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Best Tent Camping near Oceanside, CA

1,297 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Oceanside, California provide varied options for backcountry and developed tent camping. Kumeyaay Lake Campground in Mission Trails Regional Park offers tent sites with amenities, located approximately 35 miles north of Oceanside. Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Campground provides free primitive tent sites in a more remote setting, while The Eyrie Farm features walk-in tent camping with drinking water available year-round.

Most tent campgrounds in the region have basic amenities, though facilities vary significantly between sites. Kumeyaay Lake Campground provides clean restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and sinks, making it suitable for campers seeking more comfortable tent camping. A visitor commented that "there are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things." In contrast, Tool Box Springs requires high-clearance or 4WD vehicles to access, with one camper noting the road is "about 45 minutes down a 4 wheel drive only dirt path." Many primitive tent sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions are common during dry seasons. Several campgrounds are weekend-only operations, particularly those closer to urban areas.

The tent camping experience varies dramatically with elevation and proximity to San Diego. In areas like Mission Trails, tent campers can access extensive hiking and mountain biking trail networks directly from their sites. A recent review noted that "there is so much to do in this urban park, you could spend many days here." Higher elevation backcountry tent sites offer cooler temperatures and greater seclusion, though seasonal wildlife considerations become more important. Many tent campgrounds provide shaded sites beneath oak or pine trees, particularly valuable during summer months when temperatures can soar. Tool Box Springs campsites feature views from Thomas Mountain, with tent pads situated far enough apart to maintain privacy and a true backcountry camping experience despite being within 40 miles of Oceanside.

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Best Tent Sites Near Oceanside, California (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Oceanside, CA

26 Photos of 13 Oceanside Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Oceanside, CA

1297 Reviews of 13 Oceanside Campgrounds

  • E B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    Yellow post number 2

    Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.

    Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.

    Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.

    A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.

  • 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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    A World Away from the City Surrounding It

    Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees.  If you stuck me in the middle of this park, I’d never know that I was miles away from the sprawl of suburbia of a major metropolitan area…shhh don’t tell anyone.

    There are 3 campgrounds within this regional park -- one soley dedicated to RV's that require electrical hook-ups (Ortega Flats), a group campground (San Juan Meadow), and another which is a mix of tents and off-grid RVs (Live Oak).  This review is specifically for the off-grid Live Oak Campground which s aptly named because you’ll find yourself enjoying the ample shade of these amazing arbors, but plenty of sun to run our solar powered system.  

    The campsites can be reserved but there is plenty of room for first-come first-served travelers as well.  The sites offer enough space to tuck away a tent in the corner, or set up the longer trailer, as well as the typical picnic table and fire ring.  Plenty of port o potties are scattered throughout the campground and served the large groups gathered here on Easter weekend.  We indulged in making a fabulous brunch of Wood Fired Waffles to celebrate the holiday!  As of April 2023, they were still experiencing a well water issue, so no water was available from the faucet, but the river running through the park was useful for obtaining water to wash dishes.

    Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails meander throughout the park. The campground borders on a small creek for fishing, but is off-limits to wading and swimming because of the instability of the opposite bank. Keep an eye on the kids!  Be sure to check out the volunteer-run Nature Center on the property which is full of great information about flora, fauna, and native history.

    The closest store for firewood, and groceries is just a few miles back toward town.  And, the closest beach is just about 30 minutes away, so a great option for a day trip.

  • Javier L.
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

    Southern California- Quick Getaway

    This park is great for all Southern California natives to get away for the weekend. Has clean facilities and the campgrounds have ample space between them. This area has a ton of beautiful landscape, during the fall/winter wonderful foliage appears. Leave no trace & enjoy our lands!

  • Ryan W.
    Jul. 16, 2016

    Culp Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    The Desert in Spring is beautiful and terrifying.

    We went to Culp Valley in April just in time to explore the Anza-Borrego State Park during an especially rainy desert season. There were wildflowers everywhere and despite high heat during the day it was so bad you felt like you were in the desert. It's a beautiful time to explore. There is a small city just outside the park where you can get any need supplies, lunch or do some antique/thrifting.

    The campground is just West of the state park and at a higher elevation. The sites are first come first serve, and best of all they are FREE! The ground is sand and rock, and outside of clean vault toilets there are no amenities. We had a decent spot with three tents set up and brought our own fire ring. No fires allowed outside a fire ring/pit you bring along. It's a smaller campground and is well known in SoCal but if you arrive before afternoon you'll usually find a spot.

    Because of it's location on hill it is subject to gusty winds. Keep that in mind. You will get dusty and check the weather so you set up camp facing away from the wind or you'll get a full tent of sand. The night we were there most recently they broke wind gust records which was unexpected. It was a long night of whooshing wind coming up and over the desert hills before slamming into our tent at speeds nearing tornado strength. That sucked but that was more our fault than the campgrounds.

    It's less of a leisure camping spot and there were no big RVs the times we visited. There is a reservable state park campsite nearby if you need more amenities.

    This area is know for it's stargazing and the night sky in the desert is incredible. The lights from the nearest town are blocked by the rock.

  • j
    Jan. 12, 2023

    Dos Picos County Park

    Quiet, dark skies, scenic

    We came in January so we had the entire upper camping loop to ourselves. The rangers were very helpful. This Campground has partial hookups with electricity at sites but no water. Level well spaced sites. Firepit and picnic table. Nice clean grounds, restrooms and showers (pay).They also have tent sites and cabins. County Park with playground is adjacent . 

    Beautiful scenery, great star gazing, at least on our upper loop. There's only a small light on restrooms. We saw F16s practicing overhead. Very cool.

    Good Verizon reception.

  • Jen D.
    Oct. 23, 2018

    Culp Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Free Desert Camping!

    Free camping! Located off the S22, border of Anza Borrego,just 3.5 miles past the town of Ranchita. If you keep going down the hill you'll hit Borrego Springs. Keep an eye out for the Culp Valley Camp sign because otherwise there isn't much indication. Barely any service so make sure you prepare well for an extended stay. It does extremely windy here, especially in early fall with the Santa Ana winds. Hot during day, frigid at night. It's primitively camping so No water, picnics tables, fire rings, and charcoal grills, but vault toilets and ground to put a tent on are available. In Culp Valley there is TONS of boulders to climb; varying from beginner v0's to advanced bouldering. Check out mountain project to check out some routes or just go spot out some of your own! This is place is definetly worth a weekend trip, but Shhh try to keep it a secret. ;) 

    Campground coordinates: 33.220541, -116.458858 (33° 13′ 13.94″N 116° 27′ 31.88″W)

  • Sita B.
    Aug. 8, 2018

    La Jolla Indian Campground

    3.5 Stars

    La Jolla Indian Reservation Campground is located 30 mins south of the Observatory on Palomar Mtn, and 60 mins north of San Diego. There are ~38 reservable RV sites with hook-ups. Half of them are along the river front. There are multiple group tent sites and even more first come first serve, get in where u fit in, no hookup RV and tent sites. There is a gas station/convenience store just before the entrance, where a 20lb bag of ice is $4. Load up, you’ll need it. There are very few campgrounds that are near the water AND you’re allowed to play in the water. There are only two in SoCal, that I know of, the other is Yucapai.

    We reserved RV space 10, for our tent trailer. The 30’ site was a tight fit for out 22’ trailer and two cars. But we’re able to put up out shade tent, tarp, and seating.

    The good… RV Park area had a lot of trees that provided shade in the 100 degree heat. The hookups were easy and we had no problems with neighbors. The river cooled things down once it got going, you can rent or bring your own tube/river rat to ride down the river, at your own risk! Bring water shoes. Kids loved swinging on the make shift swings along the water. Propane grills recommended, not every site has a charcoal grill and depending on weather and fire conditions will determine if fire pits will be allowed.

    The bad… the river only runs Friday to Sunday. However, Lake Henshaw turns the water on Friday at 7:30 am and it doesn’t make it down to the res until 4:30 pm. It was a long hot wait for water. Saving grace was the hose we brought to water down the dirt. Only one bathroom and multiple port-o-potties (sp?) and I don’t recommend those. Bring TP. The lines are long in the morning. There’s no grey water disposal. Keep track of your valuables. The first come first serve camp area tents to be more rowdy than the RV area, though both are loud (music & kids).

  • Lindsey W.
    Sep. 29, 2017

    Hurkey Creek Park

    Hiking, biking & fishing in Riverside County

    Hurkey Creek is great, just a two hour drive from San Diego and you're in the mountains. The elevation is around 4,000 and it gets pretty chilly at night. FYI, the creek is dry, but Lake Hemet is a quick walk down the way. The campground is large, with 130 campsites and several group camp areas. We hiked around and explored and wished we brought our mountain bikes, lots of good riding around the area.

    We camped at site 100, then found out we actually set up in 99...the sites aren't exactly clearly marked. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, although they are rather close. There are restrooms with soap and hand towels, bonus. There are showers as well, which is nice when you're a tent camper. Quiet and serene are how I would describe the grounds, lots of birds and squirrels, a little coyote came to check us out too.

Guide to Oceanside

Tent camping near Oceanside, California offers a variety of experiences, from serene natural settings to unique farm stays, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the city.

Affordable Tent Camping Options

  • Prices for tent camping can range from $15 to $22 per night, making it budget-friendly for all campers.
  • The Falcon Group Campground provides basic amenities like bolted toilets and a water spout, ideal for first-time campers.
  • For a more rustic experience, consider the Ortega Highway Area, which offers a simple tent camping option, though it may require some maintenance.

Local Attractions to Explore

  • Just a short drive away, the Kumeyaay Lake Campground is nestled within Mission Trails Regional Park, perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
  • The GoodVibes Ranch & Farm features beautiful landscapes and a professional disc golf course, making it a fun spot for outdoor activities.
  • Visit the charming town of Ramona, near The Eyrie Farm, which offers local eateries and antique shops for a delightful day trip.

Exciting Activities for Campers

  • At the Kumeyaay Lake Campground, enjoy fishing at the nearby lake, with trails for hiking and biking right at your doorstep.
  • Experience the unique atmosphere of The Eyrie Farm, where you can interact with farm animals and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
  • The GoodVibes Ranch & Farm offers outdoor hot showers and a chance to unwind in nature, along with live music on weekends for added entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping sites in Oceanside, CA?

Kumeyaay Lake Campground in Mission Trails Regional Park offers excellent tent camping relatively close to Oceanside. The campground features clean bathrooms with flushable toilets, hot showers, and sinks. It's particularly good for beginners, with convenient access to numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Note that overnight camping is typically limited to Friday and Saturday nights. For a more private experience, The Eyrie Farm provides unique tent camping with two distinct sites to choose from, offering a more intimate camping experience near Oceanside.

Is beach camping available in Oceanside for tent campers?

Direct beach camping in Oceanside itself is limited, but tent campers seeking coastal experiences have nearby options. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground offers a different mountain camping experience accessed via a 4WD road about 30-45 minutes up Thomas Mountain. While not on the beach, the elevation provides a cool alternative to coastal heat. For those seeking a more farm-like setting near the coast, GoodVibes Ranch & Farm provides tent camping with a different atmosphere than traditional beach camping. Most true oceanfront camping requires traveling to state beaches north or south of Oceanside.

What are the best group tent camping options in Oceanside?

Falcon Group Campground is an excellent choice for group tent camping near Oceanside, offering affordable rates for larger parties. The campground features vault toilets and water spouts, though no showers or sinks. Summer visitors should prepare for heat by planning water activities at the nearby lake. Another option worth considering is Crestline Group Campground, which provides reservable drive-in sites for groups. When organizing group camping trips, reserve well in advance, especially during peak seasons, and be prepared with adequate water supplies, shade structures, and proper planning for waste management.

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