Best Campgrounds near Potrero, CA

San Diego County offers several developed campgrounds within a short drive of Potrero, California, including Potrero County Park and Lake Morena County Park. These established campgrounds accommodate a range of camping styles with tent and RV sites featuring hookups, along with cabin options for those seeking additional comfort. Most campgrounds in this region provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and restroom facilities. The area's oak-covered terrain creates natural shade at many sites, particularly at Potrero County Park where large oak trees dominate the landscape.

Access to the region's campgrounds remains available year-round, though summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable highs. As one camper noted, "It got pretty hot during the day, so I would bring a canopy if you have one." Most developed sites require reservations through the San Diego County parks reservation system, with fees ranging from approximately $25-30 per night for partial hookup sites. Cell service varies throughout the area, with spotty coverage reported at most campgrounds. The terrain is generally accessible without high-clearance vehicles, making these sites suitable for standard passenger vehicles and larger RVs.

Campers consistently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings of these mixed-use campgrounds. Potrero County Park receives particular praise for its expansive oak tree canopy providing ample shade. A review mentioned the campground has "spacious sites at this county run campground near the border. Lots of shade trees. Trails, playground, cabins for rent and pavilion that can be rented for large group meetings/dinners." Wildlife viewing opportunities include wild turkeys and various bird species. Lake Morena County Park offers additional recreation with fishing access, though the lake is not within immediate walking distance from the campground. Bathroom facilities at both parks are generally well-maintained with showers available for a nominal fee. For those seeking a camping experience accessible from San Diego yet removed from urban environments, these established campgrounds provide convenient options.

Best Camping Sites Near Potrero, California (138)

    1. Lake Morena County Park

    15 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 565-3600

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Lake Morena is an awesome place to stay. This was our first campsite during our PCT thru hike, approximately 20 miles from the Mexico border via the trail."

    "The campground at Lake Morena has around 80+ spots that range from hookups for RV to basic tent camping. There's a indoor entertainment room and multiple bathrooms."

    2. Potrero County Park

    7 Reviews
    Potrero, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (619) 478-5212

    $30 / night

    "Potrero is a good little campground in a big park. There a play park for the kids and an exercise path for the adults. The bathrooms are clean and there is electrical and water hookups."

    "Good hiking trails. We stayed in “Tent site 2” which was good. My only criticism is that the sites are just a little too close, unless you don’t have a neighbor."

    3. San Diego County Lake Morena County Park

    8 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 579-4101

    $24 / night

    "The Lake Morena campground is well-kept and relaxing. It has a variety of sites including full-hookup, partial hookup, and tent only."

    "The views of the lakes and mountains are breathtaking. Lots of wildlife to see. Bobcats, deer, quail, rabbits and wild turkeys. Good internet if on Verizon network"

    4. Burnt Rancheria Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-0120

    $35 / night

    "I love this campground because it's woodsy and close to home.  You get that far away feel without being too far away. "

    "We had hosts that were helpful, friendly, the restrooms were stocked/clean, they brought firewood around, and were just good people."

    5. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    33 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "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."

    "I’m not sure you’ll find a campground like this anywhere else in California for $29/night with partial hookups. It was quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms could have used some attention."

    6. Thousand Trails Pio Pico

    13 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Locations near Jamul Casino. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups sites. Fill propano available. Spot are very big. The pool and kid playground are great."

    "Showers were nice and warm, and not coin operated - a rarity given the water droughts around CA."

    7. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 390-1623

    $35 - $140 / night

    "This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."

    "We had scoped this out as a wintering location for my snowbird dad, and I always remembered how powerfully silence of that hillside had impacted me... finally camped there- it was lovely!"

    8. El Prado Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-2082

    $35 / night

    "This is the closest campground to the lakes. Just a couple steps away from the beautiful meadow it overlooks. Lots of trees for hammocking!!"

    "It is a big, big campground that is wooded and adjacent a large meadow, recreational area and lake (when not dried out, drought sucks)."

    9. San Diego County Potrero Regional Park

    3 Reviews
    Potrero, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 478-5212

    "This was my first experience in California after three prior stays in Texas and Arizona. The San Diego County system centrally handles reservations of its campgrounds, which was fortunate for me."

    "Nice spacious sites at this county run campground near the border. Lots of shade trees. Trails, playground, cabins for rent and pavilion that can be rented for large group meetings/dinners."

    10. Bobcat Meadow Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    3 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "There's enough space to spread out when it's not busy, but if all the spots are taken it would feel too close to other campers for us."

    "Right next to one of the main trails and surrounded by 50+ miles of them."

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Recent Reviews near Potrero, CA

897 Reviews of 138 Potrero Campgrounds


  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Pinezanita RV Park & Campground

    Scenic campground with great staff

    Wonderful sites nestled in the Oak trees, grounds are very well kept you can see a lot of work and attention went into them. Don’t come expecting to find any level ground and the way the sites are arranged it’s kind of like an RV challenge course, so bring your A game. I would definitely camp here again though.

  • Stephanie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Roadside Pulloff in Pine Valley

    Pine Valley, CA Roadside Pulloff

    Beautiful spot to pull over and car camp! T-mobile had 3 bars with 5G. No amenities (other than a picnic table), so pack out what you pack in. The location was just a pull off, not a full on camp site. There are hiking trails nearby (Cottonwood Creek Trail is the closest). The spot overlooks the mountains and the valley. Quiet spot with few cars stopping by for sunset, but that was it.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Dos Picos County Park

    A family fun zone site.

    Nice site I stayed 1 night with W/E hook ups, my first time with my new camper trailer. It was ok, trailer spaces were tight but have plenty of tall trees, not much privacy. My space was next to a rec center to have a security light on all night, more stars than the city and the moon looked good in my telescope. Overall decent site, didn't have time to enjoy the hike, fishing or park.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Open Desert Fun

    October 4th stay was new to me, my 3rd trailer camping trip from San Diego. It was nice and warm at arrival and cool by the moonlit night with the gnats going away until morning. No one was next to me so I had it good, most were tent camper and quiet by 10pm... great views. Shack guard was nice and helpful... I liked this site.

  • R
    Sep. 18, 2025

    The South Forty (Group Camp)

    Great location

    This property is very close to store food and gas. Property is fenced in for the safety of our kids.

  • 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.

  • Kai K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved The Off-Roading and Beautiful Views

    Loved how much road there was to explore. We went about 2 hours deep into this area and there was still more to explore. The best part here was the stars, so stunning. Be careful in the summer as it is very hot during the day.


Guide to Potrero

Camping near Potrero, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking paths, with one reviewer mentioning, "The trails were well kept, and the views were fantastic even with the fire damage."
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the local lakes. A camper shared, "The lake is drinking water for the local town and therefore no swimming allowed but they do stock the lake with fish."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "Saw some coyotes pass by my camp," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review stated, "Very neat and clean bathrooms. Fun areas for kids to play."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. A camper said, "The staff were friendly and helpful," making the experience more enjoyable.
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. One reviewer remarked, "The campground was nice and relatively empty during the week," which is perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A camper advised, "It is often windy here, so it was recommended we pull in at an angle," suggesting that planning ahead is essential.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. One visitor noted, "There are no water, sewer nor electrical hookups at this campsite," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of local wildlife. A camper mentioned, "There were a lot of flies buzzing around and gnat-like bugs," so bring insect repellent.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that cater to families. One reviewer said, "This park seemed to attract family groups," making it a great choice for those with kids.
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. A camper shared, "There is also a large, enclosed picnic pavilion," perfect for family gatherings.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on children, especially near water. One visitor advised, "You can go fishing or boating," but always supervise kids around water.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. One RVer noted, "The driveways are paved and on the short side, but our campervan fit with no problem."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper mentioned, "They take it seriously when any campers violate their quiet hours rules."
  • Bring Cash for Firewood: Some campgrounds only accept cash for firewood. One visitor said, "Firewood is cash only," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Potrero, California, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Make sure to check out campgrounds like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground and William Heise County Park for a memorable outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Potrero, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Potrero, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Potrero, CA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Potrero, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Potrero, CA is Lake Morena County Park with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Potrero, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Potrero, CA.