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David S.
Scout
ScoutKQ Ranch Resort
Great staff lots of things to do
Glamping near Pauma Valley, CA
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Oak Knoll Campground in Pauma Valley offers glamping accommodations at the base of Palomar Mountain, about 30 minutes from Temecula. The property features upscale canvas tents and luxury accommodations with comfortable beds, private decks, and essential amenities like drinking water and electricity. The glamping campsites are positioned among oak trees with picnic tables, fire rings, and trash service. Doane Valley Campground at Palomar Mountain State Park complements the area's glamping options with premium accommodations featuring private bathrooms, climate control, and well-appointed interiors. According to one camper, "The area surrounding the campsites is lush and beautiful. A small pond is nearby, that allows for fishing, and there are at least 15 miles of trail surrounding the park."
Hiking trails wind directly from the glamping accommodations, with Palomar Mountain State Park offering scenic paths through pine forests and meadows. Glamping guests enjoy stargazing opportunities at the nearby Palomar Observatory, just 5 miles from Doane Valley's luxury camping sites. The area boasts abundant wildlife viewing with many visitors spotting deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species from their comfortable accommodations. Several glamping campsites feature stocked fishing ponds where visitors can fish without venturing far from their luxury tents or yurts. For those seeking resort-style glamping, amenities include hot showers, flushing toilets, and markets at select locations. One visitor noted, "It's very scenic, with large pines, small ponds, a stream. The stars are just an absolute sight, we took the rain-fly off our tent so we could see the stars." Seasonal considerations include mild summer temperatures and potential for snow during winter months.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Pauma Valley (52)
1. Dixon Lake Campground
"Make sure you bring a shower caddy and some water proof laundry bags because there aren't many wall hooks to hang your towels or clothes.
- **Flushable toilets with drum roll SEAT COVERS!!"
"They clean the fire pits out etc. Some of the 40 series sites are very secluded and have excellent lake views."
Check Availabilityfrom $39 - $50 / night
2. Palomar Mountain State Park Campground
"Also, you walk down a few stone steps to pitch your tent, so your car parked a level about you on the street provides nice privacy."
"I stumbled across this campground while looking for a nearby spot to set my tent up under some trees."
1 Site AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $40 - $130 / night
3. La Jolla Indian Campground
"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."
"Friendly staff, beautiful beautiful location, magical in many ways. Sometimes the bathrooms we're a bit messy but never anything that was over the top they wee also very busy that weekend."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $120 / night
4. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
"South Carlsbad is another Cali jem set up on a bluff overlooking the pacific. It is long and thin so it has a nice thinly populated feel. All bathrooms are clean."
"The breeze kept the bugs and beach heat at bay. Bathrooms were fairly clean and non-pottable water spickets also available for rinsing after the beach visit."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 - $650 / night
5. Fry Creek Campground
"No matter if you have good camp neighbors but if your camp neighbors starts setting up a portable chainlink fence for a cadre of dogs they are training...There are some more segregated sites near the back"
"They all have a fire pit and picnic table. I stayed at site 6. Very spacious, private and off the road. Stayed Tuesday-Thursday and we were the only campers in the entire campground."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $15 / night
6. Woods Valley Kampground
"The kids all love fishing at the pond on site. Plenty of space between campgrounds. No issues with hook-ups or amenities. Pool was still closed due to COVID restrictions but looked clean."
"My family owns a 1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia since 2020 and use The Dyrt to find hidden gems near our home for weekend camping."
7. Dos Picos County Park
"Pets welcome. Fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Tent camping available as well."
"The missus and I decided to do a midweek overnight escape and chose Dos Picos Park due to its close proximity. Great little campground with partial (electricity & water) hookups."
Check Availabilityfrom $24 - $100 / night
8. Lake Skinner Recreation Area
"They have a fire pit with a cooking grill attached to it. But you can bring your own."
"The park does allow fires in the fire pits, of course. And the lake does have fish, so if you’re a fisherman you’re going to love this campground."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
9. Lilac Oaks Campground
"Bathrooms a pool and a game room. Plus there are many trails to walk. Light fishing and a mini mart as well. It is fun"
"We stayed here next to the lake for a few days and just loved it."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $50 / night
10. San Elijo State Beach Campground
"If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."
"Some sites are: big, medium and small; right next to each and a little distance; and beach side or inland."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 - $520 / night
Drive Time
- 56 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 49 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 55 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 40 min from Oxnard, CA
Recent Glamping Photos near Pauma Valley, CA
39 Photos of 52 Pauma Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Glamping Reviews near Pauma Valley, CA
774 Reviews of 52 Pauma Valley Campgrounds
- LLaney S.
GuideSan Elijo State Beach Campground
My All Time Favoritee
I grew up camping here. It’s such a fun and surfy vibe, with great food in walking distance and the best beaches at your disposal. Last time I went the camp store and banging taco stand was closed but I haven’t been back in a while. South end is my fav.
Dick T.GuideMarion Mountain
Laid-Back campground
This is my go-to campground. I live in the San Diego area. It's designed for your season camper that prefers tranquility over business. It's not recommended during the weekend.
- EEmma B.Guide
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Great place to stay!
I really enjoyed my time at Santee.
Was here for four nights in site 52 which was great for Starlink and had a nice view.
Clean campsite/recreation center and the staff was super nice.
Went on walks and used the pool/hot tub as well.
Noise was not an issue for me at all, it was very quiet when I stayed with a lot of open sites. It was also cooler with a nice breeze at night which was lovely.
- Michael E.Scout
Reflection Lake RV Park
Don't visit too expensive
Has a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
FiftysevenNine T.GuideSan Diego Metro KOA
August bargain
I got in on an August bargain using the KOA app. Consequently, I stayed a month because it was the cheapest place on-the-coast.
Weekdays empty, weekends full, noisy everyday. Good location for long bicycle rides, e.g. Coronado, SD, Zoo, La Jolla, TJ. Chula Vista downtown is modern, not gritty like Petco Park.
Get the bargain if you can. Otherwise, the coast is expensive.
Hans V.
RangerSouth Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Beautiful cliffs, noisy road
Two long rows of spots, one beautiful ocean facing on top of the cliffs, the other with the back to the quite noisy road. We were exactly in the middle of the stairs to the beach so quite a walk for a swim. We had a large sandy spot. Pretty good and cleaner toilets than most other state parks we visited
- GGEORGEScout
Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Beach an bike fun
Plenty of room at the beach an lots of bike riding areas.cold showers are free an nice in the summer,however there are no shower curtains ,be advised this might not be for you or shower after dark,is an option .fyi .nice entry staff,restrooms cleaned daily.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Rancho Corrido RV Resort
Off the beaten path older park
Mostly Park Model mobile homes and permanent RV's. There's 20 spots in the back for overnight stays. There is a pool but I didn't use it.
Guide to Pauma Valley
Pauma Valley sits at the base of Palomar Mountain in northeastern San Diego County at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. The region transitions between mountain and desert climates with temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than coastal areas. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-90°F while winter nights can drop to near freezing, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for camping and outdoor activities.
What to do
Stargazing at Palomar Mountain: Located just 5 miles from Palomar Mountain State Park Campground, the Palomar Observatory offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "You could spend a week there and see something new everyday. Lots of nature to see. Paloma observatory is relatively near and can drive for some space exploration," notes camper Susie F.
Fishing at multiple locations: Fish at Dixon Lake where California fishing licenses aren't required. "Bonus: No CA fishing license needed! Just the lake permit of $7 per adult. Big fish in this lake," shares Dad & B R. The lake is stocked regularly and offers boat rentals.
Hiking diverse trail systems: Explore mountain trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "There are several trails nearby with a great mix of easy and moderate hikes that are easily accessible and clearly marked," notes Michelle C. from Palomar Mountain. Most trails are well-maintained and clearly marked with maps available at ranger stations.
River tubing in season: When water levels permit, La Jolla Indian Campground offers tubing down the San Luis Rey River. "Love taking the kids near the end of summer for tubing," writes Monica M. Check water conditions before planning as seasonal fluctuations affect availability.
What campers like
Secluded, shaded campsites: Many sites at Dixon Lake Campground offer privacy and lake views. "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," according to Steve.
Clean, accessible facilities: Most campgrounds maintain good bathroom and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are well kept and include flush toilets and showers, but make sure to bring quarters for the showers," advises Michelle C. from Palomar Mountain State Park. Many campgrounds offer token-operated showers costing $1-2 for 5-10 minutes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts diverse wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. "The birds are loud, but if you don't care about that they're very fun to watch! The largest critter we saw was a wild turkey. We didn't hike much because we brought our pet, but the rains this year produced out a lot of beautiful native flowers," shares Matty F.
Proximity to local attractions: Most campgrounds are within driving distance of amenities. "It's a very picturesque drive with lots of twists and turns and watch out for those motorcycles," warns Lindsey W. about the drive to Palomar Mountain. Several campgrounds are within 15-30 minutes of markets, gas stations, and restaurants.
What you should know
Weather variations by season: Mountain elevations experience significant temperature swings. "We stayed 3 nights which was plenty for our first time but now we can't wait to plan our next adventure. We had plenty of wildlife to see including a turkey chasing crows around the camp site," notes Teeum H. who camped at Palomar Mountain State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Pauma Valley, CA?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Pauma Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Pauma Valley, CA is Dixon Lake Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Pauma Valley, CA?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Pauma Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 glamping camping locations near Pauma Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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