Top Glamping near San Marcos, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, San Marcos, CA has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Glamping Sites Near San Marcos, CA (59)

    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach

    1. South Carlsbad State Beach

    73 Reviews
    162 Photos
    999 Saves

    For many, once the sun comes out and summer rolls around, it can be hard to resist the urge to get outside and soak up some fun. If you relate, and you just need to unplug for a minute, Carlsbad camping offers some of the state’s best camping sites around. When your work has stacked up and you’re overloaded, it’s time to gather your camping gear, and head to Carlsbad State Beach camping for solitude and relaxation. This San Diego beach and campground feature camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The campground is especially popular in the summer, thanks to its scenic location which overlooks the picturesque Carlsbad Beach below. Even better, the campground offers direct access to the beach via a set of well-kept stairs. As a result of the popularity, the campground is reservation only, so don’t show up without one or you’ll likely be unable to stay. When you’re done with the beach, check out the nearby California geography and some of the trails within the park. If the ocean isn’t your thing, a number of Campfire Programs, Junior Ranger Programs, and Nature Walks may be offered. That said, program availability changes with the season, so be sure to check signs posted on the restrooms and at the entrance station regarding park information during your visit. At night, campers are gently caressed to sleep by the nearby ocean tide, lapping upon its secluded shoreline. There is plenty of privacy throughout, thanks to the large selection of flora and fauna throughout the campground. The campsites themselves are also spacious, with roughly half of them featuring electric hookups. Additionally, All restrooms and shower buildings have accessible facilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the unit Supervising Ranger. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is perfect for campers and individuals who love the ocean and the outdoors. Whether you’re looking surf the rolling waves, or paddle board out and take part in all that the north county coastline has to offer, you’re sure to have fun here.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $50 - $650 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dos Picos County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dos Picos County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dos Picos County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dos Picos County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dos Picos County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dos Picos County Park

    2. Dos Picos County Park

    31 Reviews
    85 Photos
    261 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground

    3. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    70 Photos
    392 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $39 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach

    4. San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach

    50 Reviews
    92 Photos
    519 Saves

    Details here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/647/files/SanMateo082609.pdf San Mateo Campground lies a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, a world class surfing site. San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include an RV sanitation station, hot, coin-operated indoor showers, and flush toilets. Below are listed a few park rules that will assist you in having a fun and save visit. San Onofre - San Mateo Campground is at 830 Cristianitos, San Clemente, CA, 92672 a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach. A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the San Mateo camping site to “Trestles Beach,” the world class surfing site. Surfers using redwood boards have visited San Onofre since at least the 1940s; San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. RV Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities includes a dump-station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $45 - $250 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Jennings Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Jennings Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Jennings Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Jennings Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Jennings Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Jennings Park

    5. Lake Jennings Park

    31 Reviews
    46 Photos
    830 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $140 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from William Heise County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from William Heise County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from William Heise County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from William Heise County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from William Heise County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from William Heise County Park

    6. William Heise County Park

    43 Reviews
    82 Photos
    551 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $24 - $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground

    7. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    144 Photos
    742 Saves

    San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location. San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $45 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park

    8. Oceanside RV Park

    14 Reviews
    57 Photos
    113 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from La Jolla Indian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from La Jolla Indian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from La Jolla Indian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from La Jolla Indian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from La Jolla Indian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from La Jolla Indian Campground

    9. La Jolla Indian Campground

    20 Reviews
    10 Photos
    206 Saves

    We are San Diego County's ONLY campsite with river and tubing access!

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $40 - $120 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Campland
    Camper-submitted photo from Campland
    Camper-submitted photo from Campland
    Camper-submitted photo from Campland
    Camper-submitted photo from Campland
    Camper-submitted photo from Campland

    10. Campland

    19 Reviews
    102 Photos
    384 Saves

    Campland on the Bay is a destination RV resort open 365 days a year. We've been voted San Diego's favorite campground many times. Campland is located on Mission Bay, the world's largest aquatic park, just east of Crown Point and occupy 40 prime acres with over 500 sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews In San Marcos

800 Reviews of 59 San Marcos Campgrounds


  • Jeff T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
    Oct. 21, 2024

    Dixon Lake Campground

    Great forestry feel. And good price ($30)

    We stayed here multiple times to car camp and have stayed in sites 3, 6, and 28. We really enjoyed site 28 due to the spectacular views of Escondido. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because their can be some creepy people occasionally like some old guy was following my son in his car. But other than that we had a good stay. If you are in a camper I would recommend Escondido RV resort instead due to the more inviting feel (we stayed there in our Coleman travel trailer). But if you car camp a lot like myself I would recommend staying here at Dixon lake. Great stay overall👍😊

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dos Picos County Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Dos Picos County Park

    Harassing Ranger

    I have never had a bad experience at a camp ground with any ranger. They have all been wonderful. Not at this park. My registration tags went to my home so I did not have current tags. I had to have a family member collect my mail and forward to me on my travels so it was delayed. I did have a receipt which I was required to provide. However, the ranger barged into my campsite in a huff, treated me as if I were vomiting a crime and demanded my receipt on the spot in front of all. It was quite over the top. Later the same man barged back into my campsite throwing accusations at me that I hadn’t paid my measly $4.00 parking fee and breaking the rules of the park. He had the nerve to argue with me after I explained that in fact I had paid. He backed down after realizing I had. He then returned to harass us for the kids using chalk. There were kids from several campsites using chalk. We apologized and made them clean it up, no big deal. But the ranger was didn’t simply ask for it to be cleaned. He was threatening and confrontational. I dealt with one other ranger here who was quite nice and helpful but this other was awful. I discovered I was not the only one to have this experience here. I would recommend Sweetwater or Lake Jennings in San Diego area or Aqua Caliente where they are quite friendly. Yikes this was horrible

  • Annie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fry Creek Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Fry Creek Campground

    Very beautiful

    This is a very nice and quiet campground and everyone there was very respectful of quite hours. The place was very clean and very beautiful. The only con was that there are way too many insects everywhere, My base camp got bombarded with a swarm of wasps, And I was forced to leave a day early, and had to leave my cooking pot behind because of the swarm of wasps... I wish there were some kind of rangers or someone there that I could have asked for help about this, or I wish someone would do something about this issue but I guess it is what it is at this location lol 😆 Other than not being able to cook and eat without wasps in your face and In your food, it was really nice

  • Kyle F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Champagne Lakes RV Resort
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Champagne Lakes RV Resort

    REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS!

    Let's start off with the fact that this"resort" has REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS living there and TWEAKERS SELLING DRUGS. When I mentioned it to the management they could care less, didn't say a word and walked away laughing. They DO NOT perform ANY BACKGROUND CHECKS and especially with children in the park I find that very disturbing. They nickel and dime you for every little thing and the rent has gone up 3x in one year. The water supply smells like sewage when you take a shower. Because they do pump outs the resort smells like human excrement most of the time. The lakes are polluted as well and completely full of cyanobacteria AKA green algae which is a respiratory hazard. POTENTIAL BEWARE.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Aug. 12, 2024

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Camping

    It was overall a nice campsite. Our site seemed to be pretty large it came with a picnic table & fire pit. The walk to the beach was close seemed maybe about 10 minute till we reached the beach from our site. It is on a hill you need to walk down & back up. The only down side was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay.

  • Madisyn L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Woods Valley Kampground
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Woods Valley Kampground

    So beautiful, quiet, and very nice employees !!

    My fiancé and I were last minute camping and this campground was beautiful, quiet, and very aesthetic! There is a lot to do near by, a very convenient store about 5-10 minutes away called valley center foods! Employees were sooo sweet and friendly! DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! Ps isn’t that expensive when tent camping ⛺️ 🙌🏻

  • Bo L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Oceanside RV Park

    Solid spot for being near the beach

    Nice little site that is right in the middle of everything.

    It's crowded and you don't have much space, but if your using this instead of a hotel room it works great.

    It had a game room and pool so kids had something to do. There were families all over with kids riding bikes. We had a quick stay over while we were seeing family in the area and it worked great .

    Only issue we had is both entrances have a hell of a dip, we scraped the ass end real good going in and out with our 24ft class c.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    Jun. 19, 2024

    South Carlsbad State Beach

    Nice Camground!

    Nice campground. Mostly no hookups, but has toilets and fresh water throughout. Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks over looking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites.

  • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
    Jun. 10, 2024

    San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach

    Nice spots with shade, clean facilities

    Site had tree cover which had some nice shade to provide relief from the sun. Lots of room for a couple vehicles and tents. Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied. Good access to walking and biking trails.

  • Russ S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Wash Primitive Campground - Yaqui Well I'll
    May. 23, 2024

    Yaqui Wash Primitive Campground - Yaqui Well I'll

    Nice but small sites, easy access, good views

    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. There are two different camps similarly named, Yaqui Wells and Yaqui Pass, fairly close to each other. Anyway, we stayed here at Yaqui Wells for one night after attempting to camp at Blair Valley but getting swarmed by bees. Only saw 2 other vehicles, and while the sites are pretty small and close to the dirt road, they are nice enough. BE AWARE THOUGH: pull your vehicle well into the sites, we had 6 lifted off road trucks come flying through around midnight at a ridiculously high speed without slowing down at all and it could have been catastrophic if we were closer to the road or if we had been walking our dog at that time.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fry Creek Campground
    May. 11, 2024

    Fry Creek Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    I grew up right down the road in the early 60's. Great Campground with a lot of trails, awesome views, and some opportunities for fishing. Taught my very young nephew how to trout fish at Dohnes Pond, right below the Observatory.

  • Beth W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Oaks Eqst
    May. 7, 2024

    Boulder Oaks Eqst

    Beautiful and quiet

    Super cute area, and much cooler since it’s a little higher altitude. Nice big sites and an entire loop with equestrian sites.

    Pit toilets. One dumpster. Water.

    I was there May 5, 2024 and the fee was $14.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    May. 2, 2024

    South Carlsbad State Beach

    Glamping of Campsites

    PROS:

    This site offers amazing sunsets and ocean breezes. There are plenty of facilities, and the camp store is great. The live music is always good, too. 

    A grocery store is nearby, just over the freeway. 

    CONS:

    It can get very crowded and packed. 

    Hard to get a site

    Many generators are always on.

    If you get a site at the far ends, it's a hike to go in and out. Try to get a site closer to the entrance and the store. But you will get a lot of traffic through your site. 

    Don't try to get there earlier; they usually won't let you in before check-in. 

    Biking and Running:

    Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas. 

    Good running. You can lap the campsite, which is almost 1 mile, end to end. I usually run down towards Encinitas along PCH.

  • Paige F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Doane Valley Campground - Palomar Mountain SP
    May. 2, 2024

    Doane Valley Campground - Palomar Mountain SP

    Beautiful and Convenient

    My friend and I went together for one night and we loved it! It was her very first time camping and she enjoyed it very much. Here is our review:

    -NO T-Mobile: There was no signal at the campground at all. We drove about 7 minutes to the Palomar State Park Parking Area (based off Apple Maps) to find spotty signal. Just good enough to make a phone call if needed. 

     -Privacy: Many of these sites such great privacy, even though we were neighboring #19, there are a quite a bit of trees. Also, you walk down a few stone steps to pitch your tent, so your car parked a level about you on the street provides nice privacy.

    -Convenience: The bathrooms were pretty close to us and were kept fairly clean. Also the firepit and grill were a plus.

    - CRITTERS: I mean who doesn't know this but the squirrels and crows were greedy! They had no issues flying/ skittering to your food if you were 6 feet away lol. 

    -BEAUTIFUL!!!: You can hear the Doane Creek flowing and the stars are just an absolute sight, we took the rain-fly off our tent so we could see the stars

    I'd imagine spots 21 and 26 would be great because of the privacy and creek location. 

    I'd avoid spots 28-30 just because of the steeper hill to walk UP to your campsite. It's already a pain to lug all your gear.

  • Tina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
    Apr. 26, 2024

    Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

    Good stay

    We didn't particularly care for the area, it was not far enough out to feel like in serene nature but still far to drive to anything. Well kept campground, enjoyed the mini golf (probably our favorite TT mini golf so far) but weren't too majorly impressed overall. It didn't help that it rained a lot and the streets turned into lakes - so not only did you have geese on your roof but also right outside your door. ;)

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from GoodVibes Ranch & Farm
    Apr. 20, 2024

    GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

    More like Glamping than Camping!

    Let me first off say that the property is beautiful and that my hosts Carolyn and Bernie were very accommodating and had great energy.  Plenty of room for beautiful hikes on their many acres of land packed with some great views a few decks scattered around the property.  I found out they have a full size professional disc golf course here! I don’t bring my discs, but Carolyn and Bernie happily lent me some discs so I could try it out. 

    Now to the Glamping- now I been camping a bunch, the reason I say that this is glamping is that they have actual running water flushable toilets and outdoor hot showers!  I can’t tell you how excited I was lol, it really upleveled the whole camping experience. They also have an industrial kitchen as well as an outdoor bar where they have very fairly priced beer and wine. Did I mention they have a full size professional pool table? Turns out Bernie and Carolyn are professional pool players too! This place is awesome! I will definitely be coming back again again to relax. I live in sd so it’s only about 35-40min drive from my place.  Thank you so much Carolyn and Bernie for such a great experience!!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from GoodVibes Ranch & Farm
    Apr. 20, 2024

    GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

    Love This place!

    Beautiful nature getaway! 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. Saw lots of flowers, a seasonal creek, sage, views of the valley & nearby mountain. Played some pool. The disk golf course is on the awesome hike I took. They have live music on the weekends. And 3 huge custom stone showers with natural spring water & full bathrooms with sinks & flushing toilets.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaqui Wash Primitive Campground - Yaqui Well I'll
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Yaqui Wash Primitive Campground - Yaqui Well I'll

    Easy with great views..., but am I here?

    Using the marker on the map in the app, I was brought to a small dirt parking lot off the main road. Further exploration showed that a dirt road continued into the vegetation. I followed it, but it turned and went parallel with a road. I am nowhere near see the marker on the map. However, I am a 100 feet off the trail overlooking the town of Borrego Springs and the mountains behind it. I am here in this section by myself.

    I did explore the Yaqui Pass and the Yaqui Wash spots, which are both further west over the mountain. The Pass was great and within a valley. The pass was a carpark as someone else noted. I wanted my back to the sunset (and the wind) so chose this location. Next time I hope to get to the spot the other reviews seem to be at.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Mar. 5, 2024

    Oceanside RV Park

    Nice for a couple of days

    This was our first visit to the Oceanside area. The RV park did a great job with communication in all phases of the planned stop. They did text to look for the check in with the orange flags. Once there, these flags are very narrow and I hard a hard time spotting them, as they are on a busy sign flooded street.. After circling back and now coming from the east, the narrow drive with the street light and curb wasn't enough for us to turn...so backed it up and went to the wider entrance down the street. Hopefully your arrival will be easier. :-). Once through self check in, the sites are all concrete but pretty tight. All the hook ups worked well. The Wi-Fi is one of the best I have used. The showers and bathrooms are very clean. No real views there. Beach is an easy walk or bike ride. We enjoyed the restaurants, town and the outdoors of Oceanside.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moro Campground - Crystal Cove State Park
    Mar. 5, 2024

    Moro Campground - Crystal Cove State Park

    My Favorite California State Beach

    This is a gem of a campground. Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind. 

    The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row. Wi-Fi works fair. Cell towers are in sight just to the north, so no reception issues. Lots of hiking and bike trails. We did a 12 mile loop to the north, and a ride along the coast on some bike paths. Shake shack and Beachcomber's restaurants are just down the street for an easy ride or walk. Bathroom and showers are very clean. The picnic tables are what you would expect, very seasoned. :-) Most are anchored to the sites. The length of the site is very good with lots of room to setup your outdoor goodies. Check in is at 3pm. They are hard on this. If you arrive early, you can register, but will be directed to Reef Point back down PCH or to the visitors center in front of the camp entrance.



Guide to San Marcos

Camping near San Marcos, CA, offers a great mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a peaceful spot in the woods, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Campers love the easy beach access, with one reviewer noting, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Hiking and Biking: Check out the trails around San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. One visitor mentioned, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Jennings for some fishing. A camper shared, "The lake is clean with plenty of fish. I will definitely stay again in the future."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. One camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Hemet Campground states, "The bathrooms were clean, and the showers were hot."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at William Heise County Park. One visitor noted, "The rangers were nice. They have areas that are full hookup, partial hookup, no hookup, tent only areas, and group camping."

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. For example, Lake Hemet Campground has some sites with no hookups, which might not suit everyone.
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near busy areas. A review for Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Lake Jennings, which has a playground. One parent said, "The campground had a ton of bonuses, close to town if you need things but far enough away to feel the full camping experience."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep the kids entertained. A camper at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, "Great surf spot. I’ve dry camped here many times and have always enjoyed it."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One visitor at William Heise County Park noted, "They also have day use parking for $3."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review for Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "A more experienced human might not have struggled as much but it be hard to get a 20 ft plus trailer into this particular site."
  • Be Mindful of Hookups: If you need electric hookups, verify availability at your chosen campground. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "If you just need a place to crash and plan to spend the whole day in the water, go for it."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground mentioned, "There is a $10 fee, they have a convenient credit card machine."

Camping near San Marcos, CA, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to families looking for a fun getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near San Marcos, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near San Marcos, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach with a 4.4-star rating from 73 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find glamping camping near San Marcos, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 59 glamping camping locations near San Marcos, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.