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Best Campgrounds near San Diego, CA

1,157 Reviews

San Diego County features a diverse range of camping environments within an hour's drive of the city center. Established campgrounds like Lake Jennings in Lakeside and Sweetwater Summit Regional Park in Bonita offer full hookup sites for RVs, while tent campers find accommodations at Kumeyaay Lake Campground within city limits. The region transitions from coastal areas like Silver Strand State Beach to mountain settings at William Heise County Park near Julian and desert landscapes at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Many campgrounds maintain high ratings for cleanliness and accessibility, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to luxury RV resorts with full amenities.

Advance reservations are essential for most campgrounds, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. As one camper noted, "Mount Laguna is a wonderful destination if looking for some fresh mountain air without a long commute being just 30-45 minutes from San Diego." Temperatures vary significantly by location and elevation, with coastal areas remaining mild year-round while inland areas experience greater temperature fluctuations. Mountain campgrounds like Burnt Rancheria sit at 6,000 feet elevation, offering cooler temperatures and pine forest settings. Cell service is generally reliable near urban campgrounds but becomes spotty in more remote locations. Many campgrounds feature coin-operated showers, potable water, and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons.

Campers consistently highlight the convenience of quick access to nature from the urban center. Burnt Rancheria Campground receives praise for its proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail and generous site spacing. Family-friendly options include Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, where visitors appreciate the fishing opportunities and recreational facilities. According to reviews, William Heise County Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities including deer and wild turkeys. Beach camping options like Silver Strand State Beach provide oceanfront sites but tend to fill quickly and can be noisy near roadways. Reservation policies vary by location, with some campgrounds reserving weekend spots for local residents and others requiring bookings up to six months in advance for premium sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near San Diego, California (179)

    1. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 390-1623

    $35 - $140 / night

    "Just 30 minutes from San Diego, with friendly staff and partial or full hookups. We were in a preferred lake view site#96 which had water and electric hookups."

    "Lake Jennings Campground is a great campsite tucked away in Lakeside, CA. There are a good amount of campsites, and plenty with great views of the lake (“Preferred View” sites)."

    2. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    32 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "Beautiful Campground just outside San Diego. Busy but is well maintained. Not the most quiet, but we enjoyed watching the planes fly over and people watching!"

    "This is a San Diego County Park/Campground. It offers everything from tent/car camping to full hook-up for large RVs."

    3. Dos Picos County Park

    34 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 789-2220

    $24 - $100 / night

    "General: A mix of partial hook-up and tent sites plus six cabins about an hour from San Diego. "

    "Second time here, booked to be close to the San Diego zoo safari park. This is a very well run county park."

    4. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

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

    $24 - $25 / night

    "Perfect campground located right in San Diego. Great for families with small kids and there are many close trails. There is something for everyone."

    "This place is a jem, being so close to most parts of San Diego."

    5. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    16 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 596-3141

    "Nice campground just 20’ from San Diego city. Set up our 16’ travel trailer at a lakeshore full hookup site #27 (no fire pit though)."

    "Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."

    6. San Diego Metro KOA

    32 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 427-3601

    "Great place if you’re in the San Diego area. Every amenity, wonderful customer service, and close to all the sites that most people enjoy visiting out this way."

    "This particular area of San Diego isn't my favorite, but it does the trick as a base for touring the area."

    7. Circle RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    San Diego, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (619) 648-1966

    "Short walking distance to numerous stores, fast food joints, and to make you feel safe, a Highway Patrol office is right across the street."

    8. William Heise County Park

    46 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-0650

    $24 - $34 / night

    "The drive up here from San Diego is quick and picturesque. You'll pass through a couple quaint and historic little mountain towns, but Julian is the best stop."

    "William Heise is one of the hidden camping Gems in San Diego. It's located about 5 miles from the rustic town of Julian. There's over 100 camping spots ranging from RV to tent."

    9. Silver Strand State Beach

    23 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 435-5184

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Can’t beat the proximity to the beach! Spots next to the road are loud and the campground is busy with small parking lot style areas, but if you can get a spot backing on to the beach, A+."

    "This is our go-to spot when we want to camp as close to the beach as possible."

    10. Thousand Trails Pio Pico

    13 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "I was looking for a place to camp that wasn't too far from San Diego and offered some hiking in the desert landscape. The grounds are quite large - there's 2 pools and rec centers."

    "Locations near Jamul Casino. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups sites. Fill propano available. Spot are very big. The pool and kid playground are great."

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Recent Camping Photos near San Diego, CA

371 Photos of 179 San Diego Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Diego, CA

1157 Reviews of 179 San Diego Campgrounds

Guide to San Diego

Camping near San Diego offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while being close to the city. With beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. Campers love the convenience of walking right to the sand. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at William Heise County Park. A visitor shared, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
  • Fishing: At Lake Jennings, fishing is a popular activity. One camper noted, "The lake is clean and well-stocked with trout and bluegill."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A review highlighted, "There are plenty of facilities, and the camp store is great."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as San Elijo State Beach Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper said, "Showers are clean, a little worn out but high pressure and REALLY hot."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like San Diego Metro KOA are known for their family-friendly vibe. A visitor mentioned, "Great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful campground."

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get very busy, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground noted, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Lake Hemet Campground, have limited electric hookups. One camper shared, "You do not get much privacy as the sites are quite close to each other."
  • Check-in Times: Be aware of strict check-in times at places like Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Very strict check-in time."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like San Diego Metro KOA. One review highlighted, "They loan you fire pits if you don’t have one."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at William Heise County Park said, "We were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful scenery."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A visitor at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the "great little restaurant serving pizza."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at San Clemente State Beach Campground noted, "Our site seemed to be pretty large."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Lake Jennings mentioned, "If you forget something, there's a store at the entrance."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Blair Valley Primitive Campground shared, "It’s a fine campground. Just fine. Except for all the people."

Camping in the San Diego area offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most affordable camping options in San Diego?

For budget-conscious campers, San Diego County offers several wallet-friendly options. William Heise County Park provides economical camping with a quick, picturesque drive from San Diego through charming mountain towns like Julian. The park offers basic amenities at county park rates, which are typically lower than state or private facilities. Lake Morena County Park is another affordable option with accessible sites featuring electricity and water, fire pits, and picnic tables at reasonable county park prices. Rangers sell firewood on-site, eliminating the need to purchase elsewhere. Both parks offer well-maintained facilities and natural beauty without the premium prices of coastal or resort-style campgrounds.

What are the best campgrounds in San Diego County?

San Diego County offers exceptional camping experiences within an hour's drive from the city. Burnt Rancheria Campground on Mount Laguna stands out with its 6,000-foot elevation, pine and oak trees providing ample shade, and direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Clean facilities include both pit and flush toilets with showers. Another top choice is Paso Picacho Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, offering family-friendly sites and proximity to the state park visitor center. The campground is just a short drive from San Diego with convenient markets nearby for supplies. Both locations provide picnic tables, fire pits, and easy access to beautiful hiking trails that showcase Southern California's diverse landscapes.

Are there private campgrounds in San Diego with more amenities?

San Diego features several private campgrounds with extensive amenities for those seeking extra comfort. San Diego Metro KOA in Chula Vista offers premium facilities including full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a pool, hot tub, and planned activities. The campground is big-rig friendly and highly reservable, making it perfect for RVers wanting resort-style amenities. Circle RV Resort near El Cajon provides a more residential feel with full hookups, laundry facilities, and communal spaces. For a unique experience, Oceanside RV Resort offers proximity to beaches while maintaining private resort amenities. These campgrounds typically charge higher fees than public options but deliver significantly upgraded facilities, services, and convenience for a more comfortable outdoor experience.

Is there any lake or river camping available in San Diego?

San Diego County offers several excellent lake camping options. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides lakeside camping just 20 minutes from downtown, with full hookup sites directly on the water. The preserve features convenient fishing right from your campsite and rental paddle boats for exploring the lakes. Lake Jennings is another popular destination with both RV and tent camping options overlooking the reservoir. For a more remote lake experience, Green Valley Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers sites with close proximity to seasonal waterfalls via a short trail from the campsites. Water levels in all locations vary seasonally, with best conditions typically in spring and early summer.

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