Best Campgrounds near Ranchita, CA

Ranchita is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Ranchita is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Ranchita, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Ranchita, California (310)

    1. William Heise County Park

    46 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    12 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."

    2. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    31 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-5311

    $35 - $125 / night

    "Activities: numerous hiking trails, accessible from the campground. The most popular one is the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail which leads to the oasis of California Fan Palms."

    "Very clean, well-maintained, and nice location. Very strict check-in time. However, you can tell they are cleaning the sites and making sure the sites are in order."

    3. Blair Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    35 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "This site is located in anza borrego, the only dark sky community in California, so you will see more stars here than anywhere else in California (unless there’s a full moon then there won’t be stars)."

    "This place is tucked away off the S-2 with camping along a dry lake bed. Beautiful spring blooms here, the lake bed is a protected space, so admire from a distance."

    4. Culp Valley Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    17 Reviews
    Ranchita, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "Located off the S22, border of Anza Borrego,just 3.5 miles past the town of Ranchita. If you keep going down the hill you'll hit Borrego Springs."

    "I’ve hit bottom coming out of California business driveways more often.

    It’s located well up the mountain from Borrego Springs on a scenic highway."

    5. Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    12 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    10 miles

    "I don't think this map pin is correct for Yaqui Wells Primitive Camp, the location according to Google Maps is a little further south just off Yaqui Pass Road off Highway 78."

    "Overall, I was happy with our stay as we could only see one other party (far away enough to where we couldn't hear them) and it was quieter than I thought it would be, considering it runs parallel to a highway"

    6. 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."

    7. Loomerland

    4 Reviews
    San Ysidro, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 703-1155

    $39 - $99 / night

    "The Happy Hilltop site felt secluded but was still accessible to the outhouse and barn area within an easy walk.  (Camp sites near the barn are close to the outhouse but much less private.)"

    "It was amazing to see Bonnie (one of the dogs) notice a hawk far away in the distance and scare it immediately. 

    The spot that I rented was next to the kitchen area and not far from the barn."

    8. KQ Ranch Resort

    9 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-2771

    "Membership costs us around $2000 And have access to / 3000 different camp sites nationwide At any time of the year a drop of a dime essentially"

    "Great location and beautiful scenery in the mountains. The resort has lost of activities to participate in. Also, great hiking trails."

    9. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "I'm not a big golfer, but the course that surrounds the park is very nice. In fact, all of the facilities are well maintained. It's best to avoid the summer unless you're a fan of extreme heat."

    "Lots of hiking places near by. We will be back!"

    10. Tamarisk Grove Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    6 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-5311

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Tamarisk is a nice campground in a central location. It's about halfway between downtown Borrego Desert and Julien, there are some nice hikes nearby like the Cactus Loop. Nice showers and bathrooms."

    "It sits next to the highway but there’s minimal traffic so it isn’t terribly loud. There are tent sites as well as primitive cabins. Each site has a fire ring and table."

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Recent Reviews near Ranchita, CA

1545 Reviews of 310 Ranchita Campgrounds



Guide to Ranchita

Camping near Ranchita, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy nature and unwind.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around William Heise County Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise." The park is surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for nature walks.
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Hemet Campground for some fishing fun. A camper shared, "The lake is well-stocked with trout and bluegill," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Blair Valley Primitive Campground, you might catch a glimpse of coyotes and other wildlife. One camper noted, "Saw some coyotes pass by my camp," highlighting the area's natural charm.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A review for Lake Jennings stated, "The bathrooms and showers are clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpfulness of the staff. At Dos Picos County Park, one camper said, "This is a very well-run county park," emphasizing the positive experiences with the park's team.
  • Privacy: Campers often mention the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Burnt Rancheria Campground highlighted, "The sites are nice with lots of trees for more privacy," making it a peaceful getaway.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get busy and noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "It can get a little loud on the weekends with drunk party-goers."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Blair Valley Primitive Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, it’s essential to be cautious. A camper at William Heise County Park warned about ticks in the area due to the presence of mule deer.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Jennings, which has a playground and activities for kids. One parent shared, "Great place for family and kids. Affordable."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to bring fishing gear if you’re heading to Lake Hemet Campground. A visitor noted, "Make sure to bring your spinning rods and reels with you."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Dixon Lake Campground mentioned, "They have a small snack stand during the day," which can be convenient.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review for Paso Picacho Campground mentioned, "Not many spaces for big rigs, but lots if you’re in the 20’ range."
  • Be Mindful of Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Burnt Rancheria Campground, do not have electric hookups. A camper noted, "There are no water, sewer nor electrical hookups at this campsite."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially on weekends, try to arrive early. A visitor at Dos Picos County Park mentioned, "Shouldn't have a problem finding a site here," but arriving early can help you snag the best ones.

Camping near Ranchita, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family adventure, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ranchita, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ranchita, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 310 campgrounds and RV parks near Ranchita, CA and 34 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ranchita, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ranchita, CA is William Heise County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 46 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Ranchita, CA.

What parks are near Ranchita, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Ranchita, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.