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Best Campgrounds near La Mesa, CA

1,124 Reviews

Camping options surround La Mesa, California with established campgrounds offering varying levels of amenities and services. Kumeyaay Lake Campground, located in Mission Trails Regional Park, provides tent camping with basic facilities approximately 7 miles north of La Mesa. Several RV-friendly sites including Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, Lake Jennings, and San Diego RV Resort accommodate both tent and RV campers within 10 miles of the city. Many campgrounds in the region feature cabin rentals and glamping options for visitors seeking alternatives to traditional camping.

Campground availability in the La Mesa area follows seasonal patterns, with many sites requiring advance reservations, particularly on weekends. Kumeyaay Lake Campground operates only on Friday and Saturday nights, limiting weekend options for tent campers. "This campground is only open Friday-Sunday. Most of the sites were occupied but didn't feel packed or overcrowded," noted one camper about Kumeyaay Lake. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping. Most established campgrounds provide amenities such as showers, toilets, and drinking water, though specific features vary by location. Campers should verify alcohol policies as some parks, including Kumeyaay Lake Campground, prohibit alcohol consumption on premises.

The camping experience near La Mesa offers urban accessibility while maintaining natural surroundings. Mission Trails Regional Park contains numerous hiking and mountain biking trails directly accessible from Kumeyaay Lake Campground. Several visitors mentioned the clean facilities and family-friendly atmosphere at regional campgrounds. Road noise affects some locations, particularly San Diego RV Resort which sits between freeways. A review observed that "this RV resort is situated between free ways. Road noise is the main issue." Waterfront camping options include Campland on the Bay and Silver Strand State Beach, providing beach access approximately 15-20 miles from La Mesa. Most campgrounds in the region maintain reasonable proximity to urban conveniences while offering adequate natural settings for weekend getaways.

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Best Camping Sites Near La Mesa, California (166)

    1. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    33 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.

    Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California."

    "I’m not sure you’ll find a campground like this anywhere else in California for $29/night with partial hookups. It was quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms could have used some attention."

    2. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    10 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!"

    3. San Diego Metro KOA

    32 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 427-3601

    ".

    + The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.

    + During the week it felt spacious.

    + We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"

    "Walking distance to stores if something is needed."

    4. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    20 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 668-2748

    $24 - $25 / night

    "Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."

    "You are away from the city, but not too far. The facilities were nice and the only scare was the GIGANTIC spider seen outside the bathroom. We'd for sure come pack...the price is right too :$"

    5. Silver Strand State Beach

    23 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 435-5184

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Great choice for camping along the ocean in Southern California."

    "Can’t beat the proximity to the beach! Spots next to the road are loud and the campground is busy with small parking lot style areas, but if you can get a spot backing on to the beach, A+."

    6. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    16 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 596-3141

    "Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."

    "The fishing lakes are and best indoor walking paths are a bonus."

    7. Dos Picos County Park

    34 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    16 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."

    8. Fiddlers Cove RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 522-8680

    "Facilities are immaculate.. adjacent to the marina, so many boats, kayaks and watercraft are available for rent.."

    "Great location, quaint little town. Levels concrete pad, have room to put your stuff. Laundry and close to base."

    9. Campland on the Bay

    21 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 581-4205

    $60 / night

    "It sits next to the bay, which is calmer and the beach. I've seen people jet ski, sail, paddle boat, play beach volleyball, and swim, and there are even bonfire pits on the beach!"

    "We had 4 campsites all next to each other. The camp hosts were all very nice, they drove around quite a bit making sure all was good. For how many sites they have it didn’t seem too crowded."

    10. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay

    12 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 489-3950

    $150 - $280 / night

    "The bay and the marina are within walking distance and there is a restaurant at the marina. There is water electric sewer and cable at each site."

    "Great access to bike trails, close to all that San Diego has to offer."

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Recent Camping Photos near La Mesa, CA

367 Photos of 166 La Mesa Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near La Mesa, CA

1124 Reviews of 166 La Mesa Campgrounds

  • M
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Mission Bay RV Resort

    Trashy park

    Several issues here. First the most obvious the connections are at the front of the space on the drivers side. If you back in you better have 100 feet of hose sewer and power cord. Reservations failed to tell me while on the phone that the power was out but they’re still charging full price. Most of the lots are dusty dirt lots well over half of the park is not in use and in disrepair. There is trash everywhere and the staff could care less if you’re enjoying yourself. Do yourself a favor and spend the 20 extra dollars to stay at Campland Overall a waste of money and beach front property

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Great camp

    Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.

    Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California.

  • Kai K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved The Off-Roading and Beautiful Views

    Loved how much road there was to explore. We went about 2 hours deep into this area and there was still more to explore. The best part here was the stars, so stunning. Be careful in the summer as it is very hot during the day.

  • j
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Henshaw Resort

    My stay review

    This place is pretty. The staff is nice and not too strict. The place can definitely need a lil tlc but for the price per dayits nothing too complain too much. The pool is cool the showers and bathroom are all functional. Wich is a good thing. I was told to pick any spot i liked wich made my stay even better. No hookups at all i had my rv/camper but that was no problem i took my generator. Place is definitely recommended if you're a not too picky person.😉

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    Cool spot

    Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. 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. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Fry Creek Campground

    Loved it

    We absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    Perfect weekend getaway

    This campground is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and we absolutely loved it. There are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things. The rangers even supplied Dr. Bronners Castile soap in each bathroom. We stayed in site number 17 and it was lovely. Each camp site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Online says you can buy firewood but they no longer provide that service, so make sure you bring your own firewood! You can’t swim in the lake, but you can fish and it’s very pleasant to walk around and bird watch. There is so much to do in this urban park, you could spend many days here. P.S. the Mission Trails visitor center is spectacular.

  • Moo
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Oceanside RV Resort

    For tent campers - pretty solid place for a quick couple stays

    First, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.

    For the down sides;

    1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.

    2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.

    3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.

  • D
    Aug. 1, 2025

    San Diego Metro KOA

    Trees are messy but creates shade.

    Spot is nice enough. Neighbors' campfires are 10 ft away from your trailer and makes your camper smell like smoke the whole next day when they start a campfire. Trees drop sticky droppings all over your camper and awning... not to mention your truck and camp site.

Guide to La Mesa

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.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Campers love the easy beach access, with one reviewer saying, “Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean.”
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at William Heise County Park. One visitor mentioned, “The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise.”
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing fun. A camper shared, “The lake was clean with plenty of fish.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One reviewer said, “The stars at night are gorgeous! You can spend hours just staring up at the sky.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor noted, “Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like San Diego Metro KOA are great for families. One camper mentioned, “Great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful campground.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get packed, especially during peak seasons. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, “It is loud, even if it isn’t because your neighbors are on top of you.”
  • Check-in Times: Be aware of strict check-in times at places like Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. One visitor noted, “Very strict check-in time. However, you can tell they are cleaning the sites.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blair Valley Primitive Campground, don’t have water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, “No drinking water, no electric hookups, but it’s a peaceful dispersed campground.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like William Heise County Park that offer playgrounds and spacious sites. One family shared, “The campground was pretty quiet at night. We didn't have any neighbors too close to us.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Lake Jennings said, “There are so many trails to explore with signs throughout.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, “Nice food, great beach and surfing possibilities for the entire family.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like Doheny State Beach Campground are great for larger RVs. One RVer noted, “The outside sites along the edge of the campground are much more spacious.”
  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at San Mateo Campground mentioned, “Upper campground has water and electricity.”
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near highways. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, “You can try to imagine it’s the sound of the water but it doesn’t really work out when it’s off sync with the sound of the waves.”

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 166 campgrounds and RV parks near La Mesa, CA and 13 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 Sweetwater Summit Regional Park with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near La Mesa, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near La Mesa, CA.

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