El Cajon sits at approximately 430 feet elevation in eastern San Diego County, where temperatures range from 50°F in winter to 90°F in summer. RV campgrounds in El Cajon experience low humidity throughout the year with minimal rainfall, making it a popular destination for RVers seeking reliable weather. The area's campgrounds vary from urban parks with full amenities to more rustic options in the surrounding foothills.
What to do
Hike nearby nature preserves: Oak Creek RV Resort provides access to nearby hiking trails. "We saw it on the app and wanted to check it out. We live close in the area. I had no idea there was a little like here, it's very pretty!" reports one camper who visited Oak Creek RV Resort.
Enjoy water activities: San Diego Bay offers kayaking and paddle boarding just a short drive from El Cajon campgrounds. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, "Walking and biking in the Marina is so nice! The sunset is amazing!" according to one reviewer who appreciated the waterfront access.
Use fitness amenities: Many El Cajon RV parks maintain fitness centers and swimming pools. "The park is secured with a gate which requires a code. Pool was clean as was the park," notes a visitor at Circle RV Resort, mentioning the accessible recreational facilities despite the compact setting.
What campers like
Clean bathing facilities: Showers and restrooms at RV parks receive consistent maintenance. A camper at Escondido RV Resort noted that "The grounds are layed out great. Its located close to alot of attractions," highlighting the well-maintained property.
Family-friendly amenities: Some parks offer kid-specific recreation areas and activities. "Great pool area. Splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV!" explains a Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay visitor who appreciated the range of options.
Access to urban conveniences: El Cajon RV parks provide proximity to services while still offering camping experiences. "Short walking distance to numerous stores, fast food joints, and to make you feel safe, a Highway Patrol office is right across the street," shares a visitor to Circle RV Resort, noting the practical location.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Many El Cajon RV parks experience traffic sounds due to their locations. At Vacationer RV Park, one visitor observed it's "Not exactly a good part of town, but it is a gated park," highlighting security features that offset urban location drawbacks.
Concrete parking pads: RV sites typically feature hard surfaces rather than natural settings. "The sites are concrete with a brick patio. If you have a pull through you get a grill," explains one camper describing the typical setup at RV parks in the area.
Variable internet quality: WiFi and cell service fluctuate based on specific location and carrier. "The internet was slow and iffy. They said they were working on it. I got to see a few shows on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube..." reports a camper at Thousand Trails Pio Pico, noting connectivity challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Look for pools and play areas: Facilities with dedicated children's recreation spaces provide entertainment options. At Mission Bay RV Resort, "There is a gated pool and hot tub, we never used it since we just went to the beach/bay. Everytime we walked by, it was empty!" mentions a reviewer who appreciated having both pool and beach access.
Consider noise levels for sleeping: Some parks offer quieter sections away from highways. "This RV park has huge potential but they need to get rid of permanent dwellers that have let their property decay," notes a visitor to Vacationer RV Park, suggesting requesting sites away from long-term residents.
Check for scheduled activities: Many parks organize events for children during peak seasons. "Lots of on-site activities & events," shares a camper at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, referring to the structured recreation opportunities available.
Tips from RVers
Verify site lengths before booking: Spaces vary considerably between parks and specific sections. At Fiddlers Cove RV Park, a military campground, one visitor noted "Water front back in sites, pull through sites, other back in sites not waterfront and two tent sites," highlighting the importance of requesting specific site types.
Check dump station availability: Not all parks offer full hookups at every site. "30 amp, and water at site. Dumping area with two stations," explains a visitor to Thousand Trails Pio Pico, describing the limited hookup configuration.
Factor in site placement: Request spots away from entrance gates or busy roads when possible. "The good things about this place is, relatively cheap compared to most RV places in the area around San Diego; decent bath/shower rooms + no coins," shares a camper at Circle RV Resort, who also noted challenges like "a lot of sites are fully exposed to sun throughout the hole day; very little to no privacy here."
