RV sites near Potrero, California sit near the US-Mexico border in San Diego County, about 45 miles east of downtown San Diego. The area features Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally wet winters. Elevations in surrounding camping areas range from sea level to over 4,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations depending on campground location.
What to do
Hiking access: The Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs in Descanso connects to mountain trails at 4,000 feet elevation. "A beautiful RV resort, stayed pretty dispersed by staying in couple tent sites," notes one visitor who adds that winter nights get "uncomfortably cold" without a heater.
Water activities: Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay offers marina access with boat rentals. "Beautiful wildlife, sunsets, sculptures, beach, marina, bike paths," reports a camper. Another adds, "There is also a nature center next to the campground that offers a discount to those who stay."
Sports facilities: Several RV parks feature recreational amenities. "They have a way to offer things like mini golf, but bring your own putter and balls," mentions a reviewer at Oakzanita Springs. At Fiddlers Cove RV Park, visitors appreciate "great amenities kayak rentals bike rentals and other great options!"
What campers like
Affordable options: Budget-conscious travelers can find reasonably priced sites in the region. "Nice park with a reasonable price. Facilities are nice. A bit of a drive out of town," reports a visitor to Oak Creek RV Resort in El Cajon.
Pool access: Swimming pools provide relief from summer heat at many parks. "Pool and hot tub are small, but well maintained," notes one Vacationer RV Park visitor. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, "Large pool area. Splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers matter to campers. At Escondido RV Resort, "the shower house looks like it has recently been updated." Another visitor praised Oakzanita Springs for "excellent showers and bathrooms! Very nice people as well!"
What you should know
Cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. At Thousand Trails Pio Pico, "Cell service is non-existent, though they of course can't control that." Another camper confirms: "You won't have the best cell coverage but if your looking for a quite getaway from society this is the place to be."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some parks. At Escondido RV Resort, "People are complaining about freeway noise, we stayed in site 3 (the closest site to the freeway) and it was quiet as a mouse from inside our (insulated) RV."
Laundry limitations: Facility availability and cost vary widely. At Oakzanita Springs, one camper noted: "Two bad things, no internet, and no laundry. Before I left my last stop, I didn't do laundry, and figured I can do it here. The guy at the gate even said there was a laundry. He neglected to say it was out of order."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple parks offer facilities for children. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, "There is also a comfort station with a playground and horse shoe pits. There is also a nature center next to the campground that offers a discount to those who stay."
Activity centers: Indoor recreation spaces provide entertainment options. "Two rec centers. One rec center is designed more for kids with a pool table, air hockey, shuffleboard, and games," notes a visitor to Pio Pico. Another camper adds, "The main center has TV, shuffleboard, ping pong, and a built in cafe."
Safety considerations: Some parks have better security than others. At Vacationer RV Park, a camper noted: "Not exactly a good part of town, but it is a gated park." Security measures like gates with access codes are mentioned at several RV sites near Potrero.
Tips from RVers
Road challenges: Mountain access requires careful planning. At Oakzanita Springs, "access roads are narrow, hilly, AND curvy. But, it CAN be done. Coming in from the south on Hwy 79 (the only road in) warns that 40' vehicles and longer, are prohibited. But, you can make it to the camp."
Site selection: Location within parks matters for comfort. "All sites are concrete with a brick patio. If you have a pull through you get a grill," notes a Circle RV Resort visitor. At Escondido RV Resort, "Space 49 is small. The park is hilly."
Seasonal considerations: Temperature variations affect camping comfort. "It got uncomfortably cold at night" warns an Oakzanita Springs visitor about winter camping, while noting "the bathrooms are kept warm and very clean."
