Best Campgrounds near Ramona, CA

Ramona, California serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences within San Diego County, from developed county parks to remote backcountry sites. Dos Picos County Park, nestled in the hills of Ramona, provides family-friendly camping with a fishing pond, playground, and both shaded and open sites. Within an hour's drive, campers can access William Heise County Park near Julian, Lake Jennings in Lakeside, and primitive camping in Cleveland National Forest. The region's camping options span from full-hookup RV resorts to tent-only areas and cabin rentals, with elevations ranging from near sea level to over 4,000 feet in the surrounding mountains.

Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during spring wildflower season and fall when temperatures moderate. As one camper noted, "Dos Picos is crazy busy on weekends but almost empty during the week." Summer temperatures in Ramona regularly exceed 90°F, making air conditioning necessary for RV campers, while winter nights can drop below freezing at higher elevations. Cell coverage is generally good at developed sites like Dos Picos, but becomes spotty in more remote areas. Many campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for hiking popular trails such as Mt. Woodson and Iron Mountain, both within a 10-minute drive of Ramona.

The proximity to both urban amenities and natural attractions makes camping near Ramona particularly appealing. According to visitor reviews, "Ramona is close to shop, eat, etc." while still offering a sense of getting away. Sites at Dos Picos County Park receive praise for not being "terribly close to another," providing relative privacy despite being in a developed setting. Nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers additional camping options with access to waterfalls and extensive hiking trails. For those seeking desert experiences, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park lies about an hour east, where primitive camping is permitted with proper preparation. The region's camping diversity allows visitors to experience mountain forests, chaparral hillsides, and desert landscapes all within relatively short drives from Ramona.

Best Camping Sites Near Ramona, California (262)

    1. Dos Picos County Park

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

    $24 - $100 / night

    "You have to drive to the RV dump to dump. It’s close but you don’t have the convenience to dump at your site. There are park rangers available. It’s a good place for kids to run around."

    "Dos Picos is a nice campground that's hidden in the hills of Ramona. It's a great place to base camp if you want to hike Mt. Woodson and Iron Mountain."

    2. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    13 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!"

    3. William Heise County Park

    46 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    17 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."

    4. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    12 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. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    26 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"

    6. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    16 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    14 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."

    7. La Jolla Indian Campground

    20 Reviews
    Palomar Mountain, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 742-1297

    $40 - $120 / night

    "You can camp next to it as well and get in! It’s $35 per car they do have military discount. The total of $32 with discount. They also have porta potties every few 500 feet."

    "The spot we initially reserved was located on the little river, but once we got there, we realized we were a little too packed in with the rest of the visitors, so we requested to move to a more open spot"

    8. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    17 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 :$"

    9. Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    23 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-3023

    $40 - $250 / night

    "The only downside to this site is that it was very close to the bathrooms. That actually bummed me out a bit when we first arrived, but it ended up not being much of an issue at all."

    "The trash cans were just a few feet from the site and the bathrooms were a short walk just a couple spots away."

    10. Escondido RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    15 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 262 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ramona, CA

1495 Reviews of 262 Ramona Campgrounds



Guide to Ramona

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

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide easy access to the beach. Campers love the chance to enjoy the ocean, with one reviewer noting, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. One camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Jennings is a great spot. A visitor shared, "The lake is clean with plenty of fish," making it a perfect place for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One reviewer at William Heise County Park said, "The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites with good separation. A camper at San Mateo Campground noted, "There are mature trees between every campsite that provide privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were nice, and the showers were clean."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or markets nearby. A camper at Lake Hemet pointed out, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy, especially near highways or during busy weekends. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "Music way too loud... I'm just not going there."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds and clean facilities. One camper at Lake Jennings said, "There’s a play area that had ladder golf, tetherball, and ping pong."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at William Heise County Park mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at San Mateo Campground enjoyed the "camp store that is great."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RV parks can be loud. A camper at Lake Hemet shared, "There’s not a lot of campground etiquette either."
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Know where the dump stations are and their hours. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area mentioned, "The dump site was out of order when we first arrived."

Camping in Ramona, CA, and the surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a quiet retreat in nature, there's something for every type of camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ramona, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ramona, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 262 campgrounds and RV parks near Ramona, CA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ramona, CA?

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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Ramona, CA.

What parks are near Ramona, CA?

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