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Best Campgrounds near Escondido, CA

1,640 Reviews

Camping options around Escondido, California range from developed facilities to more rustic experiences within a short drive of the city. Dixon Lake Campground, located within city limits, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with views overlooking the lake and city lights. Several miles south, Dos Picos County Park provides similar amenities in a more secluded setting. The area's campgrounds typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, with most sites accommodating both tent and RV camping.

Reservations are strongly recommended for all developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during spring and summer weekends when facilities often reach capacity. The climate remains mild year-round, making camping possible in all seasons, though summer temperatures can exceed 90°F. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean restroom facilities and showers, with varying levels of hookups for RVs. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, even at more remote sites. A camper at Dixon Lake noted, "This is one of my favorite campgrounds in San Diego County. The campground is located within the city of Escondido but you feel you are not in the city."

Campers frequently mention the contrast between urban proximity and natural settings as a key advantage of the area's campgrounds. Dixon Lake sites positioned along the ridge offer particularly popular views of both the lake and city lights at night. Wildlife sightings, including raccoons and coyotes, are common at campgrounds throughout the region. Visitors should secure food properly, especially during warmer months when yellow jackets can be problematic at some sites. Several campgrounds in the area serve as convenient baselines for day trips to nearby attractions, including beaches approximately 30 minutes west or mountain hiking trails to the east. As one visitor described their experience at Dixon Lake, "A gem so close to home! This was a perfect place to get away that's not a far drive."

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Best Camping Sites Near Escondido, California (276)

    1. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

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

    $50 - $650 / night

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    "One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"

    2. Dixon Lake Campground

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

    $39 - $50 / night

    "We really enjoyed site 28 due to the spectacular views of Escondido."

    "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."

    3. Dos Picos County Park

    34 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    12 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."

    4. San Elijo State Beach Campground

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

    $50 - $520 / night

    "If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."

    "It's classic California beach camping. Spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground. That said, the beach is great, and the river mouth is great for surfing."

    5. Escondido RV Resort

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

    "I recently had the pleasure of staying at Escondido RV Resort and I can confidently say it was a fantastic experience."

    "Escondido was there for us when all the other parks weren't. I was so happy they could fit us in without reservations, especially during the fourth of July."

    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. Woods Valley Kampground

    8 Reviews
    Valley Center, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 749-2905

    "My family owns a 1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia since 2020 and use The Dyrt to find hidden gems near our home for weekend camping."

    "There is a lot to do near by, a very convenient store about 5-10 minutes away called valley center foods! Employees were sooo sweet and friendly! DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!"

    8. La Jolla Indian Campground

    20 Reviews
    Palomar Mountain, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 742-1297

    $40 - $120 / night

    "You can camp next to it as well and get in! It’s $35 per car they do have military discount. The total of $32 with discount. They also have porta potties every few 500 feet."

    "The spot we initially reserved was located on the little river, but once we got there, we realized we were a little too packed in with the rest of the visitors, so we requested to move to a more open spot"

    9. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    21 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!"

    10. Del Mar Beach Cottages

    10 Reviews
    Encinitas, CA
    12 miles
    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!"

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1640 Reviews of 276 Escondido Campgrounds

Guide to Escondido

Camping near Escondido, California, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning views and plenty of activities, it’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. Campers love the convenience of walking right to the ocean. One reviewer mentioned, “Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean.”
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. For instance, San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach is close to great biking paths along the coast. A visitor noted, “Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes.”
  • Fishing: Lake Jennings is a popular spot for fishing. One happy camper shared, “The lake is clean with plenty of fish. I will definitely stay again in the future.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at places like Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A reviewer said, “Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as William Heise County Park, are praised for their cleanliness. One visitor mentioned, “The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly and helpful.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Hemet Campground are great for families. 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. For example, San Clemente State Beach Campground can feel packed. One camper said, “It is loud, even if it isn’t because your neighbors are on top of you.”
  • Limited Privacy: Campers at Doheny State Beach Campground noted that sites can be close together. A visitor shared, “The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy.”
  • Noise Levels: Some areas, like Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, can be noisy. One camper mentioned, “There was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Jennings that offer playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer said, “The campground had a ton of bonuses, close to town if you need things but far enough away to feel the full camping experience.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. Campers at San Elijo State Beach Campground enjoyed nearby restaurants and shops. One camper noted, “Really fun campground, right along the beach, and right across the street from plenty of places to eat and shop.”
  • Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, “Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. Campers at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted that some sites are spacious, while others are not. One reviewer said, “The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you’re visiting popular spots like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, expect busy conditions. A camper mentioned, “It can get very crowded and packed.”
  • Know Your Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Doheny State Beach Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor noted, “No free showers, half of the showers aren’t operating.”

Camping near Escondido, CA, has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for beach access, family fun, or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Escondido, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Escondido, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 276 campgrounds and RV parks near Escondido, CA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Escondido, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Escondido, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 77 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Escondido, CA.

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