Campsites near Potrero, California spread across an elevation range from 900-6,000 feet, creating diverse temperature zones throughout the year. The region transitions from the chaparral and oak woodland at lower elevations to pine forests at higher altitudes. Summer daytime temperatures can exceed 90°F at lower elevations while higher elevation sites like Mt. Laguna maintain cooler conditions even during peak summer months.
What to do
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: The PCT passes through several campgrounds in the area, offering day hiking opportunities of varying difficulty levels. At Burnt Rancheria Campground, "There's lots of great hiking nearby, particularly on the PCT, but it's also a great spot to just relax and unwind. There's a lot of turkeys that were wandering around in the morning."
Fishing opportunities: While some lakes have reduced water levels, fishing remains popular at certain camping locations. At Lake Jennings, "You can also fish!!! The appropriate licenses are needed before you come." Anglers should check current lake conditions before planning a fishing trip.
Nature trails for all abilities: Several campgrounds feature interpretive trails suitable for all fitness levels. Potrero County Park includes "a nice little trail with some signage on the Kumayaay and local plantlife. Staff were all very pleasant and helpful," making it ideal for educational outdoor experiences.
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse bird species and wildlife. As one camper at El Prado Campground noted, "We saw woodpeckers, cowbirds, bright yellow orioles (?), wild turkeys, and several other species right by our campsite." Morning and evening hours typically offer the best viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Oak tree canopy: Many campers appreciate the natural shade at Potrero-area campgrounds. One review states, "Looked great and had some nice trails. Great general store and a diner right up the road," highlighting the convenient amenities alongside natural features.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the clean facilities at area campgrounds. At Lake Morena County Park, "The restrooms (flush toilets) are located in the middle of the grounds. They were large and clean and usually well-stocked with toilet paper, soap, and paper towels."
Wildlife encounters: Multiple reviews mention the abundant wildlife, especially at certain times of year. One camper noted, "There must have been 100 wild turkeys that cruised thru the camp ground a few times. Pretty epic sight!!"
Diverse camping options: The range of accommodation types from tent sites to cabins receives positive feedback. At Potrero County Park, a visitor commented, "Tent camping overnight! We had an amazing time and plenty of space for tents."
What you should know
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds, even those in close proximity. At Thousand Trails Pio Pico, "The internet was slow and iffy. They said they were working on it. I got to see a few shows on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube... No cell service at all, but I did get a little with my WeBoost."
Seasonal weather considerations: Weather patterns affect camping comfort significantly. At higher elevations, "Whatever the temperature is listed at on the weather sites subtract 10-15 degrees at night. The temperatures are based on the minor town at a lower elevation."
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds near Potrero require reservations, especially during peak periods. "We stayed here last week during our thru hike of the PCT. We were able to get a site just fine but we did notice that all the sites were reserved for the weekend. If you're planning on going here, you might want to shoot for a weekday when it's less crowded."
Shower availability: Shower facilities vary between campgrounds. Some offer coin-operated showers while others include them at no additional cost. "Showers are pay showers. .50/4mins," notes one camper about Lake Morena County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for younger campers. At Potrero Regional Park, "Park has a nice playground and a trail that has lots of shoot offs. We tent camped, which was a lot of fun! Hardly anyone at this campground. Very quiet. Bathrooms are well-kept, but you have to pay to use showers."
Insect awareness: Depending on season and location, insects can be a consideration. One camper noted, "I will say there were a LOT of flies and bees, but not much you can do about that," so families should pack appropriate insect repellent.
Water activities: Some campgrounds provide water features that appeal to families with children. Lake Jennings offers "a great camp by the border. My advice is to make a day trip into Tecate also, it's only 6 miles away. These camp sites are great. I was surprised with how much shade there is; lots of great oak trees."
Activity planning: Seasonal programming at some campgrounds caters specifically to families. "Events for younger kids (movie night, etc)" are available at certain locations, though availability may vary by season.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Campground topography varies significantly throughout the region. At Lake Morena, "Most of the sites are level but some are not, but plenty of space at the sites," indicating that RVers should bring leveling blocks just in case.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between sites, even within the same campground. "The electric sites offer 50, 30, or 20 amp and seem recently updated," notes one RVer, though not all sites offer the same amperage options.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Bobcat Meadow Campground, "Road up was pretty narrow and winding, we made it fine in our 26 ft class c (28 ft nose to tail) but there was a dip in the road that we had to go over very very slowly. Anything bigger and we would have scraped."
Site spacing: RV sites at different campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy and space. "The sites would be cramped if you had 3 or more in a row occupied. It's a confusing maze of one-way, one-lane 'streets' that aren't always consistent," indicating that site selection matters significantly for RV comfort.
