RV camping near San Clemente offers diverse options beyond the immediate coastline, with sites available in surrounding communities like Vista, Oceanside, and Huntington Beach. Most campgrounds in the region experience mild temperatures year-round with average highs of 70-75°F, though inland locations can reach the 90s during summer months. Sites throughout North County San Diego and south Orange County typically see less crowding during mid-week stays, even in peak seasons.
What to do
Explore Lake Elsinore activities: Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park offers waterfront recreation with amenities for families. "My family loves this place we were here before the remodeling and we are still faithful returners every year for the past 20 + years we absolutely love it here and the family fun is always amazing," notes camper Ametra J. The site includes a splash pad, playground, and organized activities for children.
Visit nearby historic sites: Rancho Jurupa RV Park provides a convenient base for exploring local history. "We drove over to the Mission Inn (8 min drive) enjoyed lunch. Their is a pedestrian only shopping area with a Saturday farmer's market plus lots of restaurants," shares Jody R. The park offers both natural and paved camping areas with full hookups.
Enjoy beach activities with easy access: Camping near the coast allows for convenient beach days. "Just spent two weeks here including thanksgiving holiday... go out the locked gate at the back of the grounds, walk thru a park and across a (not too busy) street and there is the Pacific Ocean," explains a visitor to Paradise By The Sea RV Resort. Many coastal sites provide direct beach access paths or are within walking distance of popular beaches.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Escondido RV Resort receives praise for its upkeep. "It's a beautiful place and its kept immaculate. Staff is kind and professional. The grounds are layed out great. Its located close to alot of attractions," writes Michael H. Many campers note the cleanliness of restrooms and shower facilities throughout area campgrounds.
Family-oriented amenities: Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park offers extensive recreational options. "Great campground for families. Lots of activities for the kids to do, like smores by the fire, art, splash pad, and play ground. Facility was clean," notes Jeff E. Many parks provide specialized areas for children with organized activities during peak seasons.
Convenient locations: Sites in north San Diego County provide strategic positioning for multiple attractions. "Great North County location... Close to Legoland and the beach," comments Tony B. about Olive Avenue RV Resort. Many campgrounds serve as effective base camps for exploring both coastal and inland attractions within a 30-60 minute drive.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many coastal RV parks have limited space between sites. "We aren't used to staying at RV resorts like the Newport Dunes, but it was a fun change of pace... The site itself is fairly tight," notes Zach R. about Waterfront RV Park in Huntington Beach. Space constraints are most common at premium coastal locations.
Noise considerations: Environmental sounds affect some campgrounds more than others. "I hope you like cozy. Neighbor in campsite next to us yapped his belligerent drunken mouth all weekend," reports Theresa S. about Newport Dunes. Train tracks near coastal campgrounds can create intermittent noise, while inland locations may experience less disruption.
Reservation planning: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "We arrived in the middle of Dec. It's a beautiful place and its kept immaculate," notes Michael H. about winter camping at Escondido RV Resort. Most regional campgrounds accept reservations 3-6 months in advance, with some premium coastal locations booking up to a year ahead for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated children's activities: Newport Dunes RV Resort provides organized programming for younger campers. "We stay here every year. They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach," shares Karissa J. Several parks offer seasonal recreation programs during summer months.
Consider campgrounds with swimming options: Pools provide alternatives when ocean conditions aren't ideal. "This campground has small sites like most RV parks do, but there was a lot of fun things to do with the kids. They had a movie on the beach when we were there, and fun water toys out," mentions Kimberly A. about Newport Dunes.
Seek out secure environments: Gated campgrounds provide additional safety. "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Lots of food spots within 10 minutes. Spaces are one of the cleanest I seen. Ranger is on constant patrol," notes Troy A. about Rancho Jurupa Park.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra equipment for proper setup. "We had a pull through site with full hook ups; it was on a cement pad that was nice, but the city made them slope all the pads for water drainage … a huge amount! We maxed our our tongue on multiple boards to level off," explains Michael about Olive Avenue RV Resort.
Verify utility connections before arrival: Available hookups vary between parks. "There's a dump station, but a couple spots with dump but they were always booked. I will book ahead next time. 50⚡️ 💧👍," advises Kaitlynn B. about Rancho Jurupa Park. Not all sites provide full hookups, and some state beaches offer electric and water without sewer connections.
Check age restrictions for your RV: Some parks limit older vehicles. "Beautiful RV resort with short drives to the beach, San Diego, and casinos. Full hook ups, pool, dog walk. Little pricey and has RV age restrictions but I sent pics and was allowed eveen though I was outside the age," reports Paul N. about Escondido RV Resort. Several premium RV parks enforce 10-15 year age limits for rigs, though exceptions may be granted with photo approval.
