Best Tent Camping near Poway, CA

Tent camping options near Poway, California include several established campgrounds within a short drive. Kumeyaay Lake Campground in Mission Trails Regional Park offers tent sites with access to hiking trails and basic amenities. Pine Creek Road Camp provides dispersed camping opportunities in a more remote setting, while The Eyrie Farm offers private tent camping on an organic farm property. These locations provide varied experiences from urban-adjacent to backcountry primitive tent sites.

Most tent campgrounds in the area have limited amenities, with facilities varying significantly between established and dispersed sites. Kumeyaay Lake provides clean bathrooms and hot showers but is only open Friday and Saturday nights. Pine Creek Road Camp requires high clearance vehicles to access its primitive tent sites along a 7.5-mile road with limited passing areas. According to one visitor, "There are way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed." Fire restrictions are common, particularly during dry seasons, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely.

Areas farther from San Diego offer deeper seclusion and less noise for tent campers. Corte Madera Mountain provides backcountry tent camping at 4,657 feet elevation with views over Lake Morena, though hikers need a free permit from the ranger station. The 7.5-mile trail requires substantial water supplies due to continuous climbing. Kitchen Creek Road offers walk-in tent sites with more primitive conditions. A camper noted that Kumeyaay Lake "is a good spot for close to town camping... the park has a TON of hiking and mountain biking trails with some great views." Most tent sites throughout the region fill quickly on weekends, with reservations recommended where available.

Best Tent Sites Near Poway, California (20)

    1. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

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

    $24 - $25 / night

    "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."

    "No hookups here but they have great clean bathrooms and hot showers. Lots of hiking/biking straight from your campsite. This place is a jem, being so close to most parts of San Diego."

    2. The Eyrie Farm

    1 Review
    Ramona, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 843-3978

    $30 / night

    "We're happy to have this property on our platform. There are 2 sites to choose from, please read about them before booking. Check them out and leave them some love!"

    3. GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

    2 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    24 miles
    Website

    $50 - $175 / night

    "Gorgeous oaks shading our camp site. Loved the kitties & the ranch doggies. Went for a hike. Saw lots of flowers, a seasonal creek, sage, views of the valley & nearby mountain."

    "Plenty of room for beautiful hikes on their many acres of land packed with some great views a few decks scattered around the property.  "

    4. Pine Creek Road Camp

    6 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    32 miles

    "Great area--it's just close enough to some expensive campgrounds and a few connecting trails, so it's awesome to camp here for FREE. "

    "I drive an Acura RDX and had no problems (I actually had a lot of fun driving the road). 

    There were way more flies than we were expecting. Prepare to get swarmed."

    5. Corte Madera Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Guatay, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 445-6235

    "If you’re looking for a nice hike, in the wild, with few people around, this is the one. Corte Madera Mountain in Cleveland National Forest, just east of San Diego."

    "You will need a permit, but you can get a free permit emailed to you if you call the rangers station. The Trail is a 7.5 mile out and back trail near Morena Village."

    6. Corral Canyon Campground

    2 Reviews
    Potrero, CA
    32 miles
    Website

    "All other public campgrounds nearby are booked solid, but there are only 3 other groups here beside me. 1 camper told me the CG is always empty. Why?"

    "This is a beautiful area to off-road, it is closed temporarily due to covid so hopefully that opens back up here pretty soon. I’ve never camped here but have always wanted to."

    7. Kitchen Creek Road

    4 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    34 miles

    8. Julian Hideaway

    Be the first to review!
    Julian, CA
    23 miles
    +1 (760) 421-8705

    $80 - $50 / night

    9. Los Coyotes Camp Cahuilla Reservation

    1 Review
    San Ysidro, CA
    33 miles
    +1 (760) 782-2790

    "This place was so big it had space for another 10 cars and tents. We’re coming back for sure."

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Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Poway, CA

1255 Reviews of 20 Poway Campgrounds



Guide to Poway

Tent camping near Poway, California offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and mountain biking at Kumeyaay Lake Campground, where trails weave through the beautiful Mission Trails Regional Park.
  • Experience the beauty of nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, featuring stunning views and opportunities for disc golf.
  • Explore the serene landscapes at Corte Madera Mountain, which offers a challenging hike with breathtaking views at the summit.

Tent campers should check out these amenities

Tent campers appreciate these features

  • Kumeyaay Lake Campground allows campfires after 7 PM, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
  • The Eyrie Farm features a unique organic farm setting, providing a peaceful retreat with plenty of animals to enjoy.
  • Pine Creek Road Camp is known for its secluded spots, allowing campers to immerse themselves in nature away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Poway, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Poway, CA is Kumeyaay Lake Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Poway, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Poway, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.