Dixon Lake Campground provides year-round glamping options near Fallbrook with both tent cabins and more developed accommodations. Located about 20 minutes from Fallbrook at 1,100 feet elevation, the area offers cooler summer temperatures than coastal locations. Winter temperatures can drop into the 40s at night while summer daytime temperatures often reach the 90s, requiring appropriate seasonal preparation.
What to do
Hiking at Palomar Mountain: The trail system at Palomar Mountain State Park Campground offers options for all skill levels in a mountain forest setting. As one visitor notes, "Plenty of trails to hike and all easily accessible. Nice weather not too hot in the summer." Another camper mentioned, "There are several trails nearby with a great mix of easy and moderate hikes that are easily accessible and clearly marked."
Fishing opportunities: Dixon Lake Campground is stocked with fish throughout the year. One camper points out, "Big fish in this lake. Warning: Beware the Poison Oak. If you're hitting the trails or fishing the bank, there's a lot of it." The lake requires a special permit: "Just the lake permit of $7 per adult. No CA fishing license needed!"
Beach activities: At South Carlsbad State Beach, campers can access the beach via stairs from bluff-top sites. A camper explains, "The sand is perfect. The waves consistent. The water warmer than normal, which probably isn't a good thing in the long run, but it feels like the Caribbean Sea right now." The beach location makes it popular despite the basic amenities.
What campers like
Private campsites: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park offers secluded sites with natural barriers. As one visitor describes, "Plenty of trees to segment the sites, so even though the neighbors are 30' ish away... you are quite secluded." Another camper mentioned, "The campsite was nice, shady with benches, a picnic table plus a fire pit."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Lake Skinner Recreation Area. A visitor noted, "The campground is super clean," while another mentioned, "Nice relaxing weekend get away, most of the full hook up spots are next to nice grass areas." The splash pad is especially popular during hot months.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Fallbrook, California, Oceanside RV Resort offers yurt accommodations just 30 minutes from Fallbrook. As one camper described, "It's a newer retro campground with spots for RV's, tents, cabins and yurts. There are a lot of options and facilities with showers, bathrooms and laundry."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Most beach campgrounds require booking 6 months in advance, especially for summer. At San Elijo State Beach Campground, "The worst part is trying to get a spot secured." Another camper advises, "Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground."
Wildlife considerations: Prepare for encounters with local wildlife at many campgrounds. At Dixon Lake, "We got one of the tent sights and ended up about 25 feet away from a raccoons nest they are very bold and will try to get your food right in front of you." Yellow jackets can also be problematic during summer months.
Noise factors: Highway and train noise affects several coastal campgrounds. At San Elijo, "Campground is situated next to the highway and train tracks. No shade." And at South Carlsbad: "Highway is breathing down your neck. Beach is nice though."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Lake Skinner Recreation Area has water features specifically for families: "Great place to getaway with family. It's family friendly, great flat biking for kids, large dirt area used for parking during the Balloon and Wine festival that kids can play on and ride bikes in. Splash pad open during the summer which is great for kids and adults alike."
Educational opportunities: Palomar Mountain offers star-gazing opportunities with its proximity to the observatory. One visitor recommends: "If you have a telescope would recommend you bring it." The park also offers nature programs: "On Saturdays there's a nature walk."
Safety considerations: Be aware of environmental hazards like poison oak and steep trail access. At Caspers Wilderness Park, signs warn "you are now in mountain lion territory." At Dixon Lake, a camper advises families to "Keep a light on over night at camp to deter critters."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At San Elijo, RVers should note: "Don't feel like you missed anything if you can't get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park." For better privacy at South Carlsbad, "The far south end of the camp has the most shade/privacy brush, and only has sites on the ocean side so you'll have far more privacy."
Full hookup availability: Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach offers basic camping with no hookups but has a dump station for RVs. "There are no hookups but you can use a generator. We were surrounded by tent campers with 15 people in a site who partied all night yet complained when we used our generator during generator hours."
Practical considerations: Many RVers recommend bringing surge protectors and water filters. For campgrounds with limited hookups, generator hours are strictly enforced. One RVer noted, "Sites are on sand, have a picnic table and a fire pit...and that's about it. If you're lucky, we weren't, you'll have some shade or privacy to one direction or another."
