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Best Campgrounds near El Cajon, CA

1,109 Reviews

El Cajon in Southern California has good camping options nearby for visitors. Lake Hemet Campground is family-friendly with fishing and hiking trails just a short distance away. San Clemente State Beach Campground lets you camp near the coast with easy beach access. Both places have basic facilities like bathrooms and drinking water. San Diego is close by if you want to take a day trip from your campsite. Wildlife is common in this area, so store your food properly to keep animals away. RV campers can find several places with full hookups around El Cajon. You can camp here throughout the year thanks to the mild weather, though summers get hot. Many campers prefer spring and fall when temperatures are more comfortable. Nights can get cool, especially at higher elevations, so bring warm clothes. El Cajon puts you within reach of both beach and mountain camping experiences. Always check if campgrounds are open and what rules apply before you go. The area makes a good starting point for seeing many different natural areas throughout Southern California.

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Best Camping Sites Near El Cajon, California (166)

    1. Lake Jennings

    32 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    6 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!"

    2. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    31 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "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."

    "The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic, even a large event room."

    3. San Diego Metro KOA

    31 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    12 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. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    5 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 :$"

    5. Dos Picos County Park

    33 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    14 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."

    6. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    15 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    6 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."

    7. Silver Strand State Beach

    22 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    16 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+."

    8. Campland on the Bay

    20 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    16 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."

    9. Fiddlers Cove RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 522-8680

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

    "Easy access to all of San Diego"

    10. Thousand Trails Pio Pico

    13 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    12 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near El Cajon, CA

349 Photos of 166 El Cajon Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near El Cajon, CA

1109 Reviews of 166 El Cajon Campgrounds

Guide to El Cajon

Camping near El Cajon, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat or a quiet spot in the mountains, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Campers love the easy beach access, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One visitor mentioned, “Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean.”
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at William Heise County Park. A reviewer noted, “The park was clean and well-maintained, and the hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise.”
  • Fishing Opportunities: Head to Lake Jennings for fishing. One camper shared, “The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. A happy camper said, “The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-kept amenities at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. One visitor remarked, “Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the welcoming vibe at Lake Hemet Campground. A 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 Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, “It can get very crowded and packed. Hard to get a site.”
  • Limited Hookups: Many sites, like those at San Clemente State Beach Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor pointed out, “The only downside was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty.”
  • Check-in Times: Be aware of strict check-in times at some campgrounds. A camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground noted, “Very strict check-in time. However, you can tell they are cleaning the sites and making sure the sites are in order.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Jennings that offer playgrounds and activities. One camper said, “There was a play area that had ladder golf, tetherball, and ping pong.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at William Heise County Park mentioned, “The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the “great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like San Diego Metro KOA are big rig-friendly. A reviewer said, “Fanciest KOA out there. Plenty of sites. Plenty of place and more amenities than you can use!”
  • Check for Hookups: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, “Some of the spots are shaded and summer direct sun, so please look at the pictures.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so arrive early. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, “If you get a site at the far ends, it's a hike to go in and out.”

Camping near El Cajon, CA, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for crowds and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near El Cajon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, El Cajon, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near El Cajon, CA and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near El Cajon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near El Cajon, CA is Lake Jennings with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near El Cajon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near El Cajon, CA.

What parks are near El Cajon, CA?

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

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