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Best Glamping near San Diego, CA

575 Reviews

Lake Jennings offers distinctive glamping accommodations with a mix of yurts and tipis for visitors seeking comfort in nature. The campground is situated on a hillside with panoramic lake views, featuring full hookup sites and preferred view options that provide added privacy. Glamping sites include comfortable picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean shower facilities. "This campground had a ton of bonuses, close to town if you need things but far enough away to feel the full camping experience," one camper noted about their Lake Jennings stay. Dos Picos County Park, William Heise County Park, and GoodVibes Ranch & Farm also provide glamping opportunities near San Diego, with accommodation types ranging from furnished canvas structures to cozy yurts, all offering more comfort than traditional tent camping while maintaining a connection to the natural surroundings.

The San Diego glamping experience includes fishing access at Lake Jennings, where guests can enjoy weekday shore fishing and weekend boat rentals on the reservoir. Hiking trails wind throughout the parks, with signs directing visitors to scenic overlooks and nature viewing areas. A visitor highlighted the experiential aspects: "We had the pleasure of camping at Lake Jennings twice this year... We loved every moment of fishing and hiking." Most glamping sites in the region operate year-round, with Lake Jennings, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, and William Heise County Park all offering four-season access. The grounds at these parks feature playgrounds, game areas with tetherball and ping pong, and picnic facilities. Several locations provide eco-friendly amenities like solar power while offering convenient access to San Diego attractions, typically within a 30-minute drive of downtown.

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Best Glamping Sites Near San Diego, California (40)

    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. 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."

    3. 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."

    4. San Diego Metro KOA

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

    "We had a great visit at the San Diego KOA. The staff was very friendly overall and the facilities were clean. This location has the most amenities we've encountered at a campsite."

    "San Diego KOA is an oasis campground. There's a pool, sauna, basketball court, and jumping sand pit for the families to enjoy. They have a variety of spaces to park your RV or Van."

    5. 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."

    "Pros:

    easy to get to, nice amenities

    right next to Julian (perfect for day trips into town)

    there are a few campsites where you can create some privacy (much more so than many other San Diego park campgrounds"

    6. 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."

    7. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "South Carlsbad is another Cali jem set up on a bluff overlooking the pacific. It is long and thin so it has a nice thinly populated feel. All bathrooms are clean."

    "Pick a spot - $75 gets you on the bluff with hookups $50 gets you on the bluff but no hookups $35 gets you on the other side Trash, recycling, and sewage disposal ($10) nearby."

    8. San Elijo State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 753-5091

    $50 - $520 / night

    "The sites here are pretty closely packed in, and we had some rowdy neighbors, but aside from that it's a great location for beach access, running, cycling, and surfing."

    "If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."

    9. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 839-4045

    $39 - $50 / night

    "Make sure you bring a shower caddy and some water proof laundry bags because there aren't many wall hooks to hang your towels or clothes.

    • **Flushable toilets with drum roll SEAT COVERS!!"

    "This is one of my favorite campgrounds in San Diego County. The campground is located within the city of Escondido but you feel you are not in the city."

    10. GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

    2 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    $50 - $175 / night

    "Only 30 mins East of San Diego. 150 acres of beautiful pristine land. Gorgeous oaks shading our camp site. Loved the kitties & the ranch doggies. Went for a hike."

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

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Recent Glamping Photos near San Diego, CA

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Glamping Reviews near San Diego, CA

575 Reviews of 40 San Diego Campgrounds

  • Jerry H.
    Jul. 2, 2019

    Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    Great local campsite!

    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). Kids loved the convenient fishing right behind our trailer and the swimming pools a short drive away. Also was able to rent paddle boats to cruise around the lakes. Only problem was the ants we encountered (first time ever) and had to run over to the local Lowe‘s to purchase some DE to spread around the anchor points and connections. Facilities were clean and well maintained though and will definitely return for our local weekend getaways.

  • Lindsey W.
    Sep. 3, 2017

    William Heise County Park

    Great campgrounds, a little hot for summer!

    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. Make sure to grab some pie and hard cider before you leave, apples grow everywhere in Julian. As for the campgrounds, they are located at an elevation of 4,200 ft and feature rolling hills with deer and wild turkeys! We were able to see both, as well as a pack of 20 raccoons when we were about to go to sleep. Most sites have trees, but you can't tie anything to them FYI. Bathrooms and showers were close and very clean...bring quarters for the showers.

  • Jonathan G.
    Oct. 25, 2020

    Burnt Rancheria Campground

    Great campground!

    Only an hour from San Diego, this is accessible but feels so far away. At 6,000 feet, the pine and oak trees provide great shade in almost all sites, but there's still plenty of sun. Bathrooms were clean; some are pit toilets and others are flush and even have showers. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit, plus there are lots of potable water spigots throughout. The Mt Laguna store is only half a mile up the road, the Desert View hike goes right out from camp (plus the PCT), and there are many other hikes along the highway.

  • R
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Lake Morena County Park

    Great campsite, easily accessible

    I loved how accessible this campsite was, especially if you're coming from San Diego. Our site had electricity and water, a fire pit, and a picnic table. There were plenty of sites to go around. The rangers were helpful and the facilities were very well maintained. You can buy firewood from the front entrance or get some from the local general store down the street. There were coin operated showers available and bathrooms at each end of the campground. It did get pretty hot during the day, so I would bring a canopy if you have one. My boyfriend and I hit the trails in the afternoon and at night. We saw wild turkeys and the stars were endless. Overall, I loved staying here. This was a perfect escape from the madness going on right now.

  • Denise G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2022

    Lake Jennings

    Hidden Gem

    This place is truly a hidden gem. 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. There was a play area that had ladder golf, tetherball, and ping pong. Have extra guess? Have them reserve a Tipi that has a max of 6 people. We had thee bars on our Version service and the campground WIFI is one of the best I have seen camping. Lake Jennings has some supplies available as well such as ice, propane, firewood, etc. at reasonable prices. Bathrooms and showers are clean. There is a dump station in the campground, and I suggest checking out the best way to get into the dump station before taking your rig. there are several roads around the dump station but only one that takes you in straight without having to make a sharp turn and possibly having to back up. The lake is drinking water for the local town and therefore no swimming allowed but they do stock the lake with fish. Just a long walk or short drive to the other side of the Lake and you can go fishing or boating. I would not suggest checking in early. The road in is very narrow and if you arrive before the noon checkout time you may find yourself falling into the lake while trying to squeeze by another on coming RV or trailer.

  • Cha C.
    May. 13, 2019

    Burnt Rancheria Campground

    Quick getaway

    Quick drive from San Diego, some shady sites, some open sites. Nice hiking / biking near meadows. Can be windy at times. Compost toilets. Temp can get pretty hot in the summer.

  • Ryan W.
    Feb. 21, 2023

    Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    It's a fine campground. Just fine. Except for all the people.

    It's a fine campground. There is a check-in kiosk that was well run and you can pay for an extra car or an open site with a credit card.* The sites are set up in two main loops. One for big campers and one for the rest of us. There is no real separation between sites.

    This is convenience based campground. You're at the jump-off for some challenging yet accessible hikes into the desert. Close enough to town to ride a bike for ice cream. The camp has flush toilets and token based showers.** Each site has a deep fire pit, a picnic table under a shade pergola, and access to a nearby water source. Oh yeah, and it's less than two hours from San Diego.

    The outer ring sites look out towards the desert. You'll always know you're in civilization, but they offer the illusion of solitude...if you can tune out the generators. There will be generators, and probably unattended kids riding e-bikes or kicking balls at you as your try to use the bathroom. Site 75 is a great site because in addition to looking out away from inner loop, the fire place is set further away from driveway and picnic table. Site 56 is fine. It's just fine.

    Temper your expectations for desert solitude, appreciate the conveniences for what they are, and this becomes a four star site. The site is mostly, always, definitely full, but cancellations offer last chance drive up opportunities. The park rangers said that most sites were booked through the entire season which ends at the end of April, and we couldn't find a site when searching online for a second night (Saturday), but there were at least three open sites whose reservations had been canceled we could have stayed in.

    Notes:

    Anza is particularly great for star gazing and spring flowers. There are often big horn sheep along the Palm Canyon trail leaving camp. We met one we named Barnabas. 

    Extra vehicles are an additional $10.

    *Pro-tip: Fire wood is cash only. It's not bad 3 bundles for $20. If you don't have cash, you can find wood in town for cheaper without the convenience of it being at camp.

    **Pro-tip: Showers require tokens which are purchased from a machine. 2 tokens for $1. 1 token = 2m in the shower.

  • Katie R.
    May. 8, 2017

    Burnt Rancheria Campground

    Weekend Getaway

    This campground is an easy weekend getaway slot, just 1 hour away from San Diego. Sites and facilities are clean amd well maintained. The campground back up to the Pacific Crest Trail which makes for some cool hikes. All sites are also dog friendly, a plus for us. The only downside is that some sites are small and the campground can get crowded during summer season and holidays.

  • Krystle L.
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Burnt Rancheria Campground

    Mountain Solitude in the city

    Mount Laguna is a wonderful destination if looking for some fresh mountain air without a long commute being just 30-45min drive from San Diego. We really enjoyed our time at this campground. Lots of wonderful trails right from the campground. Sites are nice with lots of tree for more privacy. Restroom facilities were pretty nice. Would come back again!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there glamping sites with pools in San Diego?

Yes, several glamping sites near San Diego offer pool access. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve features swimming pools a short distance from their lakeside sites, making it popular with families seeking both water recreation and comfortable accommodations. Thousand Trails Pio Pico offers glamping options with access to a swimming pool and other resort amenities. While not mentioned in the reviews, San Elijo State Beach Campground doesn't have a pool but offers ocean access for those who prefer natural swimming areas with their glamping experience. Pool availability may be seasonal at some locations, so it's advisable to check in advance, especially if you're planning a visit during cooler months.

How much does glamping cost in San Diego?

Glamping in San Diego typically ranges from $75 to $300+ per night depending on the location, amenities, and season. Burnt Rancheria Campground offers more affordable glamping options with sites featuring picnic tables and access to showers, making it a budget-friendly alternative at around $75-100 per night. On the higher end, coastal locations like Oceanside RV Resort provide more luxurious accommodations with proximity to beaches and full hookups, which can cost $150-300+ nightly. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles, premium views, or specialized accommodations. Many sites offer discounts for weekday stays or extended visits, and reservation fees typically range from $7-25 depending on the booking platform.

When is the best time of year for glamping in San Diego?

San Diego's mild climate makes glamping enjoyable year-round, but spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant conditions with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Summer (June-August) provides warm days perfect for coastal glamping at sites like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, though reservations should be made well in advance due to high demand. For mountain glamping at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, winter and spring are ideal when desert temperatures are moderate. Fall brings beautiful colors to mountain areas like Mount Laguna. Winter (December-February) can be chilly in higher elevations but remains mild along the coast, offering a unique glamping experience with fewer crowds and often lower rates.

Where are the best glamping spots in San Diego?

San Diego offers diverse glamping options within easy reach of the city. Lake Jennings provides a premium glamping experience just 30 minutes from downtown, with preferred lake view sites offering water and electric hookups. For a mountain retreat experience, William Heise County Park offers a quick and picturesque drive from San Diego through charming mountain towns like Julian. The pine forests provide a natural glamping setting with amenities that elevate the outdoor experience beyond traditional camping. Most glamping spots in the region blend comfort with natural surroundings while still offering modern conveniences like electricity, running water, and comfortable sleeping arrangements.

What glamping options are available for families in San Diego?

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is excellent for families, offering lakeside sites with full hookups just 20 minutes from San Diego. Kids love the convenient fishing behind your accommodation and paddle boat rentals for cruising around the lakes. The preserve also features swimming pools a short drive away from the campsites. Another family-friendly option is Lake Morena County Park, which provides sites with electricity and water, fire pits, and picnic tables. The park is easily accessible from San Diego and has well-maintained facilities with rangers available to assist families. Both locations offer play areas and activities specifically designed to keep children entertained throughout your glamping adventure.

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