Mount Laguna sits at 6,000 feet elevation in eastern San Diego County, providing cooler temperatures than coastal areas even during summer months. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with amenities. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations with varying access depending on weather conditions, particularly during winter months when snow is possible.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The small catch-and-release pond at Ramona Oaks RV Resort offers a convenient fishing spot. "They do have a small lake that is catch and release only, don't know exactly what fish are in there but I did catch a few sun fish," notes one visitor.
Hiking access: From Stagecoach Trails Resort, campers can explore nearby Julian within a short drive. "Julian is about 20 minutes away, cute little mountain town with a brewery and some good food!" reports one camper who enjoyed the location's seclusion.
Swimming and relaxation: Many campgrounds maintain pool facilities during summer months. At Escondido RV Resort, "The grounds are layed out great. Its located close to alot of attractions," according to one visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
What campers like
Security features: Safety measures vary by location. "Has a coded security gate which changes monthly," mentions a camper about Ramona Oaks RV Resort, which also offers RV storage options.
Spacious layouts: Site configurations accommodate various camping setups. "Spaces are concrete, level and have privacy hedges," notes a visitor about Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, where elite sites include additional amenities like gas fire BBQ grills.
Connectivity options: Internet access varies significantly by location. At Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs, "the lodge is also warm and clean, worked out of there a couple of mornings, and the Wi-Fi was actually decent," reports a camper who needed to stay connected.
What you should know
Water considerations: Some locations have water quality concerns. "The only downside is the drinking water has issues," mentions one reviewer about Ramona Oaks RV Resort. Consider bringing drinking water if staying at affected campgrounds.
Road conditions: Access roads to mountain campgrounds can present challenges. "Limited 30/50 amp full-hookups. Large rigs, beware. access roads are narrow, hilly, AND curvy," warns a visitor to Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs.
Updated information: Some campgrounds listed in directories may no longer operate. A recent visitor to Sunrise Highway RV Park reports, "drove there 7/9/2023 and the place no longer exists. It was sold years back and now is The Tiny House Block."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "They do have a nice playground for the kids," notes a visitor to Ramona Oaks RV Resort, which offers tent sites along with RV accommodations.
Pool access policies: Many resorts restrict pool hours or have seasonal operations. "Pool was nice and refreshing but had little shaded areas," mentions a summer visitor who suggests avoiding peak heat periods when using facilities.
Activity planning: Some resorts offer organized recreation. Oak Creek RV Resort provides access to a small lake that surprises even local visitors: "I had no idea there was a little like here, it's very pretty! We live close in the area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Location within RV parks affects experience quality. At Circle RV Resort, "Empty spaces, half in the space, half in the street, it was nuts. I guess there's a new manager who said she has her work cut out for her."
Dump station availability: Service options vary by location. At Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs, "the honey wagon will come around and empty your tanks, plus they have a dump station, since it's just water and electric hookups," explains a visitor who paid for this convenience.
Propane services: Refill options exist at select locations. "Fill propane available on site," notes a camper about Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, which offers extensive resort-style amenities for RV camping near Mount Laguna, California.
