Best Dog-Friendly Camping near San Diego, CA

Many camping areas in San Diego welcome dogs, making it easy to bring your pet along. San Diego City Park Campground has room for both tents and RVs with good shade and enough space between sites for dogs to settle in. Dogs on leashes can join you at San Diego Area State Park, where the trails are well-kept and good for walking your dog. If you prefer a basic camping setup, the local National Forest Sites allow pets but have fewer facilities, so pack everything you'll need. Several campgrounds throughout the San Diego Recreation Area let pets stay too, though you should watch for fire rules, especially when it's dry. San Diego County Park Campground has bathrooms and drinking water, which helps when camping with pets. Remember to keep your dog on a leash and pick up their waste while camping. Since wildlife lives in these camping areas, store your food properly to keep animals away from your campsite. Most campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's smart to book ahead, though some spots are available for whoever arrives first. The weather stays pretty mild in San Diego all year, but summers can get hot. Before heading out, check if you need any special permits or if there are rules about pets. San Diego has camping options that work well for different setups, whether you're in a tent or RV, and you can enjoy the outdoors with your dog at your side.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near San Diego, California (131)

    1. Lake Jennings

    32 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."

    "Tennis courts dog parks. The list just goes on and on"

    2. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

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

    $34 - $38 / night

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

    "This campground is very close to downtown and beaches in San Diego. I paid $36 a night for electricity and water hookups plus my pet."

    3. Dos Picos County Park

    33 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. San Diego Metro KOA

    31 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."

    5. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    15 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. Circle RV Resort

    8 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."

    7. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Campland on the Bay

    20 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 581-4205

    $60 / night

    "The place is built like a mini city right on Mission Bay with views of downtown San Diego. It's definitely a different type of camping."

    "We wandered into San Diego, and despite the challenges with Covid19 and Social Distancing, we had a fantastic time. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 131 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near San Diego, CA

1143 Reviews of 131 San Diego Campgrounds



Guide to San Diego

Discovering pet-friendly camping spots near San Diego allows you to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your furry friends behind. Here are some excellent options that cater to both you and your pets.

Pet owners like spacious sites and amenities

  • At William Heise County Park, campers can enjoy clean campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for family gatherings with pets.
  • Lake Jennings offers a peaceful environment with spacious sites surrounded by trees, providing a great retreat for both pets and their owners.
  • Sweetwater Summit Regional Park features well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near San Diego

  • Enjoy hiking trails at Dos Picos County Park, where you can explore the beautiful surroundings with your dog.
  • Dixon Lake Campground provides opportunities for fishing and scenic walks, making it a great spot for outdoor adventures with your pet.
  • At Campland on the Bay, you can take your dog for a stroll along the beach and enjoy various recreational activities available on-site.

Tips for camping with dogs near San Diego

  • Always check the specific pet policies at San Diego Metro KOA to ensure a smooth experience for you and your furry friend.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet when visiting Lake Morena County Park, as some areas may not have immediate access to supplies.
  • Keep your dog leashed and clean up after them at Fiddlers Cove RV Park to maintain a pleasant environment for all campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near San Diego, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near San Diego, CA is Lake Jennings with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near San Diego, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 131 dog-friendly camping locations near San Diego, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.