The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near La Mesa. La Mesa is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near La Mesa, reviewed by campers like you.
For many, once the sun comes out and summer rolls around, it can be hard to resist the urge to get outside and soak up some fun. If you relate, and you just need to unplug for a minute, Carlsbad camping offers some of the state’s best camping sites around. When your work has stacked up and you’re overloaded, it’s time to gather your camping gear, and head to Carlsbad State Beach camping for solitude and relaxation.
This San Diego beach and campground feature camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The campground is especially popular in the summer, thanks to its scenic location which overlooks the picturesque Carlsbad Beach below. Even better, the campground offers direct access to the beach via a set of well-kept stairs. As a result of the popularity, the campground is reservation only, so don’t show up without one or you’ll likely be unable to stay.
When you’re done with the beach, check out the nearby California geography and some of the trails within the park. If the ocean isn’t your thing, a number of Campfire Programs, Junior Ranger Programs, and Nature Walks may be offered. That said, program availability changes with the season, so be sure to check signs posted on the restrooms and at the entrance station regarding park information during your visit.
At night, campers are gently caressed to sleep by the nearby ocean tide, lapping upon its secluded shoreline. There is plenty of privacy throughout, thanks to the large selection of flora and fauna throughout the campground. The campsites themselves are also spacious, with roughly half of them featuring electric hookups. Additionally, All restrooms and shower buildings have accessible facilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the unit Supervising Ranger.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is perfect for campers and individuals who love the ocean and the outdoors. Whether you’re looking surf the rolling waves, or paddle board out and take part in all that the north county coastline has to offer, you’re sure to have fun here.
$50 - $650 / night
Lake Jennings is known for being one of the most scenic parks in all of San Diego County. It is a welcoming recreation destination located in Lakeside, California offering fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities. The lake is a drinking water reservoir owned and operated by Helix Water District. The scenic views of the lake and the wooded surroundings make it feel as if you are in the middle of the wilderness, right outside of town.
Lake Jennings hosts a 97-space campground that is open seven days a week year-round. It’s located on the north side of Lake Jennings, with a variety of spaces available for RVs, Trailers, Campers and Tents. Come on out, take a paddleboat, rowboat or motorboat for the day, and enjoy the beautiful weather! Cozy coves make great picnic spots, so don’t forget your picnic basket.
Lake Jennings offers a great escape for novice or avid fishermen, and is open for shore fishing from the shoreline below the campground. Boat rentals, private boat launching, and fishing from our floating fishing dock is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For your convenience, we have an on-site Bait and Tackle Shop open Friday through Sunday, offering a wide selection of bait, tackle, camping supplies, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Lake Jennings is a great destination for the serious and casual wildlife viewer and photographer. The rolling hills, the endless lake, the coastal sage, and the riparian areas provide a diverse habitat in a small area. Common sightings include deer, fox, and osprey. Bird watchers are equally drawn to Lake Jennings for its rich variety of bird species.
$35 - $140 / night
Wake up to the smell of the ocean air and go to bed beneath a clear sky full of bright stars at one of the best campgrounds in San Diego, California. San Diego Metro KOA Resort is the ideal destination if you're looking for a relaxing vacation with ample opportunities for excitement. We operate year-round and want to help you have the time of your life, whether you're visiting us for a couple of days in the summer or staying with us for a month in the winter.
Visitors to this 500-acre regional park have quite a palette of activities to choose from. Modern campsites sit at the top of the summit, along with a seasonal splash pad, play areas, a 13-station exercise course, rentable picnic areas, a community room, an outdoor amphitheater and fishing at Sweetwater Reservoir.
Hikers, cyclists and equestrians will enjoy 15 miles of trails that meander up and down the hill, through open grasslands and along streamside vegetation boasting spectacular views of the reservoir and this unique urban oasis.
Camper, trailer, and tent camping are all options among 112 sites – many with access to both water and power. Coin-operated showers are available for all campers.
One of the major attractions at the park is the 60-foot pavilion. This covered structure and its kitchen facilities are especially suited for group campers. You’ll also find four 16-foot picnic pavilions, a Campground Amphitheater, a 2,000-square-foot Community Room, and a 13-Station Exercise Course.
An adjacent local park features a lawn area, tot lot, splash park and shaded picnic tables with panoramic views of the countryside.
$34 - $38 / night
$24 - $100 / night
Located on the San Diego Coast, San Elijo Campground offers camping, swimming, surfing, showers and picnicking. The narrow, bluff-backed stretch of sand has a nearby reef popular with snorkelers and divers. A camp store and snack bar located near the campground entrance operates March through December and provides all the amenities a camper may need including some RV supplies, boogie boards, and firewood. This San Elijo camping destination requires reservations for its 171 campsites.
$50 - $520 / night
The Kumeyaay Lake Campground is open for Friday and Saturday night camping. The 46 campsites are available for reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis and the is $22.66 per night. On the reservation website page, go to the "Location" drop-down menu at the top of the page and select Kumeyaay Lake Campground. All cancellations must be made 14 days in advance.
$24 - $25 / night
Silver Strand Camping is available for self-contained recreational vehicles, motorhomes, or trailers only, per Coastal Commission regulations. Minimum requirement is a built in sink with an enclosed drain system, and a portable toilet with holding tank. Vehicles not meeting the minimum requirements will be turned away. Day Use Lot #3 is now available for campground extra vehicle parking. Have more space in your site! Special Rules and Pricing apply. Rate is $20 per night. Contact the park for detailed information.
$65 - $85 / night
Situated 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks along the northern extremity of the Laguna Mountain Range, this 929-acre park is one of the few San Diego county parks to get snowfall each year.
Forests of oak, pine, and cedar surround peaceful mountain meadows and provide an undisturbed setting for nearly 11 miles of scenic hiking and equestrian trails. Mule deer and wild turkey are frequently seen throughout the park, and rare residents include bobcats and mountain lions.
Though its forest may seem timeless, each season brings dramatic changes: from winter snowfall to spring wildflowers, there is always something new to experience at Heise.
In addition to trails, you can take advantage of cabins, trailer sites, individual tent sites, and a group-tent camping area, along with several playgrounds, restrooms with coin-operated showers and ample picnic spaces. Rangers-lead activities every weekend, and the park office with a small museum is open during the day or by appointment. This park makes a gorgeous setting for weddings and special events!
$24 - $34 / night
Join the fun and come experience Campland on the Bay®, San Diego’s favorite campground. Offering waterfront RV and tent camping for over 50 years, Campland serves up family-friendly fun, a lively camping environment and a wide range of amenities and activities.
Many of our campers come back year after year, bringing generations together to create memorable experiences. Offering a wide range of amenities, there is something for everyone.
Located on the shores of Mission Bay, guests love the one-of-a-kind recreational opportunities Campland provides.
Tents are welcome at Campland on the Bay. We only allow tents in areas with enough ground/dirt areas to stake a tent on. The best area for tent camping is the Limited Section as there are more trees and sites suited for tent camping. J Row is popular for tent campers. There are also a few sites in the O section.
Tents are not allowed in I and Q sections as well as the K row.
$60 / night
For many, once the sun comes out and summer rolls around, it can be hard to resist the urge to get outside and soak up some fun. If you relate, and you just need to unplug for a minute, Carlsbad camping offers some of the state’s best camping sites around. When your work has stacked up and you’re overloaded, it’s time to gather your camping gear, and head to Carlsbad State Beach camping for solitude and relaxation.
This San Diego beach and campground feature camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The campground is especially popular in the summer, thanks to its scenic location which overlooks the picturesque Carlsbad Beach below. Even better, the campground offers direct access to the beach via a set of well-kept stairs. As a result of the popularity, the campground is reservation only, so don’t show up without one or you’ll likely be unable to stay.
When you’re done with the beach, check out the nearby California geography and some of the trails within the park. If the ocean isn’t your thing, a number of Campfire Programs, Junior Ranger Programs, and Nature Walks may be offered. That said, program availability changes with the season, so be sure to check signs posted on the restrooms and at the entrance station regarding park information during your visit.
At night, campers are gently caressed to sleep by the nearby ocean tide, lapping upon its secluded shoreline. There is plenty of privacy throughout, thanks to the large selection of flora and fauna throughout the campground. The campsites themselves are also spacious, with roughly half of them featuring electric hookups. Additionally, All restrooms and shower buildings have accessible facilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the unit Supervising Ranger.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is perfect for campers and individuals who love the ocean and the outdoors. Whether you’re looking surf the rolling waves, or paddle board out and take part in all that the north county coastline has to offer, you’re sure to have fun here.
$50 - $650 / night
Lake Jennings is known for being one of the most scenic parks in all of San Diego County. It is a welcoming recreation destination located in Lakeside, California offering fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities. The lake is a drinking water reservoir owned and operated by Helix Water District. The scenic views of the lake and the wooded surroundings make it feel as if you are in the middle of the wilderness, right outside of town.
Lake Jennings hosts a 97-space campground that is open seven days a week year-round. It’s located on the north side of Lake Jennings, with a variety of spaces available for RVs, Trailers, Campers and Tents. Come on out, take a paddleboat, rowboat or motorboat for the day, and enjoy the beautiful weather! Cozy coves make great picnic spots, so don’t forget your picnic basket.
Lake Jennings offers a great escape for novice or avid fishermen, and is open for shore fishing from the shoreline below the campground. Boat rentals, private boat launching, and fishing from our floating fishing dock is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For your convenience, we have an on-site Bait and Tackle Shop open Friday through Sunday, offering a wide selection of bait, tackle, camping supplies, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Lake Jennings is a great destination for the serious and casual wildlife viewer and photographer. The rolling hills, the endless lake, the coastal sage, and the riparian areas provide a diverse habitat in a small area. Common sightings include deer, fox, and osprey. Bird watchers are equally drawn to Lake Jennings for its rich variety of bird species.
$35 - $140 / night
Wake up to the smell of the ocean air and go to bed beneath a clear sky full of bright stars at one of the best campgrounds in San Diego, California. San Diego Metro KOA Resort is the ideal destination if you're looking for a relaxing vacation with ample opportunities for excitement. We operate year-round and want to help you have the time of your life, whether you're visiting us for a couple of days in the summer or staying with us for a month in the winter.
Visitors to this 500-acre regional park have quite a palette of activities to choose from. Modern campsites sit at the top of the summit, along with a seasonal splash pad, play areas, a 13-station exercise course, rentable picnic areas, a community room, an outdoor amphitheater and fishing at Sweetwater Reservoir.
Hikers, cyclists and equestrians will enjoy 15 miles of trails that meander up and down the hill, through open grasslands and along streamside vegetation boasting spectacular views of the reservoir and this unique urban oasis.
Camper, trailer, and tent camping are all options among 112 sites – many with access to both water and power. Coin-operated showers are available for all campers.
One of the major attractions at the park is the 60-foot pavilion. This covered structure and its kitchen facilities are especially suited for group campers. You’ll also find four 16-foot picnic pavilions, a Campground Amphitheater, a 2,000-square-foot Community Room, and a 13-Station Exercise Course.
An adjacent local park features a lawn area, tot lot, splash park and shaded picnic tables with panoramic views of the countryside.
$34 - $38 / night
$24 - $100 / night
Located on the San Diego Coast, San Elijo Campground offers camping, swimming, surfing, showers and picnicking. The narrow, bluff-backed stretch of sand has a nearby reef popular with snorkelers and divers. A camp store and snack bar located near the campground entrance operates March through December and provides all the amenities a camper may need including some RV supplies, boogie boards, and firewood. This San Elijo camping destination requires reservations for its 171 campsites.
$50 - $520 / night
Scout
Stayed there for one month. Used generator intermittently during the non-quiet hours and neighbors were complaining. Instead of talking to us they when straight to the office like 12 year old tattletales to complain. Manager asked to come by and talk with her but was unable to come that day due to work schedule so I intended to talk with her the following day except when I got home they had left a letter on our RV telling us to leave at the end of our stay and never come back. Mind you this RV park is right next to I-8 and is extremely noisy throughout most of the day and night but an onboard generator during the daytime hours were just to much to bear…got it!
The laundry mat is $5 per load and several people have had their belongings stolen; at one time it was their own security guard who doing the stealing - you can’t make this stuff up. On the elite side there is a creek that runs through and is eroding the ground at the edge of the road and almost floods the park during rainy season. There’s too many reasons to NOT recommend this place. Take your hard earned money elsewhere.
Scout
This place is a jewel, and if you live in San Diego, right in your backyard! Rangers are super helpful and friendly, the campground is clean and quiet, and the setting is beautiful. There’s a tranquil pond, nice hiking trails, places for kids to play…. Just a fantastic option close to home for locals and well worth consideration for visitors to the area.
Scout
I followed the coordinates provided and it took us right to the trailhead. We saw a few other campers but overall, the campground was ours for the weekend. We did some light hiking and exploring but otherwise took advantage of the peace and quiet that was available to us. Gorgeous sunsets and sunrises and epic star gazing! Being a dark sky community, we were able to see so many stars and constellations. We saw shooting stars nearly every minute and we were also able to find Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all with the naked eye! Next time we will pack a small telescope and I'm sure we will see more!
Watch out for cactus and needles that are buried in the sand. It is not recommended to bring dogs or walk barefoot for this reason. Our sandals and boots both had many needles stuck in the rubber soles after the trip. Being in the valley, the winds were very light but there is a possibility of strong winds and sand storms so be prepared. Temps averaged 70-75 during the day and dropped to 38-42 at night but with a small fire and proper gear, we were plenty comfortable. Fire rings are provided at some locations however the ranger informed us we could build a rock ring and line it with tin foil which worked great.
The road in was a bit rough in some areas. Wash out and silty sand could pose problems for smaller vehicles or campers so use your best judgement. Single track roads in/out so you will need to yield off the main road when encountering larger oncoming vehicles, which could also be difficult for inexperienced offroad drivers.
Guide
Campsites are right on top of each other. Highway is breathing down your neck. Beach is nice though.
Traveler
We went in October with our AHG group. It was great and super dog friendly but WOW so much dirt created so much dust in the air and it got on everyone and everything. With that being said… TONS to do! Such beautiful sights to see! The drive up was amazing. They had plenty of water to wash and drink with a lot of bathrooms as well.
You can walk trails, stargaze, take your bikes around and so much more!
Traveler
I brought my family with our 2 dogs for Thanksgiving and unfortunately we left early because it was a major danger for our dogs with the very bold and brave coyotes.
We tent camped but I feel like if we had an RV it would have been safer for the dogs.. for us alone with out the dogs, tent camping would have been fine!
Other than that. BEAUTIFUL!!! We loved every single moment from the colorful drive up to the stars and checking out the observatory which was also pet friendly. It’s SO FUN to see all the different color leaves and the sunsets, the sunrises, the crisp air, the views on the way up….all of it was so beautiful.
Guide
Just spent two weeks here including thanksgiving holiday. we watched this park fill to capacity the day before the holiday. We liked it better when there were a few empty spaces. It’s just how it is at RV parks like this-not much room. BUT- go out the locked gate at the back of the grounds, walk thru a park and across a (not too busy) street and there is the Pacific Ocean. The beach was hit hard by storms over the past year apparently and much sand has washed away. Leaving most of the beach covered in a thick layer of smooth river stones. Not easy to keep your balance on but doesnt hinder your walk to the surf too badly. We have loved our time here walking on the beach with our dog. This RV park is clean, has amenities like community room pool hot tub outdoor gathering area with tables with propane fireplace built in. It is also pretty expensive.
Traveler
We stayed here multiple times to car camp and have stayed in sites 3, 6, and 28. We really enjoyed site 28 due to the spectacular views of Escondido. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because their can be some creepy people occasionally like some old guy was following my son in his car. But other than that we had a good stay. If you are in a camper I would recommend Escondido RV resort instead due to the more inviting feel (we stayed there in our Coleman travel trailer). But if you car camp a lot like myself I would recommend staying here at Dixon lake. Great stay overall👍😊
Traveler
Great North County location... Close to Legoland and the beach.
Scout
I would like to emphasize that the implementation of natural language processing(NLP) technologies https://lightpointglobal.com/services/data-analytics/data-science/nlp-services can significantly improve customer interactions. With the help of solutions such as chatbots and virtual assistants, you can automate answers to frequently asked questions and provide round-the-clock support, which will increase customer satisfaction. NLP also allows you to analyze guest reviews, determine their mood and extract valuable insights from open data, which will help in further development and adaptation of services. Language translation capabilities expand accessibility to an international audience. Thus, integrating NLP into software allows you to improve user experience and increase the efficiency of business processes.
ScoutI have never had a bad experience at a camp ground with any ranger. They have all been wonderful. Not at this park. My registration tags went to my home so I did not have current tags. I had to have a family member collect my mail and forward to me on my travels so it was delayed. I did have a receipt which I was required to provide. However, the ranger barged into my campsite in a huff, treated me as if I were vomiting a crime and demanded my receipt on the spot in front of all. It was quite over the top. Later the same man barged back into my campsite throwing accusations at me that I hadn’t paid my measly $4.00 parking fee and breaking the rules of the park. He had the nerve to argue with me after I explained that in fact I had paid. He backed down after realizing I had. He then returned to harass us for the kids using chalk. There were kids from several campsites using chalk. We apologized and made them clean it up, no big deal. But the ranger was didn’t simply ask for it to be cleaned. He was threatening and confrontational. I dealt with one other ranger here who was quite nice and helpful but this other was awful. I discovered I was not the only one to have this experience here. I would recommend Sweetwater or Lake Jennings in San Diego area or Aqua Caliente where they are quite friendly. Yikes this was horrible
Scout
Wow, Highland Valley is beautiful! This is a great place to camp your RV - especially if you love the farm vibe. We stayed in the front spot, up against the property line, which felt private.
Traveler
This is a very nice and quiet campground and everyone there was very respectful of quite hours. The place was very clean and very beautiful. The only con was that there are way too many insects everywhere, My base camp got bombarded with a swarm of wasps, And I was forced to leave a day early, and had to leave my cooking pot behind because of the swarm of wasps... I wish there were some kind of rangers or someone there that I could have asked for help about this, or I wish someone would do something about this issue but I guess it is what it is at this location lol 😆 Other than not being able to cook and eat without wasps in your face and In your food, it was really nice
Scout
Let's start off with the fact that this"resort" has REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS living there and TWEAKERS SELLING DRUGS. When I mentioned it to the management they could care less, didn't say a word and walked away laughing. They DO NOT perform ANY BACKGROUND CHECKS and especially with children in the park I find that very disturbing. They nickel and dime you for every little thing and the rent has gone up 3x in one year. The water supply smells like sewage when you take a shower. Because they do pump outs the resort smells like human excrement most of the time. The lakes are polluted as well and completely full of cyanobacteria AKA green algae which is a respiratory hazard. POTENTIAL BEWARE.
Scout
Quite easy to get to. I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road).
There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed. Luckily just gnats and no mosquitoes from what we experienced.
We applied for a permit on Friday and did not get it by Saturday when we departed. Luckily, no rangers patrolled during our stay.
Some spots with good shade.
Traveler
Overpriced for a dirt spot, no ocean view at all. Ocean view sites full of expensive RVs that can afford the price. No market or cantina, for those you have to walk to Campland, not a short walk. Should've just stayed at Campland
Traveler
This RV park has huge potential but they need to get rid of permanent dwellers that have let their property decay. Junk cars, nobody seems to follow the rules, and rat problem.
TravelerA great spot if you want to get away and enjoy some alone time. It’s a little warm in the day in august this time of year so you can’t hike around or explore too much. My girlfriend and I stopped in Julian on our way out to get a late lunch and then head to the campsite. The road is paved until you turn off Lone Creek Road and then it is a dirt road. I have a stock Rav4 and it was able to drive on it although there are a few spots you need to be careful at so you don’t scrape the bottom of your car. We only spent one night but we never saw another person during our stay
Traveler
The scenery is incredible and varied from deeply forested to open meadow. There are miles of hiking trails. The campground layout is nice and for many of the loops it is possible to find a site that feels separated from your fellow campers. This place fills up during the weekends in the spring through fall seasons, so book sites early on recreation.gov. As implied by my title, there are no hookups here so any RV camping is dry camping. For RVs with a good solar array, it is possible to find open spots that keep the energy flowing throughout the day. There is one loop dedicated to longer RVs. As a personal note, I don't recommend Site 62 for RV camping - it is angled and has some erosion issues coming off of the asphalt pad. I have been to this campground several times as both a tent camper and an RV camper and have not had any problems with cleanliness of the facilities or excessively noisy neighbors.
Traveler
People are complaining about freeway noise, we stayed in site 3 (the closest site to the freeway) and it was quiet as a mouse from inside our (insulated) RV. Amazing amenities. Dog park, pool, clubhouse. We loved site 3 so close to the amenities and restrooms. Overall amazing stay
Traveler
havent stayed there but have visited family there and its a cute little mobile home park :)
GuideThis place is nice, clean and quiet with newer RVs. It’s only a few miles off 78, about 10-15 miles from Carlsbad beach and the same distance to Escondido. We are long-time San Diego residents living out of state and came home to visit family. This is not a park like private site setting. It’s an RV parking lot with sewer and water hook-ups. If you want a location and North County works for you, this is a good place. There are two mobile homes but the RVs are all newer. Sites are narrow and close together, but this is the city in San Diego, not a spacious national park! Bathrooms in pool area are clean.
TravelerPeaceful dispersed campground. Wide open great views. Didn’t even know I had neighbors until I walked around in the morning and saw neighboring campers over the hill. Clear skies when I went back in November, could get pretty windy. Saw some coyotes pass by my camp.
Scout
My fiancé and I were last minute camping and this campground was beautiful, quiet, and very aesthetic! 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!! Ps isn’t that expensive when tent camping ⛺️ 🙌🏻
Guide
Nice little site that is right in the middle of everything.
It's crowded and you don't have much space, but if your using this instead of a hotel room it works great.
It had a game room and pool so kids had something to do. There were families all over with kids riding bikes. We had a quick stay over while we were seeing family in the area and it worked great .
Only issue we had is both entrances have a hell of a dip, we scraped the ass end real good going in and out with our 24ft class c.
Scout
Great rv resort. Close proximity to casino.
Scout
Pretty small spot off the road, does get kind of loud from cars but overall a decent and clean spots
Camping near La Mesa, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beachside escape or a serene mountain retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near La Mesa, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near La Mesa, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, La Mesa, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 155 campgrounds and RV parks near La Mesa, CA and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near La Mesa, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near La Mesa, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 74 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near La Mesa, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near La Mesa, CA.
What parks are near La Mesa, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near La Mesa, CA that allow camping, notably Cleveland National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest.
