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Best Campgrounds near Julian, CA

1,435 Reviews

Julian, California has deep gold mining history and good camping spots nearby. Blair Valley Primitive Campground in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is known for its dark skies, making it great for seeing stars at night. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground gives you access to a trail that leads to natural California Fan Palms. Both camping areas are pretty basic with few facilities. You won't find water at these sites, so you need to bring plenty with you. The toilets are minimal and there aren't showers at these primitive campgrounds. Watch out for wildlife including mountain lions - store your food properly. Fall and spring are the best seasons to visit since summer gets extremely hot. Winter camping requires warm gear as desert nights get cold. Some camping areas need high-clearance vehicles to reach, especially after it rains. You can hike on various trails that start right from the campgrounds. Make sure to check if any areas are closed before you head out there.

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Best Camping Sites Near Julian, California (271)

    1. William Heise County Park

    46 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-0650

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Nice campground away from the main roads. All spots outside of the R.V. loop are spread out and pretty secluded. Very friendly and helpful rangers. About a 10 minute drive from Julian pie co."

    "We stayed in spot 34 close to bathrooms, has partial shade, picnic table and fire pit. Also has hooks ups for campers. It’s a Great spot with decent privacy. Good flat spot for a tents also."

    2. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    35 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "Just outside of Julian which is a charming little town.

    Decent for some seclusion/isloation as the road through is winding.

    When in early January. 65-70 during the day. ~45 at night."

    "Blair Valley is at the base of Julian... no not Ramona the other direction."

    3. Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    23 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-3023

    $40 - $250 / night

    "There's some hiking trails that aren't dog friendly. Cuyamaca lake, Anza Borrego, and Julian are nearby to explore."

    "Didn’t know that this type of camping (actual woods) existed this close to San Diego."

    4. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    31 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-5311

    $35 - $125 / night

    "Activities: numerous hiking trails, accessible from the campground. The most popular one is the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail which leads to the oasis of California Fan Palms."

    "Very clean, well-maintained, and nice location. Very strict check-in time. However, you can tell they are cleaning the sites and making sure the sites are in order."

    5. Lake Cuyamaca Recreation and Park District

    11 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-0515

    $32 - $45 / night

    "Located at Lake Cuyamaca in Julian. Gorgeous views of the lake!!!! Picnic area, tent camping sites, and also cabins and condos as well."

    "Proximity to the lake was great for the kids. The view was also amazing. Bathrooms were clean but lots of bugs (but expected). No showers on this West Shore section of the campground."

    6. Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    16 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 465-3020

    $40 / night

    "Wild turkeys roam around the campground. There are trailheads in the campground along with plenty of nearby trails."

    "Close to Julian, CA about 10-15 minutes. We camped during Veteran’s day weekend. The terrain of the campground is ideal for kids. Trees, hills, and large rocks for the kids to climb on."

    7. El Prado Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-2082

    $35 / night

    "It is a big, big campground that is wooded and adjacent a large meadow, recreational area and lake (when not dried out, drought sucks)."

    "This is the closest campground to the lakes. Just a couple steps away from the beautiful meadow it overlooks. Lots of trees for hammocking!!"

    8. Culp Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    17 Reviews
    Ranchita, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "I’ve hit bottom coming out of California business driveways more often.

    It’s located well up the mountain from Borrego Springs on a scenic highway."

    "The ground is sand and rock, and outside of clean vault toilets there are no amenities. We had a decent spot with three tents set up and brought our own fire ring."

    9. KQ Ranch Resort

    9 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-2771

    "Membership costs us around $2000 And have access to / 3000 different camp sites nationwide At any time of the year a drop of a dime essentially"

    "Great location and beautiful scenery in the mountains. The resort has lost of activities to participate in. Also, great hiking trails."

    10. Burnt Rancheria Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-0120

    $35 / night

    "I love this campground because it's woodsy and close to home.  You get that far away feel without being too far away. "

    "We had hosts that were helpful, friendly, the restrooms were stocked/clean, they brought firewood around, and were just good people."

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Recent Camping Photos near Julian, CA

436 Photos of 271 Julian Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Julian, CA

1435 Reviews of 271 Julian Campgrounds

Guide to Julian

Camping near Julian, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something to suit your needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One reviewer said, "The Palm Canyon trail starts from the campground - no need to drive to the trailhead, and it is a hike worth doing."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in the area make for great stargazing. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground noted, "The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground said, "Flush toilets, bathrooms, well lit, and warm showers."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. One camper shared, "The ladies at the front are always so incredibly sweet!" at Lake Jennings.
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy the roomy campsites. A review for Lake Jennings stated, "Spaces are good size and plenty of room in between the next site."

What you should know:

  • Busy during peak times: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "It is super busy, a lot of people around."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blair Valley Primitive Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No facilities but good cell service."
  • Check-in times: Be aware of strict check-in times at some campgrounds. One reviewer at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground mentioned, "Very strict check-in time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Lake Jennings, which has a playground and plenty of space for kids to play. A visitor 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 to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground suggested, "Bring your bikes. There’s also a trailhead to the oasis right in the campground."
  • Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and keep everyone happy. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground advised, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site you choose. 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."
  • Look for full hookups: If you need amenities, opt for campgrounds like Lake Jennings that offer full hookups. A visitor noted, "There are areas that are full hookup, partial hookup, no hookup, tent only areas, and group camping."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy times. A camper at San Diego Metro KOA mentioned, "The area around the campground doesn’t leave one feeling particularly safe."

Camping near Julian, California, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Julian, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Julian, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 271 campgrounds and RV parks near Julian, CA and 30 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Julian, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Julian, CA is William Heise County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 46 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Julian, CA.

What parks are near Julian, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Julian, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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