Tent camping near Potrero, California centers around the Cleveland National Forest and Anza-Borrego Desert regions. Located near the U.S.-Mexico border, most sites sit at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature differences between day and night, even in summer. The eastern camping areas transition to desert terrain with minimal shade, while western sites offer more tree coverage.
What to do
Hiking at Corte Madera: Trails provide panoramic vistas across multiple ecosystems. "The Trail is a 7.5 mile out and back trail near Morena Village. There are great views over the Lake Morena area and the desert as you climb," notes a Corte Madera Mountain visitor, who recommends taking "plenty of water" due to the continuous climb to 4,657 feet.
Disc golf on private land: GoodVibes Ranch offers an unexpected activity option. "I found out they have a full size professional disc golf course here! I don't bring my discs, but Carolyn and Bernie happily lent me some discs so I could try it out," shares a reviewer at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, which provides a less rustic alternative to dispersed camping.
Offroad adventures: The region attracts off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. "Maps are easy to get and trails are well posted," states a longtime visitor to Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Eastern camping areas provide extensive trail networks for motorcycles, ATVs, and 4WD vehicles, though campers should "avoid big weekends" when seeking quieter experiences.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Dispersed camping options provide exceptional isolation. A camper at Pine Creek Road Camp notes the distance between sites: "Even driving slowly, I counted only 6 or 7 sites total, separated by up to a mile. I saw only 1 other spot with campers, at least 2.5 miles from my site."
Recently improved access: Road conditions have improved in several areas. "Roads are PAVED, I think that's new because I don't remember that last year when I went!" reports a Pine Creek Road Camp visitor. Another camper adds, "Pine Creek Road itself is paved, and the camping spots are packed dirt so it's easy to get around even in a FWD."
Natural shower facilities: Some established campgrounds offer surprising amenities. A camper at GoodVibes Ranch appreciated "3 huge custom stone showers with natural spring water & full bathrooms with sinks & flushing toilets," providing a comfortable option between more primitive sites.
What you should know
Permit requirements vary: Most dispersed camping requires advance planning. A camper at Pine Creek Road Camp advises, "make sure you apply for the free permit a few days in advance especially if you plan to go on the weekend. List the place you're going as 'Pine Creek dispersed camping,' and keep a printed copy in your car."
Limited cellular service: Communication options are restricted across most camping areas. A Pine Creek Road visitor mentions "Very spotty service (Verizon), which makes navigation and planning difficult if you don't pre-download trail maps."
Narrow access roads: Some camping areas have challenging approaches. A Pine Creek visitor warns: "if you're nervous about driving on single lane mountain roads, this is not the place for you! Pine Creek Road is several miles long, with some sections that are on sheer cliff edges with very few turn-off spots to allow for passing."
Tips for camping with families
Consider Mission Trails for amenities: When tent camping near Potrero with children, Kumeyaay Lake Campground offers more structured facilities. "Perfect campground located right in San Diego. Great for families with small kids and there are many close trails," shares a visitor who adds the helpful warning to "beware of rattlesnakes, they are everywhere during the summer."
Check for seasonal water sources: Water availability changes dramatically through the year. At Corral Canyon Campground, a camper notes "No piped water, but the creek is flowing in mid-May of a wet winter," highlighting the importance of tracking seasonal conditions when planning family camping trips.
Plan for insects: Prepare for various flying pests depending on location and season. One camper at Pine Creek Road Camp reported: "There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed. Luckily just gnats and no mosquitoes from what we experienced."
Tips from RVers
Consider size limitations: Large recreational vehicles face significant challenges on forest roads. Even moderate-sized RVs require careful navigation at Pine Creek Road Camp, where a camper notes: "if you have a big rig it's a little tight to move around on the roads but definitely nice for sprinters / trucks / suvs or even cars!"
Prepare for primitive conditions: RV campers need to be self-contained. Most dispersed sites have no hookups, water, or dump stations. A camper at Bow Willow Primitive Campground describes the basic setup: "No water, $20 per nite with vault toilet and trash. Nice cover picnic tables at each site."
Bring extra water supplies: Desert camping requires additional water planning. An experienced camper at Ocotillo Wells advises to "pack 3 times the amount of water that you think you would need," especially important for RVers who might stay longer at each location.
