Lake Jennings Park and the surrounding Lakeside area sit at around 800 feet of elevation in eastern San Diego County, providing milder temperatures than coastal campgrounds. The region features a mix of chaparral, oak woodlands, and reservoir views, with summer temperatures often reaching into the 90s. Camping options near Lakeside range from basic tent sites to premium glamping accommodations with various levels of amenities depending on location and price point.
What to do
Hiking with panoramic views: At William Heise County Park, trails offer views of both mountains and valleys. "Great for hiking, camping," notes Austin D., while another visitor shares, "Nice well maintained trails, easy to moderate level."
Fishing opportunities: Dixon Lake provides year-round fishing access without requiring a California fishing license. "Bonus: No CA fishing license needed! Just the lake permit of $7 per adult. Big fish in this lake," writes one reviewer, who adds a warning: "Beware the Poison Oak. If you're hitting the trails or fishing the bank, there's a lot of it."
Disc golf course: The GoodVibes Ranch & Farm offers unique recreation options beyond standard camping. "I found out they have a full size professional disc golf course here! I don't bring my discs, but Carolyn and Bernie happily lent me some discs so I could try it out," shares Andrew A.
Weekend boating: Some campgrounds offer boat rentals for weekend visitors. "You can rent a 'motor' boat (really a trolling motor attached) for all day rate or half day. If it's summer and weekend, you'd have to get down there early to rent though, they'll sell out," advises one camper at Dixon Lake.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at certain campgrounds. At Dixon Lake Campground, a reviewer noted, "Nice, well maintained sites. Very well taken care of. They clean the fire pits out etc. Some of the 40 series sites are very secluded and have excellent lake views."
Clean bathroom facilities: The bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Dos Picos County Park mentioned, "The facilities are clean and convenient, including coin-operated showers and a dump station," while at Dixon Lake, a reviewer was impressed that there were "Flushable toilets with SEAT COVERS!"
Wildlife encounters: Many campers enjoy the natural encounters. At William Heise County Park, campers report seeing "deer and flocks of wild turkey," while at Dixon Lake, visitors should be prepared for some less welcome wildlife: "BAD yellow jacket problem during this time of month (very aggressive and got into your food/face)."
Year-round accessibility: Campers appreciate the ability to visit during off-season periods. One reviewer at Dos Picos mentioned, "This campground is very nice and has all of the amenities (toilets, showers, water, etc.). The view overlooking the water is nice!"
What you should know
Reservations timing: Popular campgrounds require significant advance planning. At San Elijo State Beach Campground, a visitor advised, "Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do... Don't feel like you missed anything if you can't get beachfront."
Urban proximity: While glamping close to Lakeside, California offers nature experiences, some sites are surprisingly urban. One camper at San Elijo noted, "Campground is situated next to the highway and train tracks. No shade. Friendly beach crowd."
Limited privacy at some locations: Site selection matters greatly for privacy. One camper reported, "Some sites are completely open to traffic," while another advised: "Do a little research, some spots have great privacy and shade, some less."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs greatly between locations. At one campground, a visitor reported, "Cell service is non-existent," while others noted adequate service for remote work.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides numerous family-friendly options. "Great areas of campgrounds. Great water park for kids and everyone. Full hook ups. Small supply store on site," notes D.T., while another visitor adds, "There's lots for kids to do here! Feed the ducks, fish, ride the pedal boats."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds enforce noise regulations better than others. "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," notes a family camper at William Heise.
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment. One reviewer notes, "There is an event gazebo you can rent and a really nice playground," while another mentions, "Kids loved the convenient fishing right behind our trailer and the swimming pools a short drive away."
Spacing between sites: Family groups should consider how close sites are positioned. "The campgrounds were clean. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The setting is quite beautiful," notes one camper before adding a noise warning: "I'm deducting a full star because our neighbors were blasting profanity-laced music until late in the night."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: At San Diego Metro KOA, RV campers have specific site advice: "Trees drop sticky droppings all over your camper and awning... not to mention your truck and camp site." Other campers note that "some sites need much leveling."
Hookup details: Many RV sites near Lakeside offer various hookup options. "Large parking spots and great atmosphere. The fishing lakes and best indoor walking paths are a bonus," noted one RVer at Santee Lakes, while another mentioned, "Nice lots with trees, small lakes, camp store, bar, kids play grounds, clean showers close, water, electricity, walking."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide sewer hookups at individual sites. "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," explains one RVer about Dos Picos County Park.
Reservation strategies: For premium glamping close to Lakeside, timing matters. As one experienced camper notes, "Something this nice you have to reserve at least 6 months ahead for nicest tree sites. Many sites (200+) but very popular."
