Best Campgrounds near Poway, CA

Poway in Southern California connects campers to several diverse camping spots. San Elijo State Beach Campground draws many visitors with its beachfront locations and basic amenities like bathrooms and shower facilities. Not far away, Crystal Cove State Park has camping areas along coastal cliffs where hikers can easily access nearby trails. For those wanting more seclusion, Lake Hemet Campground in the San Jacinto Mountains provides fishing spots and picnic grounds. Most campgrounds can be reached via paved roads, though getting to certain remote areas might require vehicles with higher clearance. The privacy between sites differs—some have thick tree coverage while others are more open with better views. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for camping in this region. Coastal sites become particularly attractive during hot summer months, while winter stays relatively mild except at higher elevations where it gets colder. Always check if any areas are closed seasonally before making plans. Most sites come equipped with drinking water and tables for meals. Making reservations ahead of time is recommended since the best spots fill quickly, especially during busy periods. The camping areas around Poway range from oceanside spots to quiet mountain locations, giving campers plenty of choices.

Best Camping Sites Near Poway, California (199)

    1. Dos Picos County Park

    33 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 789-2220

    $24 - $100 / night

    "Nearby hiking and golf, as well as a short drive to Poway/Rancho Bernardo where any service, shopping, etc you may need is available."

    "The creek eventually flows into a pond located on the other end of the campground. The pond is actually pretty large! Lots of space to walk around and explore."

    2. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    "One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"

    3. Lake Jennings

    32 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    12 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!"

    4. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 839-4045

    $39 - $50 / night

    "Dixon lake is a perfect spot for my nephews to fish and play in the dirt. The campsites look really nice and ideal for tents. The walks around the lake are definitely worth doing!"

    "I grew up in Oceanside and people talked about camping at Dixon lake in Escondido and I thought it was lame and not “real” camping. Having never been there, I based this off nothing."

    5. San Elijo State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 753-5091

    $50 - $520 / night

    "If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."

    "It's classic California beach camping. Spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground. That said, the beach is great, and the river mouth is great for surfing."

    6. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 668-2748

    $24 - $25 / night

    "Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."

    "You are away from the city, but not too far. The facilities were nice and the only scare was the GIGANTIC spider seen outside the bathroom. We'd for sure come pack...the price is right too :$"

    7. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    15 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 596-3141

    "Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."

    "Kids loved the convenient fishing right behind our trailer and the swimming pools a short drive away. Also was able to rent paddle boats to cruise around the lakes."

    8. Escondido RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 239-5273

    "Location near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking."

    "The site itself is simply stunning, nestled in a peaceful and beautiful location that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway."

    9. William Heise County Park

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

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Nice campground away from the main roads. All spots outside of the R.V. loop are spread out and pretty secluded. Very friendly and helpful rangers. About a 10 minute drive from Julian pie co."

    "Lots of flat areas for pitching tents well away from the fire pit."

    10. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    31 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "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."

    "The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic, even a large event room."

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Showing results 1-10 of 199 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Poway, CA

1360 Reviews of 199 Poway Campgrounds



Guide to Poway

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

What to do

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing fun. One reviewer shared, "The lake is clean with plenty of fish. I will definitely stay again in the future."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A happy camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at William Heise County Park. One visitor remarked, "Bathrooms were spotless. They were being cleaned frequently."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Lake Jennings. A reviewer noted, "The ladies at the front are always so incredibly sweet!"

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."
  • Limited Privacy: Many campgrounds have sites close together. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or trains. One camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "There is a ton of road noise coming off of the highway."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like San Elijo State Beach Campground, which offers easy beach access and nearby restaurants. A family camper said, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes for the trails or fishing gear for the lakes. One parent at Lake Jennings mentioned, "There’s a playground, hikes, and 360 views."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at William Heise County Park noted, "They have areas that are full hookup, partial hookup, no hookup, tent only areas, and group camping."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Moro Campground said, "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check out Lake Hemet Campground. A camper shared, "Prices range from $50 for a no-hookup site to $140 for a double hook-up oceanfront site."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially at night. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "There was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."

Camping around Poway, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a beach escape or a peaceful retreat in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Poway, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Poway, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 199 campgrounds and RV parks near Poway, CA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Poway, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Poway, CA is Dos Picos County Park with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Poway, CA.

What parks are near Poway, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Poway, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.