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 (210)

    1. Dos Picos County Park

    34 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

    33 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. San Elijo State Beach Campground

    38 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."

    5. 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."

    6. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    20 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

    16 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."

    "The fishing lakes are and best indoor walking paths are a bonus."

    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. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

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

    $34 - $38 / night

    "Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.

    Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California."

    "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."

    10. 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."

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Recent Reviews near Poway, CA

1393 Reviews of 210 Poway Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Granite Springs

    Little Known Gem

    Primitive camp site with chemical bathrooms. Has 3 areas to set up tents. First come first serve, but you must check in at the ranger station before you go. $5 per camper. We comfortably fit 3 tents on one site.

  • M
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Mission Bay RV Resort

    Trashy park

    Several issues here. First the most obvious the connections are at the front of the space on the drivers side. If you back in you better have 100 feet of hose sewer and power cord. Reservations failed to tell me while on the phone that the power was out but they’re still charging full price. Most of the lots are dusty dirt lots well over half of the park is not in use and in disrepair. There is trash everywhere and the staff could care less if you’re enjoying yourself. Do yourself a favor and spend the 20 extra dollars to stay at Campland Overall a waste of money and beach front property

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Great camp

    Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.

    Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California.

  • Kai K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved The Off-Roading and Beautiful Views

    Loved how much road there was to explore. We went about 2 hours deep into this area and there was still more to explore. The best part here was the stars, so stunning. Be careful in the summer as it is very hot during the day.

  • j
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Henshaw Resort

    My stay review

    This place is pretty. The staff is nice and not too strict. The place can definitely need a lil tlc but for the price per dayits nothing too complain too much. The pool is cool the showers and bathroom are all functional. Wich is a good thing. I was told to pick any spot i liked wich made my stay even better. No hookups at all i had my rv/camper but that was no problem i took my generator. Place is definitely recommended if you're a not too picky person.😉

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    Cool spot

    Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. Don’t feel like you missed anything if you can’t get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Fry Creek Campground

    Loved it

    We absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    Perfect weekend getaway

    This campground is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and we absolutely loved it. There are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things. The rangers even supplied Dr. Bronners Castile soap in each bathroom. We stayed in site number 17 and it was lovely. Each camp site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Online says you can buy firewood but they no longer provide that service, so make sure you bring your own firewood! You can’t swim in the lake, but you can fish and it’s very pleasant to walk around and bird watch. There is so much to do in this urban park, you could spend many days here. P.S. the Mission Trails visitor center is spectacular.

  • Moo
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Oceanside RV Resort

    For tent campers - pretty solid place for a quick couple stays

    First, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.

    For the down sides;

    1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.

    2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.

    3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.


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

Can you camp at Lake Poway?

No, overnight camping is not permitted at Lake Poway. The lake is a day-use recreation area offering fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking trails, but does not have designated campground facilities. For lake camping near Poway, consider Dixon Lake Campground in nearby Escondido, which offers campsites with lake views and similar recreational activities. The lake and its surrounding park close to visitors in the evening, and camping is not part of the recreational offerings at this location.

What campgrounds are available in Poway, California?

While there are no campgrounds directly within Poway city limits, several excellent options exist nearby. Kumeyaay Lake Campground in Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the closest campgrounds to Poway, offering convenient access to San Diego's largest urban park. For RV enthusiasts, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides well-maintained sites with full hookups just a short drive from Poway. Adventurous campers might enjoy Corte Madera Mountain in Cleveland National Forest, requiring a permit but offering stunning summit camping with fewer crowds.

What are the best camping sites near Poway for weekend trips?

For weekend trips from Poway, consider Dos Picos County Park, just a short drive away in neighboring Ramona. It's perfect for a quick getaway with a fishing pond and relatively level sites, though it gets busy on weekends. Another excellent option is Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, known for its proximity to waterfall trails and beautiful natural setting. Both locations offer convenient access from Poway while providing a true outdoor experience without traveling far.