land with gorgeous oaks shading our camp site." County parks like Potrero Regional Park feature spacious campsites with ample shade trees and access to hiking trails. For those seeking more developed facilities, Thousand Trails Pio Pico provides multiple pools, recreation centers, and organized activities, though reviews indicate maintenance issues in some sections of the campground. The camping environment transitions from desert landscapes to oak woodlands depending on elevation, offering diverse terrain for exploration.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dulzura, California (147)

    1. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    33 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "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."

    "I’m not sure you’ll find a campground like this anywhere else in California for $29/night with partial hookups. It was quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms could have used some attention."

    2. Lake Jennings

    33 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!"

    3. San Diego Metro KOA

    32 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 427-3601

    "The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.

    + During the week it felt spacious.

    + We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"

    "Walking distance to stores if something is needed."

    4. Thousand Trails Pio Pico

    13 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Locations near Jamul Casino. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups sites. Fill propano available. Spot are very big. The pool and kid playground are great."

    "Showers were nice and warm, and not coin operated - a rarity given the water droughts around CA."

    5. Lake Morena County Park

    15 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    15 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."

    6. Potrero County Park

    7 Reviews
    Potrero, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 478-5212

    $30 / night

    "Good hiking trails. We stayed in “Tent site 2” which was good. My only criticism is that the sites are just a little too close, unless you don’t have a neighbor."

    "Nice drive just outside the city, great trail and all the necessary amenities. We will definitely be back!"

    7. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    20 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    20 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 :$"

    8. Silver Strand State Beach

    23 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 435-5184

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Great choice for camping along the ocean in Southern California."

    "Can’t beat the proximity to the beach! Spots next to the road are loud and the campground is busy with small parking lot style areas, but if you can get a spot backing on to the beach, A+."

    9. GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

    2 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    6 miles
    Website

    $50 - $175 / night

    "Plenty of room for beautiful hikes on their many acres of land packed with some great views a few decks scattered around the property.  "

    "Saw lots of flowers, a seasonal creek, sage, views of the valley & nearby mountain. Played some pool. The disk golf course is on the awesome hike I took. They have live music on the weekends."

    10. Fiddlers Cove RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 522-8680

    "Facilities are immaculate.. adjacent to the marina, so many boats, kayaks and watercraft are available for rent.."

    "Great location, quaint little town. Levels concrete pad, have room to put your stuff. Laundry and close to base."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dulzura, CA

319 Photos of 147 Dulzura Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dulzura, CA

1030 Reviews of 147 Dulzura Campgrounds

  • Stephanie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Roadside Pulloff in Pine Valley

    Pine Valley, CA Roadside Pulloff

    Beautiful spot to pull over and car camp! T-mobile had 3 bars with 5G. No amenities (other than a picnic table), so pack out what you pack in. The location was just a pull off, not a full on camp site. There are hiking trails nearby (Cottonwood Creek Trail is the closest). The spot overlooks the mountains and the valley. Quiet spot with few cars stopping by for sunset, but that was it.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Dos Picos County Park

    A family fun zone site.

    Nice site I stayed 1 night with W/E hook ups, my first time with my new camper trailer. It was ok, trailer spaces were tight but have plenty of tall trees, not much privacy. My space was next to a rec center to have a security light on all night, more stars than the city and the moon looked good in my telescope. Overall decent site, didn't have time to enjoy the hike, fishing or park.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Open Desert Fun

    October 4th stay was new to me, my 3rd trailer camping trip from San Diego. It was nice and warm at arrival and cool by the moonlit night with the gnats going away until morning. No one was next to me so I had it good, most were tent camper and quiet by 10pm... great views. Shack guard was nice and helpful... I liked this site.

  • C
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Granite Springs

    Little Known Gem

    Primitive camp site with chemical bathrooms. Has 3 areas to set up tents. First come first serve, but you must check in at the ranger station before you go. $5 per camper. We comfortably fit 3 tents on one site.

  • 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.

  • Kai K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved The Off-Roading and Beautiful Views

    Loved how much road there was to explore. We went about 2 hours deep into this area and there was still more to explore. The best part here was the stars, so stunning. Be careful in the summer as it is very hot during the day.

  • j
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Henshaw Resort

    My stay review

    This place is pretty cool The staff is nice and not too strict. The place can definitely use a lil tlc but for the price per day its nothing too complain about. 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.

Guide to Dulzura

Camping near Dulzura, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and family-friendly options. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Enjoy the trails at William Heise County Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise." The park is surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing fun. A camper shared, "Nice clean water in the lake with plenty of fish." It's a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Blair Valley Primitive Campground, you might spot coyotes and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, "Saw some coyotes pass by my camp," adding a bit of excitement to your stay.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. At Dos Picos County Park, one visitor remarked, "This is a very well-run county park." Clean restrooms and showers make for a comfortable camping experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Lake Jennings said, "Nice very helpful staff," which adds to the overall positive experience.
  • Peaceful Environment: Campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. One visitor at William Heise County Park stated, "Definitely was a nice stay and will be going back," highlighting the peaceful surroundings.

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blair Valley Primitive Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "It's a really beautiful area and the spots are spacious," but be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near busy roads, such as Silver Strand State Beach, can be noisy. One reviewer noted, "Road noise is high," so if you're looking for peace and quiet, consider this before booking.
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, be cautious of ticks and other critters. A visitor at William Heise County Park warned about ticks due to nearby mule deer.

Tips for camping with families

  • Spacious Campsites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Dos Picos County Park. A camper mentioned, "Shouldn't have a problem finding a site here," making it easier for families to spread out.
  • Activities for Kids: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby hiking trails. One family at Lake Jennings enjoyed the "beautiful views" and "lots of trails to explore," perfect for keeping kids entertained.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at San Diego Metro KOA appreciated the "cafe if you don’t feel like firing up the grill," which can be a lifesaver for busy families.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lake Jennings mentioned, "Spaces are good size and plenty of room in between the next site," which is great for RVers needing space.
  • Dump Station Access: Know where the dump station is located. A reviewer at Lake Jennings advised checking the best way to access it, as some roads can be tricky.
  • Bring Firewood: Some campgrounds, like Burnt Rancheria Campground, sell firewood at a premium. One camper noted, "Firewood is expensive at the campground," so consider bringing your own if possible.

Camping near Dulzura, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dulzura, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dulzura, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Dulzura, CA and 18 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dulzura, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dulzura, CA is Sweetwater Summit Regional Park with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Dulzura, CA.

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