Best Campgrounds near Pauma Valley, CA

Join the fun near Pauma Valley. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Pauma Valley and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Pauma Valley, California (309)

    1. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 839-4045

    $39 - $50 / night

    "Dixon lake is a perfect spot for my nephews to fish and play in the dirt. The campsites look really nice and ideal for tents. The walks around the lake are definitely worth doing!"

    "I grew up in Oceanside and people talked about camping at Dixon lake in Escondido and I thought it was lame and not “real” camping. Having never been there, I based this off nothing."

    2. La Jolla Indian Campground

    20 Reviews
    Palomar Mountain, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 742-1297

    $40 - $120 / night

    "You can camp next to it as well and get in! It’s $35 per car they do have military discount. The total of $32 with discount. They also have porta potties every few 500 feet."

    "The spot we initially reserved was located on the little river, but once we got there, we realized we were a little too packed in with the rest of the visitors, so we requested to move to a more open spot"

    3. Observatory Campground

    18 Reviews
    Palomar Mountain, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 788-0250

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Palomar Mountain Observatory Campground is one of the prettiest spots I've seen to camp close to San Diego in Southern California."

    "Very pretty setting in forested valley below the famous telescope (now closed to all visitors - even to walk around outside). 30 or so sites, nice variety, some cater to astronomers, handicapped, doubles"

    4. Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Palomar Mountain, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 742-3462

    $40 - $130 / night

    "Most of the sites are on slopes, or require walking up/down a series of steps to access."

    "We drove up for an impromptu camp trip, it was only about an hour drive. I've never been up to Palomar Mountain although I've lived here for 30 years!"

    5. Temecula-Vail Lake KOA

    20 Reviews
    Cleveland National Forest, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 303-0173

    "Bike trails are right next to the park. Fun trails watch out for rattle snakes. Only downside is the kids racing around in golf carts at night."

    "She told me that it had been around for decades under a different name, Buttercup I think. It has an established rotation of regular guests that come for access to wine country."

    6. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    "One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"

    7. Fry Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Palomar Mountain, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 788-0250

    $15 / night

    "It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise."

    "Just south of Palomar Mountain Observatory (a must visit) Fry Creek is a heavily wooded (oak, fir, pine) campground in a narrow valley surrounded by steep forested banks."

    8. Oak Grove Campground

    20 Reviews
    Aguanga, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 788-0250

    $15 - $30 / night

    "We were there for the full moon last month and even though it rained in the morning as we packed up me and my motorcycle camping friends had a blast sitting around the campfire and enjoying peace and the"

    "This campsite is located just a short drive from Temecula, campsites are well cared for, clean bathrooms, and some sites have great California oak tree cover."

    9. Dripping Springs Campground

    15 Reviews
    Aguanga, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 788-0250

    $25 - $50 / night

    "One of the water faucets with potable water was on the outskirts of our space, not at all bothersome. The toilets and dumpster were conveniently close, but not too close to be noticed."

    "It's close proximity to Temecula makes it easy to get to. Also, because it is small there were no issues with noise or traffic."

    10. Pala Casino Spa Resort

    8 Reviews
    Fallbrook, CA
    7 miles
    +1 (844) 472-5278

    "The Pala RV Park is located on the premises of the Pala Casino. The RV park is well maintained and has all the enmities of any RV park; including a pool."

    "Very well kept up resort. 5-8 minute walk from your camper to a slot machine. They allow early checkin and late checkout."

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Recent Reviews near Pauma Valley, CA

1750 Reviews of 309 Pauma Valley Campgrounds


  • C
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Granite Springs

    Little Known Gem

    Primitive camp site with chemical bathrooms. Has 3 areas to set up tents. First come first serve, but you must check in at the ranger station before you go. $5 per camper. We comfortably fit 3 tents on one site.

  • M
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Mission Bay RV Resort

    Trashy park

    Several issues here. First the most obvious the connections are at the front of the space on the drivers side. If you back in you better have 100 feet of hose sewer and power cord. Reservations failed to tell me while on the phone that the power was out but they’re still charging full price. Most of the lots are dusty dirt lots well over half of the park is not in use and in disrepair. There is trash everywhere and the staff could care less if you’re enjoying yourself. Do yourself a favor and spend the 20 extra dollars to stay at Campland Overall a waste of money and beach front property

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Great camp

    Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.

    Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California.

  • j
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Henshaw Resort

    My stay review

    This place is pretty. The staff is nice and not too strict. The place can definitely need a lil tlc but for the price per dayits nothing too complain too much. The pool is cool the showers and bathroom are all functional. Wich is a good thing. I was told to pick any spot i liked wich made my stay even better. No hookups at all i had my rv/camper but that was no problem i took my generator. Place is definitely recommended if you're a not too picky person.😉

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    Cool spot

    Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. Don’t feel like you missed anything if you can’t get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Fry Creek Campground

    Loved it

    We absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Bogart Regional park

    It was okay for a last minute camping idea.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Yucaipa Regional park

    Great customer service, easy access, restrooms, fishing, swimming and paddle boats.


Guide to Pauma Valley

Camping near Pauma Valley, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around William Heise County Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing fun. A camper shared, "The lake is well-stocked with trout and bluegill."
  • Beach Access: If you want to hit the beach, check out San Elijo State Beach Campground. One reviewer said, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway…great beach and surfing possibilities."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered at Lake Jennings. One happy camper said, "Each full hookup spot being super private surrounded by trees."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Dos Picos County Park remarked, "This is a very well-run county park."

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "Sites are quite large with bushes/trees between sites."
  • Bring Dollar Bills for Showers: Some campgrounds have token-operated showers. A camper at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground advised, "Showers require tokens which are purchased from a machine."
  • Plan for Dump Station Waits: Be prepared for long lines at dump stations. A visitor at Dos Picos County Park noted, "The line for the dump is long and slow-moving."

Camping near Pauma Valley, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pauma Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pauma Valley, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 309 campgrounds and RV parks near Pauma Valley, CA and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pauma Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pauma Valley, CA is Dixon Lake Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pauma Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Pauma Valley, CA.