Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Cabin camping near Palomar Mountain is the perfect choice. Finding a place to cabin camp in California is easier than ever. You're sure to find the perfect cabin rental for your California camping adventure.
Situated 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks along the northern extremity of the Laguna Mountain Range, this 929-acre park is one of the few San Diego county parks to get snowfall each year.
Forests of oak, pine, and cedar surround peaceful mountain meadows and provide an undisturbed setting for nearly 11 miles of scenic hiking and equestrian trails. Mule deer and wild turkey are frequently seen throughout the park, and rare residents include bobcats and mountain lions.
Though its forest may seem timeless, each season brings dramatic changes: from winter snowfall to spring wildflowers, there is always something new to experience at Heise.
In addition to trails, you can take advantage of cabins, trailer sites, individual tent sites, and a group-tent camping area, along with several playgrounds, restrooms with coin-operated showers and ample picnic spaces. Rangers-lead activities every weekend, and the park office with a small museum is open during the day or by appointment. This park makes a gorgeous setting for weddings and special events!
$24 - $34 / night
$39 - $50 / night
$24 - $100 / night
Lake Hemet is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, in Mountain Center, near the charming town of Idyllwild. The scenery is splendid no matter which direction you look. Tall pines, manzanitas, sage, and giant oaks abound!
Lake Hemet is one of the most popular spots in Southern California for camping and fishing. The recent additions of the Soaring Pines Cafe serving delicious food and Splashing Eagle Swim Zone have made Lake Hemet the vacation spot to be during the spring and summer months.
Remember to pack a camera and binoculars, and keep a watchful eye as majestic eagles, hawks, and other wildlife are often seen soaring throughout the forest and campground. Come and enjoy camping, fishing, boating and the breathtaking scenery all year round.
DAY USE: In addition to camping, Lake Hemet offers public access to the campground for day use guests daily (hours vary by season). Day use is $25 per vehicle and affords guests with the opportunity to picnic, shoreline fish, launch personal boats or kayaks (additional fees apply) and rent boats or kayaks from our marina. If you are visiting other guests who are overnight camping with us, the $25 fee still applies. NOTE: DAY USE WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL SUMMER HOLIDAY WEEKENDS FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. Only guests with previously purchased annual day use or launch passes will be allowed as our campground will be fully booked and activities are planned for our guests.
$45 / night
Guajome Regional Park is located in the coastal community of Oceanside and has a little bit of everything that San Diego County offers. Just 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the park is a great place to visit year-round, and is close to many natural and historic points of interest.
Some 4.5 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands and mixed grasslands. Two ponds attract a migratory birds and serve as home to a variety of fish that will test the skills of any angler.
Guajome also has two day-use areas with new playgrounds, a basketball court, restrooms and lots of green lawn space make this park ideal for picnicking – along with 33 tent and RV campsites, a caravan pavilion and a rustic cabin for those wishing to extend their stay overnight.
$29 - $35 / night
Welcome to Lake Henshaw Resort, a beautiful lake resting at the foot of the Palomar Mountains in California.
You can either camp, RV Hook-up, or stay in a house-kept cabin nestled away on the hillside overlooking the lake. A sparkling pool and spa, children's playground, grocery store and ice, clubhouse and laundry facilities complete the amenities.
$10 - $30 / night
The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 81 campsites.
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season. Campsites are $30 per night. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra vehicles are $10 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite. Dogs are allowed but are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. They may not be left unattended.
Environmental backpack in or horseback ride in camps are also available. Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco Environmental camps are open on first come, first serve. Both have chemical toilets, non-potable water, corrals and tent sites.
$250 / night
Wilderness Lakes RV Resort is a flat, 80-acre RV Resort in California with fishing canals that weave throughout the park. As a centrally-located RV camp, it is close to shopping, hospitals and freeways in California's Los Angeles region. The surrounding area has been changing quite dramatically with housing projects on two sides and dairy farms on the other. The temperatures are mild in the winter and warm to hot in the summer, making Wilderness Lakes a perfect RV campground no matter what time of year. At Wilderness Lakes RV Resort , our 523 sites include RV sites, rental cottages and cabins. The general store is open five days a week for all of your convenience needs. Plus, our on-site package delivery lockers allow guest to vacation with the assurance of receiving packages and deliveries in safety and ease. Locally, there are numerous golf courses within a 15-mile radius of Wilderness Lakes with one only two miles from the campground. Old Town Temecula is only 17 miles to the south of our RV campground and offers great dining and shopping in true California style. The Pechanga Resort and Casino is about 20 miles south of the resort and is the largest gambling casino in the state. It has weekend entertainment, seven restaurants and a non-smoking section for gambling. Diamond Valley Lakes is just 5 miles to the east of the resort and has boat rentals and fishing. Most of the major theme parks, such as Disneyland, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park are all about 1 hours away. Los Angeles Area RV Camp in California At Wilderness Lakes, we offer plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay. With so much to choose from, there is bound to be a special activity for everyone. Be sure to check out the events and activities page to find out what activities are being offered during your visit.
Laguna Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall.
The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May on the Big Laguna Trail, which takes visitors past Big Laguna Lake. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Or for history buffs, the El Prado Cabin located at nearby El Prado Campground, is the first ranger cabin built in the Cleveland National Forest in 1911. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547).
The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area.
$35 / night
If you live up north follow the ducks and migrate to Santee Lakes for some winter camping. If you are already in Southern California and looking for some San Diego camping, then bring the kids for a weekend or a week. Our award winning Campground is nestled in the foothills of Santee, just 20 minutes from many of San Diego’s big attractions. The San Diego Trolley is nearby and you can access San Diego’s beautiful beaches, downtown, a Padre’s game, Balboa Park or Old Town.
Feel free to see all of the sites that San Diego has to offer, but we have plenty at Santee Lakes to keep you busy. After you choose from 300 full hook-up campsites, all having free WiFi and Deluxe sites, a bit larger, with cable TV, you can enjoy the amenties we offer. You can rent a pedal boat, fish in 7 seasonally stocked lakes, take a swim in one of two pools or relax in the spa. Campers get exclusive fishing in Lakes 6 & 7, and access to the swimming pools and spa.
Also, when you camp at Santee Lakes, you are choosing a facility that is dedicated to reducing our impact on the environment. More than 4 acres of solar panels located on our property provide enough power to meet almost 50% of the entire Park and Campground needs! Our facility was again awarded the national Plan-it Green Award for our environmental efforts!
Traveler
Very cute set up tent sites are right next to road but it’s not to busy of a road. They have a basketball court one, lake for fishing or swimming and paddle boats to go out on the lake. There are tv hook ups and cabins. I did not see any fire pits on sites. Bathrooms are ok and have locks which you need code for.
Scout
Growing up my family went on a few camping trips; mostly to Arizona to visit the ghost towns but when we wanted to go take a weekend trip and didn't want to leave state we would stay at the Catalina Spa Rv Resort in town. I remember my brother and I having so much fun running around or riding our bikes through the many turnaround streets at this park. They have an awesome pool and jacuzzis to use and a very large pond that all year round has ducks, birds, frogs, fish and turtles to look at. They have a friendly staff and the travelers were always very sweet and kind. The only town fall was that usually there isn't very many kids there, mostly older people come here to stay. They have. Gym and a game room. Lots of shade in rv parking areas and small bbq and tables to enjoy. Definitely worth checking it out !
Traveler
We stayed here multiple times to car camp and have stayed in sites 3, 6, and 28. We really enjoyed site 28 due to the spectacular views of Escondido. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because their can be some creepy people occasionally like some old guy was following my son in his car. But other than that we had a good stay. If you are in a camper I would recommend Escondido RV resort instead due to the more inviting feel (we stayed there in our Coleman travel trailer). But if you car camp a lot like myself I would recommend staying here at Dixon lake. Great stay overall👍😊
Scout
Staff all friendly and facilities while dated are kept very clean. Campers are respectful and quit at night but it’s a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to the first few days.
Scout
I have never had a bad experience at a camp ground with any ranger. They have all been wonderful. Not at this park. My registration tags went to my home so I did not have current tags. I had to have a family member collect my mail and forward to me on my travels so it was delayed. I did have a receipt which I was required to provide. However, the ranger barged into my campsite in a huff, treated me as if I were vomiting a crime and demanded my receipt on the spot in front of all. It was quite over the top. Later the same man barged back into my campsite throwing accusations at me that I hadn’t paid my measly $4.00 parking fee and breaking the rules of the park. He had the nerve to argue with me after I explained that in fact I had paid. He backed down after realizing I had. He then returned to harass us for the kids using chalk. There were kids from several campsites using chalk. We apologized and made them clean it up, no big deal. But the ranger was didn’t simply ask for it to be cleaned. He was threatening and confrontational. I dealt with one other ranger here who was quite nice and helpful but this other was awful. I discovered I was not the only one to have this experience here. I would recommend Sweetwater or Lake Jennings in San Diego area or Aqua Caliente where they are quite friendly. Yikes this was horrible
Legend
This is quite a resort! It’s huge! When we stayed here in late December they had just been open for about 2 months or so, and most of the spots weren’t even open for use yet. There was construction going on when we were there, so I’m sure they’re fully open by now.
This place has everything you could want in an RV park. Everything was new and sleek and modern and well designed. The price was average, I guess, though still much too expensive for us. Luckily they participate in Passport America and we got the 50% discount, so our FHU pull through site came to $52 with taxes and fees, so roughly double that for the full price. I believe the spots that will be opening up that are further away from all the amenities will be cheaper. Their laundry room uses an app payment system only, which is nice in that you don’t need quarters, but you need to download the app and then load money on to your account in set amounts, so we were left with an unused $1.50 after our 2 loads. Dryers work great. Dogs get a cute little goodie bag with a little bandana, poop bags and a bag holder for the leash, and a tennis ball. Eventually the dog park will have its own section of RV spots called K9 Corner. So cute!
There’s a nice shop at the front desk where you check in, and staff is super friendly. There is onsite propane fill as well. Their club house has a nice pool, 2 hot tubs, a nice gym, and really nice and open hangout area and work area, a little kitchen area, and a game room. Everything is really nice and artfully decorated. They also have activities on weekends so you get a real community feel if you stay here for a long time. We were definitely in the lower tier of RVs in our humble scratched up class C, surrounded by really nice expensive class As, but we still felt comfortable and welcomed. Highly recommend this place- as long as they stay in the Passport America program we’ll go back when we’re in the area.
Traveler
We didn’t plan to stop here. After we were driving for over 10 hours. We found this location online. And WOW!!!! Great experience.. the Mineral water pool’s was a great refresher after long day !!! Would highly recommend
Scout
Great campground for families. Lots of activities for the kids to do, like smores by the fire, art, splash pad, and play ground. Facility was clean
Scout
There is always a spot or 2 open. Staff are always polite.
TravelerThis campground is a luxury resort with immaculate ground keeping and facilities. The pool and hot tub were outstanding as well as the opportunities for fishing, golf putt, putt, and more if you’re in the area, this was a price performer for sure.
Traveler
I stopped here for lunch. You're in the desert, so hot during the day. There are some trees for shade, especially for the campsites along Yaqui Pass Road. All sites have lattice-work shelters for shade over the picnic tables. Water is listed as non-potable at all faucets. Besides campsites, there are one-room cabins for rent. $35/night for the campsites is a lot, but that is state park practice in CA. National Forest campgrounds are cheaper.
Traveler
Just passing through, perfect spot for the night. Showers a bit run down but plenty of hot water. Great location for easy access to fishing. Friendly staff. Store stocked with fishing gear, snacks and booze.
Guide
Yes it's not the easiest to park but it's also not that bad. 45ft toy hauler and we didn't have any issues. Great location, great weather, sites are close but we found everyone to be friendly. No issues with starlink and loved the heated pool in January! Will be back
GuideWe didn't particularly care for the area, it was not far enough out to feel like in serene nature but still far to drive to anything. Well kept campground, enjoyed the mini golf (probably our favorite TT mini golf so far) but weren't too majorly impressed overall. It didn't help that it rained a lot and the streets turned into lakes - so not only did you have geese on your roof but also right outside your door. ;)
Scout
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Scout
Let me first off say that the property is beautiful and that my hosts Carolyn and Bernie were very accommodating and had great energy. Plenty of room for beautiful hikes on their many acres of land packed with some great views a few decks scattered around the property. 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.
Now to the Glamping- now I been camping a bunch, the reason I say that this is glamping is that they have actual running water flushable toilets and outdoor hot showers! I can’t tell you how excited I was lol, it really upleveled the whole camping experience. They also have an industrial kitchen as well as an outdoor bar where they have very fairly priced beer and wine. Did I mention they have a full size professional pool table? Turns out Bernie and Carolyn are professional pool players too! This place is awesome! I will definitely be coming back again again to relax. I live in sd so it’s only about 35-40min drive from my place. Thank you so much Carolyn and Bernie for such a great experience!!
ScoutBeautiful nature getaway! Only 30 mins East of San Diego. 150 acres of beautiful pristine land. Gorgeous oaks shading our camp site. Loved the kitties & the ranch doggies. Went for a hike. Saw lots of flowers, a seasonal creek, sage, views of the valley & nearby mountain. Played some pool. The disk golf course is on the awesome hike I took. They have live music on the weekends. And 3 huge custom stone showers with natural spring water & full bathrooms with sinks & flushing toilets.
ScoutThe photo of the three spas mislead me to think this was a nice resort with three spas that my wife and I stayed at years ago but this place was old and the spas were dirty and cold. We drove in, set up, looked around and left. Won't be going back.
Scout
This was our first camping trip in our travel trailer. The amenities available are great. Very clean and friendly staff
ScoutSpectacular night lights
Traveler
Had a wonderful time with the kids and our two doggos here! Great dog park, family friendly and the hot springs was just perfect for all of us. Even have 3 temperatures so the kids can enjoy hot springs too! Thanks for a wonderful stay! We’re here last week of March 2024.
Guide
For the price of full hook up ($35) in a location so close to the beach, I call it a win. It was beautiful with a pond and walking paths. There were many dogs and we saw horses on the paths too. The bathrooms / showers were clean and didn’t stink. Always had toilet paper. Showers take specific coins and you have to get them from the office before 5pm so if you arrive late, keep that in mind. Spots are good size and paved paths are well lit at night. Good for going to the restroom at night but bright if you have a spot near the walkways. Otherwise the camp is pretty dark at night
GuideShouldn't have a problem finding a site here.
TravelerI stayed here years ago with my husband. We swam, I did yoga and we just relaxed. We camped and enjoyed our stay.
GuideSpaces are very close together. The camp store was closed and the camp host was a little strange. I know that can be the case often but I didn’t want to have Covid vivid conspiracy conversations. Not a spot I would have a desire TK go back to
Ranger
Camped here for three nights in March of 2019, in one of the partial hookup sites close to the pool. According to the map of the CG, there are 104 sites and 7 cabins. Partial hookups are closest to the pool/shower area, with full hookups and cabins farther back and tent sites in the middle.
it seemed to be a well run facility. It was cool, cloudy and wet from recent rains when we were there and our site had a tiny stream running through it. Some sites, including ours, were not too level. The pool was not what I'd call "hot", probably in the mid to high 90s.
There's a couple short trails in the park, we hiked Moonlight Canyon. We really enjoyed it!! A bit like a lunar landscape with wild desert plants and flowers. The highlight was seeing some desert bighorn sheep!
A small store sits just outside the park entrance and though it was small, it seemed to have at least one of everything you could possibly need, including my favorite Colorado beer, Fat Tire!!
This park has a lot of rules, some quite unusual. Probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before you head out.
Traveler
We stayed 2/17/24-2/22/24 at spot 77. Great, huge shade tree!!! Level.
Clean bathrooms!! Flush toilets & 2 shower stalls.
The Rangers were kind & helpful!
Fire wood is $6/bundle that is purchased from the ranger station. Cash only.
Showers are pay showers. .50/4mins.
There must have been 100 wild turkeys that cruised thru the camp ground a few times. Pretty epic sight!!
During this time of year, chilly nights but beautiful days. We did get rained on for a day but nothing horrible.
Oh, fires out by 11. They’re pretty strict about that time if the camp ground is busy but if it’s not, they leave you alone. I sat out after my kids went to bed til around midnight with my fire & it was heaven. Poured water on my fire & went to bed. Perfect evening!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Palomar Mountain, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Palomar Mountain, CA is William Heise County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Palomar Mountain, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 63 cabin camping locations near Palomar Mountain, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
