D
David S.
Scout
ScoutKQ Ranch Resort
Great staff lots of things to do
Glamping near La Mesa, CA
4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve and San Diego Metro KOA host upscale glamping accommodations near La Mesa, combining urban convenience with outdoor luxury. Both locations feature climate-controlled yurts and deluxe canvas accommodations equipped with comfortable beds, electricity, and private outdoor spaces. One guest shared, "This place is AWESOME! Very clean and quiet. Internet and cable worked great." The Preserve's glamping sites offer lakefront views where visitors can fish directly from their private decks, while KOA's luxury tent options include full linens, kitchenettes, and access to the heated pool and hot tub facilities for a resort-like experience.
Several miles from downtown, these eco-friendly glamping destinations serve as perfect basecamps for San Diego exploration while providing on-site recreation. The Preserve maintains seven interconnected lakes with paddle boat rentals, bird watching, and fishing opportunities. According to a camper, "Beautiful preserve yet close to amenities. If you like bird watching and/or fishing you can do both right from your campsite." San Diego Metro KOA supplements its luxury accommodations with family-focused amenities including organized activities, bike rentals, and a café serving fresh meals. Both locations maintain stringent cleanliness standards and offer delivery services like firewood brought directly to accommodations. Reservations should be made 6-8 months in advance for premium glamping campsites, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near La Mesa (40)
1. Lake Jennings
"Lake Jennings Campground is a great campsite tucked away in Lakeside, CA. There are a good amount of campsites, and plenty with great views of the lake (“Preferred View” sites)."
"We took our 28-foot travel trailer and two young kids (ages 5 & 8) for a long weekend at Lake Jennings Campground in Lakeside, CA — and it was a fantastic quick escape."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $140 / night
2. San Diego Metro KOA
"Heated pool, jacuzzi, bike rentals, and more. They loan you fire pits if you don’t have one. And deliver wood to your site. There is even a cafe if you don’t feel like firing up the grill."
"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."
3. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
"Pool, showers, laundry on site. Water , sewer and electrical on site."
"Set up our 16’ travel trailer at a lakeshore full hookup site #27 (no fire pit though). Kids loved the convenient fishing right behind our trailer and the swimming pools a short drive away."
4. Dos Picos County Park
"Pets welcome. Fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Tent camping available as well."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $24 - $100 / night
5. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
"South Carlsbad is another Cali jem set up on a bluff overlooking the pacific. It is long and thin so it has a nice thinly populated feel. All bathrooms are clean."
"The breeze kept the bugs and beach heat at bay. Bathrooms were fairly clean and non-pottable water spickets also available for rinsing after the beach visit."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 - $650 / night
6. Thousand Trails Pio Pico
"Heck, someone even built a track for RC cars to race on, and there is a laundry center as well. Showers were nice and warm, and not coin operated - a rarity given the water droughts around CA."
"Locations near Jamul Casino. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups sites. Fill propano available. Spot are very big. The pool and kid playground are great."
7. San Elijo State Beach Campground
"If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."
"Some sites are: big, medium and small; right next to each and a little distance; and beach side or inland."
1 Site AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $50 - $520 / night
8. William Heise County Park
"Table and fire pit at each site. Hiking available walking distance from camp, trails leading out of camp. Family friendly environment."
"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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $24 - $34 / night
9. Dixon Lake Campground
"Make sure you bring a shower caddy and some water proof laundry bags because there aren't many wall hooks to hang your towels or clothes.
- **Flushable toilets with drum roll SEAT COVERS!!"
"They clean the fire pits out etc. Some of the 40 series sites are very secluded and have excellent lake views."
Check Availabilityfrom $39 - $50 / night
10. Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Campground
"The showers and bathrooms were clean and the staff working were very friendly and welcoming."
"There are nice trails and walking paths right from the campground."
Check Availabilityfrom $24 - $90 / night
Drive Time
- 7 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 24 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 51 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 26 min from Yuma, AZ
Recent Glamping Photos near La Mesa, CA
29 Photos of 40 La Mesa Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near La Mesa, CA
611 Reviews of 40 La Mesa Campgrounds
- LLisa F.
GuideBOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
A last minute stay that worked out
We had a last minute need for a stay in this area and found this off the beaten path KOA.
Frontline staff was very accommodating. The site I initially picked was too sloped for us so we were able to change (it was October and not busy).
It seemed like there were more long term, unoccupied rigs there than occupied ones so it was very quiet.
The bathrooms were old but clean. We didn’t use the showers or laundry so can’t comment on those.
We liked that there wasn’t freeway noise like so many other KOAs and would stay there again but not in the heat of summer.
- LLaney S.Guide
San Elijo State Beach Campground
My All Time Favoritee
I grew up camping here. It’s such a fun and surfy vibe, with great food in walking distance and the best beaches at your disposal. Last time I went the camp store and banging taco stand was closed but I haven’t been back in a while. South end is my fav.
- EEmma B.Guide
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Great place to stay!
I really enjoyed my time at Santee.
Was here for four nights in site 52 which was great for Starlink and had a nice view.
Clean campsite/recreation center and the staff was super nice.
Went on walks and used the pool/hot tub as well.
Noise was not an issue for me at all, it was very quiet when I stayed with a lot of open sites. It was also cooler with a nice breeze at night which was lovely.
FiftysevenNine T.GuideSan Diego Metro KOA
August bargain
I got in on an August bargain using the KOA app. Consequently, I stayed a month because it was the cheapest place on-the-coast.
Weekdays empty, weekends full, noisy everyday. Good location for long bicycle rides, e.g. Coronado, SD, Zoo, La Jolla, TJ. Chula Vista downtown is modern, not gritty like Petco Park.
Get the bargain if you can. Otherwise, the coast is expensive.
- CCrystal M.
TravelerBOULEVARD / CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST KOA HOLIDAY
Don't be fooled by the KOA name
Same ownership, same deep disappointment. Do not be fooled by the rebranding. I genuinely hate writing this because this property has so much natural potential, but I cannot believe it currently carries the KOA name. I did my homework before booking and hoped that becoming a KOA meant things had improved. They have not. It is the same management, the same issues, and the same disregard for guests—just under a new label. To start with the positives: the frontline staff are kind and clearly doing their best. Unfortunately, they are completely undermined by the owner’s behavior, which sets the tone for the entire experience.
We paid extra for an RV site advertised with a patio table and chairs. We got neither—just a small, wobbly picnic table in direct desert sun. The pool is nice, but closes far too early for the heat. The hot tub was broken, which was especially disappointing since we were looking forward to stargazing at night. The laundry facilities should have been avoided (the main reason we paid to stay). The coin-operated washers left our clothes dirtier than when they went in—covered in sandy residue and grime. Now we have to spend more time and money rewashing everything. I also want to call out something I saw in Google reviews because it aligns with our experience: people mentioned issues with shower curtains being off or unusable. In our case, there were no curtains at all—and the showers are unventilated (add desert heat). So yes, those reviews are accurate.
Another surprise: the "meditation labyrinth” and small farm area (ostrich, pigs, goats) are no longer free. The owner also runs the adjacent Harvest Host and now charges for what used to be included perks. Add in the smell in the desert heat, and it’s not exactly appealing.
And then there’s the owner. We had a minor issue and called the after-hours number around 9:30 PM. An employee was already handling it when the owner took the phone and yelled at us for“making him get out of bed,” then offered to“kick us out with a refund”(which we never asked for). It felt like a power play, not a solution. Completely unprofessional. If you manage to avoid him, you might get through your stay—but based on our experience and many others on Google, that’s a gamble. This property could be amazing. But until ownership or management changes, it’s a poorly run park hiding behind a reputable name. Avoid.
Hans V.
RangerSouth Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Beautiful cliffs, noisy road
Two long rows of spots, one beautiful ocean facing on top of the cliffs, the other with the back to the quite noisy road. We were exactly in the middle of the stairs to the beach so quite a walk for a swim. We had a large sandy spot. Pretty good and cleaner toilets than most other state parks we visited
- jjeanne A.Guide
Rancho Corrido RV Resort
Off the beaten path older park
Mostly Park Model mobile homes and permanent RV's. There's 20 spots in the back for overnight stays. There is a pool but I didn't use it.
- EEllanora L.Traveler
Oceanside RV Resort
Fine but LOUD train!
The Oceanside RV Park Resort is an RV park. We're close together. There are little short wooden fence bits that separate us and there are amenities. There are full hookups. There are pull-through spots. There's laundry. There's a swimming pool and a hot tub. All the things. However, the train that runs every. single. hour. is quite loud. It is but feet from the outer edges and the horn that they blow is jarring. I have had now several times, during my week stay here, that it has awoken me from being asleep. Besides that, great little spot. The people that work here. Great people that darn train though...
Guide to La Mesa
Located in San Diego County's eastern region with elevations ranging from 500-600 feet above sea level, La Mesa offers mild year-round temperatures perfect for outdoor recreation. The area's Mediterranean climate creates ideal camping conditions with warm summers and mild winters, while the proximity to both mountains and coast allows for diverse camping experiences within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Lake Jennings Park features a well-stocked fishing pond where visitors can catch their dinner. As one camper noted, "If you like bird watching and/or fishing you can do both right from your campsite." Some sites even allow fishing directly from your campsite.
Hike nearby trails: Dos Picos County Park offers several hiking trails through oak woodlands. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the natural setting of many campgrounds. According to one camper at William Heise County Park, "Wooded beautiful county campgrounds a couple miles from sweet town of Julian. Hiking and biking trails. Spacious campsites. Great facilities."
Visit Julian for pie: Several campgrounds are a short drive from the historic town of Julian, famous for its apple pies. One visitor to William Heise noted, "About a 10 minute drive from Julian pie co. Nice well maintained trails, easy to moderate level."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve receives consistent praise for maintenance. A camper mentioned, "The facilities are clean and well maintained. The main drawback is there is no privacy whatsoever at the sites."
Lake activities: Many campgrounds feature lake activities beyond fishing. A visitor to Santee Lakes shared, "There are walking trails and bird watching. The camp sites look dispersed and absolutely beautiful! The views are worth taking in."
Family-friendly amenities: San Diego Metro KOA offers extensive family amenities. One camper noted, "This place is glamping for sure. They have full service hookups for RVs and trailers, bungalows and cabins. Lots of amenities for the kiddos when COVID isn't around. The new pool is great."
Beach proximity: For those wanting ocean views with their glamping experience, coastal options exist. A visitor to San Elijo State Beach Campground shared, "The San Elijo Campsite, SoCal is an awesome destination for everyone. Especially camping beginners, family camping with kids, and surfers of all levels."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance planning. At South Carlsbad State Beach, a camper advised, "Pick a spot - $75 gets you on the bluff with hookups $50 gets you on the bluff but no hookups $35 gets you on the other side."
Seasonal considerations: Summer months bring more crowds and different conditions. One visitor noted, "We stayed 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."
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. At San Diego Metro KOA, a camper observed, "This place is incredibly busy with lots of people, loud music, narrow spots, old hookups. Good for kids, not for couples."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions. A camper at Dixon Lake shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for family-focused activities: Dixon Lake Campground offers various activities for children. A visitor mentioned, "You can do anything from hiking, fishing, pedal boating, row or motor boating, picnicking, to bird watching. The pedal boats are only $12/hour to rent (plus $12 deposit)."
Consider noise restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours. At Dos Picos, a camper noted, "The only down fall if there has to be one is that the rangers are strict on when fires have to be out by. They are also strict on quiet hours at night which has always been nice."
Pack for temperature changes: Despite La Mesa's mild climate, temperatures can fluctuate. A visitor to William Heise mentioned, "We went camping over Memorial Day weekend. It was packed with lots of families but was still relaxing. Restrooms and showers were clean."
Choose sites with shade: For summer glamping in La Mesa, California, shade is important. One camper advised, "Google Earth your site. The difference between sites next to each other is big when you're talking about any versus zero shade."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies: Tijuana River Valley Regional Park offers basic amenities for RVers. A camper noted, "The only drawback we can think of is that all sites are primitive (no hookups). But if you don't need that this is a great place to stay."
Know your RV dump options: Some campgrounds have limited dump facilities. A visitor to Dos Picos shared, "This park is County operated. You have to drive to the RV dump to dump. It's close but you don't have the convenience to dump at your site."
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared to level your rig at some locations. One camper mentioned, "Some sites need much leveling. I know which site to reserve next time!"
Site privacy differs dramatically: Research specific site layouts before booking. A visitor to Pio Pico RV Resort said, "Camping spots are big enough for 2 8 person tents or 1 small RV and a 4 person tent. If you want glamping this is a good place but if you want to tent camp I would look somewhere else."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near La Mesa, CA?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near La Mesa, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near La Mesa, CA is Lake Jennings with a 4.6-star rating from 38 reviews.
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glamping camping near
La Mesa, CA?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near La Mesa, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 glamping camping locations near La Mesa, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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