Best Campgrounds near Encinitas, CA

Camping spots around Encinitas, California tend to fill quickly due to their prime coastal locations. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits right on the beach with clear views of the Pacific Ocean, and many campers come here specifically for the surfing access. San Elijo State Beach Campground, a few miles from downtown Encinitas, also has beachfront sites with basic facilities including hot showers. Both places get very crowded during summer, so booking months ahead is practically required. Spring and fall bring better camping conditions with milder temperatures and fewer people. The roads to these campgrounds are well-maintained and easy to navigate. You'll find a mix of sites that work for both RVs and tents, though shade is limited at these coastal locations. Some campsites have more space between neighbors than others. If you're thinking about a weekend trip, you should check availability as soon as possible. Staying at these beaches puts you close enough to Encinitas that you can easily head into town for meals or supplies. The campgrounds work well as a home base for families or solo travelers. Bring layers for the evenings when the marine layer rolls in and temperatures drop. The combination of beach access and decent facilities makes camping near Encinitas worth the planning effort.

Best Camping Sites Near Encinitas, California (177)

    1. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "A grocery store is nearby, just over the freeway. 

    CONS:

    It can get very crowded and packed. 

    Hard to get a site

    Many generators are always on."

    "Pick a spot - $75 gets you on the bluff with hookups $50 gets you on the bluff but no hookups $35 gets you on the other side Trash, recycling, and sewage disposal ($10) nearby."

    2. San Elijo State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 753-5091

    $50 - $520 / night

    "The highway side has more trees, but some sites seem smaller and packed in."

    "Pick a spot - $75 gets you on the bluff with hookups $50 gets you on the bluff but no hookups $35 gets you on the other side Trash, recycling, and sewage disposal ($10) nearby."

    3. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 839-4045

    $39 - $50 / night

    "Dixon lake is a perfect spot for my nephews to fish and play in the dirt. The campsites look really nice and ideal for tents. The walks around the lake are definitely worth doing!"

    "I grew up in Oceanside and people talked about camping at Dixon lake in Escondido and I thought it was lame and not “real” camping. Having never been there, I based this off nothing."

    4. Del Mar Beach Cottages

    10 Reviews
    Encinitas, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (760) 725-4640

    $35 - $65 / night

    "The campsites are small but it is clean and family friendly also located right on a big beautiful beach. You must have a military ID to camp here, you can have alcohol on the beach but no glass."

    "But being that close to the ocean was wonderful! You just can’t beat falling asleep to ocean waves!"

    5. Dos Picos County Park

    33 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    18 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. Guajome Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Oceanside, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 724-4489

    $29 - $35 / night

    "For the price of full hook up ($35) in a location so close to the beach, I call it a win. It was beautiful with a pond and walking paths. There were many dogs and we saw horses on the paths too."

    "Flush toilets available and a nice nature walk around a lake. The park was a great/affordable base camp for nearby Legoland amusement park."

    7. Oceanside RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Oceanside, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 864-2728

    "Overall liked this rv park, close to town for us to explore all the restaurants close by. Beach is a 5-10 minute walk. Staff was friendly ask for Diana sweetheart."

    "After circling back and now coming from the east, the narrow drive with the street light and curb wasn't enough for us to turn...so backed it up and went to the wider entrance down the street."

    8. Escondido RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 239-5273

    "Location near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking."

    "The site itself is simply stunning, nestled in a peaceful and beautiful location that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway."

    9. Paradise By The Sea RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Oceanside, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 439-1376

    "The campground is situated very close to the beach and has all the amenities to make life easier.  I was very impressed with the level of security at this campground to include day and night patrols,"

    "Love how there was so much to do on the grounds and around.

    They had an indoor rec room with billiards, shuffle board and more.

    Outdoor rec area with corn hole, picnic area and more."

    10. Campland on the Bay

    20 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    17 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 177 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Encinitas, CA

1356 Reviews of 177 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 177 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 4.4-star rating from 77 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.