Best Campgrounds near Encinitas, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Encinitas, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Encinitas is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Encinitas, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Encinitas, California (175)

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Recent Reviews near Encinitas, CA

1365 Reviews of 175 Encinitas Campgrounds



Guide to Encinitas

Camping near Encinitas, California, offers a fantastic mix of beach vibes and nature. With several campgrounds in the area, you can enjoy the great outdoors while being close to the Pacific Ocean.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area has excellent bike lanes and running paths. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Hiking: Campgrounds like William Heise County Park offer trails and fishing opportunities. One visitor shared, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A review for Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A camper at Lake Jennings remarked, "Bathrooms and showers are clean. There is a dump station in the campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. One visitor at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "The staff are friendly and helpful most of the time."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A review for San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine. As a tent camper, the spots are tiny."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground expressed, "Music way too loud... I'm just not going there."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds and clean bathrooms. One camper at Lake Jennings said, "There is a play area that had ladder golf, tetherball, and ping pong."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan beach days. A family at San Elijo State Beach Campground enjoyed, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make outings easier. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground 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 William Heise County Park mentioned, "A more experienced human might not have struggled as much but it be hard to get a 20 ft plus trailer into this particular site."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "If you just need a place to crash and plan to spend the whole day in the water, go for it."
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Know where the dump stations are and their hours. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground shared, "The dump site was closed this weekend... but with our day pass we were able to use the dump site at San Clemente State Beach."

Camping around Encinitas is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Whether you're looking for beach access, scenic views, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Encinitas, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Encinitas, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Encinitas, CA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Encinitas, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Encinitas, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 75 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Encinitas, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Encinitas, CA.

  • What parks are near Encinitas, CA?

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