Escondido sits nestled in the coastal mountain range of San Diego County at approximately 650 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during peak camping season, while winter nights can drop into the 40s. The region's Mediterranean climate creates ideal spring and fall camping conditions, with moderate temperatures and less crowded facilities during these shoulder seasons.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Palomar Mountain State Park Campground, multiple trail systems offer varying difficulty levels. "There are several trails nearby with a great mix of easy and moderate hikes that are easily accessible and clearly marked," notes Michelle C. The trail system includes connections to Doane Pond and observation points overlooking the valley.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Jennings provides accessible fishing without requiring a California state license. "We camp frequently since we live 5mins away. Always enjoy Easter and Halloween with friends and family," shares Monica M. The small pond is regularly stocked, making it ideal for introducing children to fishing.
River recreation: Seasonal water activities are available at La Jolla Indian Campground, particularly during early summer. "Love taking the kids near the end of summer for tubing," explains Monica M. The water levels fluctuate seasonally, so checking conditions before arrival is recommended, as "they had to block up the river because of the algae problem" during certain periods according to Melanie M.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many glamping locations near Escondido feature well-spaced sites. At Dos Picos County Park, "I have only tent camped here and really enjoyed the clean and quiet spot not too far from civilization but feels like in the middle of nowhere," reports Dave L. The park's layout creates natural buffers between camping areas.
Year-round accessibility: The moderate climate allows for Woods Valley Kampground to operate continuously. "I love love love this campsite. It's so beautiful to be covered completely by the trees! It makes me feel like I'm in an actual Forrest and not the middle of San Diego," shares Taylor. The tree canopy provides natural temperature regulation throughout seasons.
Wildlife viewing: Glamping in Escondido offers surprising wildlife encounters. "We enjoyed the scenery and views from our camp location. We were at site 38 and we had a view of Escondido," notes Justin T., though he cautions about "critters heard roaming around campsite at night (either a raccoon or coyote came within 5 feet of our tent while we were sleeping)" - a reminder to secure food properly.
What you should know
Booking requirements: Glamping sites require advance planning. At South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, one reviewer explains "California has its own reservation site now. reservecalifornia.com. You can still see the basics on reserveamerica but can't actually reserve it. The new reservecali site is kind of a dick." Popular weekend dates often book 3-6 months in advance.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat impacts comfort at unshaded sites. "The only thing I would have done differently was go during the cooler months," reports Justin T. Temperatures from July-September regularly exceed 90°F, and sites without shade become uncomfortable during midday.
Wildlife management: Yellow jackets can be problematic at some locations. Justin T. warns of a "BAD yellow jacket problem during this time of month (very aggressive and got into your food/face)" and recommends visitors "DO NOT cook meat during the day because it will attract a lot of wasps."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Structured water recreation provides family entertainment. La Jolla Indian Campground offers seasonal tubing, though conditions vary. "We wanted to stay here for the river tubing for the kids. It seemed like it would be so much fun. Unfortunately they had to block up the river because of the algae problem," notes Melanie M., adding that "the kids liked it. It is a small campground with a paved loop in the RV area so the kids could scooter and bike endlessly during the day."
Child-friendly campground features: Some parks include dedicated play spaces. At Dos Picos County Park, "My kids caught their first fish in the little pond," shares Dave L. The park also includes a playground and open areas for recreation, making it suitable for children of various ages.
Educational opportunities: Introducing children to astronomy is popular when glamping in Escondido. "Palomar Observatory is only 5 miles up the road," mentions Michelle C., allowing families to combine camping with STEM education. Observatory hours vary seasonally, so check schedules before visiting.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When glamping with an RV, researching specific sites helps maximize enjoyment. At San Elijo State Beach, "Street is loud in the mornings - don't recommend the east side," advises Andrew P. Google Earth is recommended by another camper to preview site layouts and shade coverage before booking.
Hookup information: Utility connections vary between locations. At Woods Valley Kampground, one reviewer noted "We stayed for two nights at site 30 with partial hookups. We loved the site and the campground." The campground features both partial and full hookup sites, with different pricing structures for each.
Internet access considerations: Working remotely while glamping is feasible at certain locations. Moriah M. shares that "internet service was great for Verizon. We got 23 Mbps with 3 bars of 4G LTE unboosted, and 69 (!!!) Mbps with 5 bars using a simple MIMO antenna" at Lake Jennings, adding "We live and work in our RV (20' Class B) full time, so this was crucial."
