Best Glamping near Potrero, CA

Lake Morena County Park and Potrero County Park house upscale glamping accommodations nestled in the oak-studded countryside of eastern San Diego County. Both parks feature safari-style canvas tents and luxury yurts with comfortable furnishings, electricity, and private outdoor spaces. Lake Morena's glamping options include deluxe cabin-style accommodations with modern amenities like water hookups, electric service, and well-maintained shower facilities nearby. "We stayed in the cabins, had a large group of people, and we all fit comfortably. Built a fire at the ring just outside of the cabin," noted one visitor about their Lake Morena experience. Potrero Regional Park similarly provides glamping accommodations with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean bathroom facilities with pay showers. The glamping sites at both locations boast spacious layouts with ample shade from mature oak trees, creating natural privacy barriers between accommodations.

Hiking trails connect these glamping destinations to scenic natural attractions, with Lake Morena offering waterfront views and wildlife watching opportunities. Bald eagles nest near the dam, and wild turkeys frequently wander through the glamping areas, creating unexpected wildlife encounters. According to a camper, "There must have been 100 wild turkeys that cruised thru the camp ground a few times. Pretty epic sight!" Potrero County Park features educational trails with interpretive signage about the Kumayaay indigenous culture and local plant life. The nearby Campo Creek Winery provides tasting opportunities within a short drive, while the historic train rides at the Campo museum offer cultural excursions. Both parks maintain seasonal programming, with Lake Morena offering movie nights for families. Winter visitors experience mild days and cool nights, while summer glampers should select sites with adequate shade. Reservations are handled through the San Diego County parks system, with both locations open year-round.

Best Glamping Sites Near Potrero, California (30)

    1. Lake Morena County Park

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

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Our site had electricity and water, a fire pit, and a picnic table. There were plenty of sites to go around. The rangers were helpful and the facilities were very well maintained."

    "Stayed in space 10, a partial hookup with a view of the lake. They have full and partial hook up spaces and "primitive" tent only sites."

    2. Potrero County Park

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

    $30 / night

    "Pretty place with fire pits, picnic tables, trails, playgrounds, bathrooms, pay showers, and friendly staff."

    "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."

    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."

    "It's a small multi-functional burger grill, ice cream store, convenience store, and well-stocked (if your beer tastes run solely to IPA) beer/wine store."

    4. Burnt Rancheria Campground

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

    $35 / night

    "And others felt much more secluded in the forest. Also, there was a great difference in the amount of shade and flatness available."

    "Bathrooms were clean; some are pit toilets and others are flush and even have showers. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit, plus there are lots of potable water spigots throughout."

    5. Thousand Trails Pio Pico

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

    "Heck, someone even built a track for RC cars to race on, and there is a laundry center as well. Showers were nice and warm, and not coin operated - a rarity given the water droughts around CA."

    "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."

    6. Lake Jennings

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

    $35 - $140 / night

    "Lake Jennings Campground is a great campsite tucked away in Lakeside, CA. There are a good amount of campsites, and plenty with great views of the lake (“Preferred View” sites)."

    "Just 30 minutes from San Diego, with friendly staff and partial or full hookups. We were in a preferred lake view site#96 which had water and electric hookups."

    7. El Prado Campground

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

    $35 / night

    "This was a great place to disconnect and was close to SD. It was an easy and scenic drive up."

    "We hiked in and got the last walk in spot, so keep in mind that it can be busy on the weekends. The spots are fairly large and include parking, fire pits and picnic tables."

    8. 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."

    9. Boulder Oaks Eqst

    4 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 445-6235

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Found this spot after being turned away from lake Moreno campgrounds. Plenty of room for our trailer and enough space between sites to feel like we were alone out here."

    10. William Heise County Park

    46 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-0650

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Table and fire pit at each site. 

    Hiking available walking distance from camp, trails leading out of camp. Family friendly environment."

    "The drive up was amazing. They had plenty of water to wash and drink with a lot of bathrooms as well.

    You can walk trails, stargaze, take your bikes around and so much more!"

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Glamping Reviews near Potrero, CA

445 Reviews of 30 Potrero Campgrounds


  • Moriah M.
    Nov. 24, 2020

    Lake Jennings

    Great Campsite

    Lake Jennings Campground is a great campsite tucked away in Lakeside, CA. There are a good amount of campsites, and plenty with great views of the lake (“Preferred View” sites). We stayed in site 91 for 4 nights from Monday to Thursday night while the campground was pretty empty. I imagine it would be a little louder when it’s at full capacity, but we had no noise issues from fellow campers. However, there was plenty of random noise from the military helicopters that randomly flew overhead. It wasn’t disruptive, just unexpected. This campground is not secluded by any means, so the air traffic shouldn’t be a surprise. Honestly, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Diego County without air traffic interruptions.

    We chose Site 91 because it was at the top of a moderate hill at the end of the road, in an attempt to experience reduced traffic from other campers. The site was a Preferred View site and it did not disappoint! Views of the lake at sunrise and sunset were amazing and made for the perfect vista from our RV bed. An added benefit of the Preferred View sites is the privacy since no one is camped behind you. Our particular site even had useful shrubbery on each side to create a quasi sense of privacy between sites. Each site has a nice little fire pit and picnic table, and there was plenty of room for a second vehicle in addition to our van.

    There are plenty of restroom facilities sprinkled throughout so nothing is inconvenient. The restrooms are individual bathrooms with showers that are hot and NOT coin operated, so enjoy a full hair washing session if there’s not a line. The only caution: pincher bugs. Just brush them off and go about your business. But like everything, check the toilet seat and your clothes before proceeding.

    Finally, internet service was great for Verizon. We got 23 Mbps with 3 bars of 4G LTE unboosted, and 69 (!!!) Mbps with 5 bars using a simple MIMO antenna. We live and work in our RV (20’ Class B) full time, so this was crucial. The staff was also great. They were regularly driving by, cleaning or maintaining the grounds. In the end, we will definitely camp here again.

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2023

    Agua Caliente County Park Campground

    Large campground with lots of amenities

    Lots going on here but felt peaceful midweek in Jan. 3 spring-fed pools, hot showers quarter operated, clean flush toilet bathrooms, water, hiking trails and ample roads to walk the dog on. Mountain lion country - be alert. Friendly rangers. Clean facilities and well-kept grounds. Horseshoe pits and large group picnic areas. Cute cabins for rent - no pets allowed in those. Will definitely visit again. Many of the tent sites are close together - if the campground was full you’d have little privacy but it’s a large place and there were hardly any tent campers when I was there, though more RVs and vans in the hookup section. Tent site 106 is very private. I liked 109 it was in a kind of bird thicket with privacy from the road etc.

  • E
    May. 20, 2019

    Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Stars galore!

    This campground is one of my favorites. My practical side enjoys the clean bathrooms with hot showers and proximity to markets for refills on ice and beer. My adventurous side enjoys the hikes, coyotes singing and clear skies to observe the night sky. This campground has been enjoyable every time I’ve gone. I’ve been to many campgrounds where neighbors keep you up late, but something about this location demands quiet enjoyment. Don’t get me wrong, my friends and I stay up laughing around the campfire well after sunset but everyone seems to respect the quiet hours. The sites are spacious, each with a shade ramada, grill and fire-ring. The visitors center is a must see and there are numerous hiking trails near the campground. As beautiful as the wildflowers are during a super bloom, the crowds are super distracting. March is the best time of year to go, if there is a super bloom you’ll enjoy that, if not, you’ll enjoy the solitude.

  • Matthew D.
    Jun. 26, 2017

    William Heise County Park

    Fire pits too close to eachother

    Stayed in site #73 this past weekend. I wouldn't recommend that spot. It is too close to #74. They are both large spots but the actually fire pits are too close to eachother. Luckily there was a nice family staying next to us so we hardly noticed them. Had they been too loud it could have ruined the trip. Also this spot had very little shade in the afternoon when the sun was the hottest.

    The bathrooms were shut down for maintenance in that loop so they offered portable toilets which got full quick. The hand washing station ran out of water the second day and was never refilled so you had to go back to your site to wash your hands. The running water coming from the spigot was orange and frothy and had a sign saying not to use it for drinking.

    The hiking trail that was near by was the best part. Tons of wildflowers everywhere and beautiful views.

    I probably won't come back to this campground next time I got camping. There are campgrounds closer to San Diego that are have bigger sites.

  • Shainna M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 3, 2023

    Dos Picos County Park

    Gorgeous!

    Great county park. Quiet and well maintained. Pay showers. $29/ night. Pets welcome. Fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Tent camping available as well.

  • K
    Jun. 23, 2021

    El Prado Campground

    Great short stay

    This was a great place to disconnect and was close to SD. It was an easy and scenic drive up. Each camp site was large and had privacy but since it was hilly, some sites may have few flat spaces to pitch a tent.

  • 07JKRedrock S.
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Dos Picos County Park

    Great little gem in SD County

    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. Don't know if the tent only sites have these. On-site dumping available, if you need it. Ok(ish) flushing restrooms and showers available. Better than a pit toilet!! Plenty of shaded spots with some mature trees around the campground. Firepits and picnic tables on each site. Trails all around to hike as well as a catch and release pond on grounds. Rangers were pretty adamant about quiet time starting at 10 pm. Rangers were super friendly, too.

    One little gotcha, for me at least. There's no smoking of any product nor e-cig use allowed on the grounds. I personally look forward to enjoying a cigar around the campfire at the end of the day. Bummer but not a deal breaker.

  • Dani P.
    Jul. 14, 2019

    William Heise County Park

    Forest and Mountains just a couple hours from the city

    Sweet campground with pines trees and a mountain feel. Table and fire pit at each site. 

    Hiking available walking distance from camp, trails leading out of camp. Family friendly environment. Can get busy in the summer, so be sure to leave it just as beautiful or better than before you arrived.

  • Jimmy M.
    Mar. 23, 2023

    San Diego Metro KOA

    Great place to chill

    Great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful campground. Heated pool, jacuzzi, bike rentals, and more. They loan you fire pits if you don’t have one. And deliver wood to your site. There is even a cafe if you don’t feel like firing up the grill.


Guide to Potrero

Camping near Potrero, California offers sites at elevations between 2,300 and 6,000 feet, providing mild temperatures for most of the year. The eastern San Diego County landscape features oak woodland habitats with distinctive boulder formations and seasonal creek beds. Many campsites sit within groves of mature oak trees that provide natural shade during summer months when temperatures can reach 90°F.

What to do

Hiking on educational trails: At Potrero County Park, a trail system with interpretive signage teaches visitors about local flora and fauna. "Nice little trail with some signage on the Kumayaay and local plantlife. Staff were all very pleasant and helpful," noted a camper who visited in October.

Visit nearby Tecate: The border town is accessible for day trips from Potrero campsites. "My advice is to make a day trip into Tecate also, it's only 6 miles away. We parked at the border for 7 bucks, walked across and had tacos," shares a camper who stayed at Potrero County Park.

Explore historic train exhibits: The Campo Creek area offers cultural attractions near camping areas. "Easy drive to Campo with its historic train rides and museum @ the old Campo store. Fascinating historical area including former Italian POW camp from WWII," mentions one visitor about sites near Potrero.

Stargazing without light pollution: The mountain campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing. "We sat out after my kids went to bed til around midnight with my fire & it was heaven," describes a camper from Lake Morena County Park. The higher elevation and distance from city lights make for optimal star viewing.

What campers like

Wildlife encounters: Lake Morena is known for its wild turkey population. "There must have been 100 wild turkeys that cruised thru the camp ground a few times. Pretty epic sight!" shares a winter visitor. The oak woodland environment supports diverse bird watching opportunities.

Seasonal weather variations: Different camping experiences are available throughout the year. "During this time of year, chilly nights but beautiful days. We did get rained on for a day but nothing horrible," notes a February visitor about San Diego County Lake Morena County Park.

Yurt camping options: Yurt accommodations at Lake Jennings provide comfortable alternatives to tent camping. "Really enjoyed the Tipi camping so fun! Totally worth spending a bit more. Very roomy," reports a visitor at Lake Jennings. This glamping option offers stability during seasonal winds.

Digital detox opportunity: Some campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "Lovely park, where you can truly check out. No cell service other then AT&T, no over the air TV, no over the air radio. Sirius works great. I would stay here again. Love it," shares a Lake Morena visitor.

What you should know

Coin-operated showers: Prepare quarters for shower facilities. "Showers are pay showers. .50/4mins," explains a Lake Morena visitor. Most campgrounds in the area use similar systems for conservation purposes.

Fire regulations: Enforcement of fire curfews varies by campground and occupancy. "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," notes a camper from Lake Morena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Potrero, CA?

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

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Potrero, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 glamping camping locations near Potrero, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.