Best Campgrounds near La Mesa, CA

Several camping spots can be reached from La Mesa in California, with Blair Valley Primitive Campground being a good choice for campers who don't mind basic facilities. This spot in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has no modern amenities but gives you plenty of space away from crowds. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, also in Anza-Borrego, has more developed sites and puts you close to hiking trails and palm groves. You'll see many desert plants and birds at both places. Try to plan your trip between October and April when it's not so hot - summer temperatures can make camping tough even for experienced people. Make sure you store food properly since wildlife comes around looking for meals. You'll need a vehicle with good clearance to get to Blair Valley because of the rough roads, while regular cars can reach Borrego Palm Canyon without problems. Both places give you different ways to see the desert landscape. The primitive setting of Blair Valley works for some campers, while others prefer the easier access of Borrego Palm Canyon. Always check if there are any closures before you head out. With some preparation, camping near La Mesa can go smoothly.

Best Camping Sites Near La Mesa, California (160)

    1. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

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

    $34 - $38 / night

    "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."

    "The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic, even a large event room."

    2. Lake Jennings

    32 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

    31 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

    19 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

    22 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

    15 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."

    "Kids loved the convenient fishing right behind our trailer and the swimming pools a short drive away. Also was able to rent paddle boats to cruise around the lakes."

    7. Dos Picos County Park

    33 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

    17 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.."

    "Easy access to all of San Diego"

    9. Campland on the Bay

    20 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 Reviews near La Mesa, CA

1095 Reviews of 160 La Mesa Campgrounds



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 160 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 31 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.

What parks are near La Mesa, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near La Mesa, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.