Glamping near San Marcos, California offers varied terrain experiences at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates across the region's campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during the day and cool to 60-65°F at night, while winter camping sees daytime highs of 65-70°F. Most premium glamping sites in the region require bookings 4-6 months in advance, especially for weekend stays.
What to do
Fishing without licenses: At Lake Jennings, visitors can fish in stocked waters without the typical California fishing license requirements. "The campsite store is convenient but if you need something you can drive to a Ralph's grocery store in 5 minutes," notes a camper who appreciated the easy access to supplies.
Water activities: Boat rentals provide multiple ways to explore local waterways. "You can rent a 'motor' boat (really a trolling motor attached) for all day rate or half day. If it's summer and weekend, you'd have to get down there early to rent though, they'll sell out. They also have paddle boats and peddle boats," explains a visitor at Dixon Lake Campground.
Morning nature walks: The early hours offer particularly rewarding experiences. "My favorite time of day is at dawn when the fog rolls through the hills and over the lake," shares a Dixon Lake camper. The morning light and peaceful atmosphere create perfect conditions for wildlife spotting before the day heats up.
Local casino visits: For those seeking evening entertainment, several campgrounds offer easy access to casinos. La Jolla Indian Campground visitors report, "Casino and gas station/convenience store open, ask about the Free Play promos when filling up! Casino staff also very cool and super clean inside."
What campers like
Proximity to urban conveniences: Despite feeling remote, many sites offer quick access to necessities. At San Elijo State Beach Campground, "Walk across the street for groceries, food, etc. The worst part is trying to get a spot secured," according to one reviewer who appreciated the convenient location.
Diverse site options: Campgrounds offer varied experiences within the same property. "Needs help, a lot of it. But once it is managed right and taken care of, it will be 5 stars," notes a visitor to Lilac Oaks Campground, highlighting the potential of less-developed sites for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Free amenities: Many campers appreciate facilities that don't require additional payment. "Super clean showers that are FREE! Leave your quarters at home! The water pressure is fantastic and it takes no time for the water to get HOT," reports a Dixon Lake visitor, contrasting with many campgrounds that charge for shower use.
Full hookup availability: For RV glampers, the convenience of complete services matters. Woods Valley Kampground offers "full hookups Wi-Fi was pretty good I have Verizon which was about four bars noise was quiet just about all the time except for weekends when there was campers."
What you should know
Reservation timing challenges: Popular sites book up extremely far in advance. "The worst part is trying to get a spot secured," notes a San Elijo visitor, while another camper at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve reports, "I have been trying for 2 1/2 years to get back in, almost every day so we can visit our grandchildren."
Weekend noise levels: Many campgrounds experience significant changes between weekdays and weekends. "Lights out by 10pm but people we up til at least 12am," reports a La Jolla Indian Campground visitor. Others note the contrast between peaceful weekdays and busier weekends.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local fauna interactions. "We got one of the tent sights and ended up about 25 feet away from a raccoons nest they are very bold and will try to get your food right in front of you," warns a Dixon Lake camper. Another adds, "The yellow jackets come out during the day and we got stung multiple times."
Train noise at coastal sites: Railway proximity affects sleep quality at beachside locations. "Campground is situated next to the highway and train tracks. No shade. Friendly beach crowd," explains a San Elijo visitor, while another notes trains run from "5am" until around "10pm" daily.
Tips for camping with families
Fishing-focused trips: Multiple lakes offer kid-friendly angling opportunities. "Dixon lake is a perfect spot for my nephews to fish and play in the dirt. The campsites look really nice and ideal for tents," shares a visitor who found the combination of activities well-suited for children.
Playgrounds and amenities: Some campgrounds feature dedicated recreational facilities. At Dos Picos County Park, "There's a tranquil pond, nice hiking trails, places for kids to play…. Just a fantastic option close to home for locals and well worth consideration for visitors to the area," according to a recent visitor.
Water recreation options: Swimming areas and paddling opportunities keep children engaged. "There's lots for kids to do here! Feed the ducks, fish, ride the pedal boats. It's an awesome place for a day outside!" enthuses a Santee Lakes visitor who appreciated the range of activities available.
Security considerations: Some campers report concerns about belongings. "We were warned about thefts prior to going so we didnt bring anything of value other than our tents and I'm glad we didnt," shares a La Jolla Indian Campground visitor, suggesting families should plan accordingly when bringing valuables.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Terrain variations can create challenges for larger vehicles. "Some sites need much leveling. I know which site to reserve next time!!" advises a Lake Jennings visitor who learned from experience about site selection.
Dump station logistics: Not all facilities offer convenient waste disposal. At Dos Picos County Park, "You have to drive to the RV dump to dump. It's close but you don't have the convenience to dump at your site," explains a camper who found this limitation worth noting for other RVers.
Site privacy variations: Layout differences significantly impact experience quality. At Oceanside RV Resort, "The spots were okay. Not too tight, but not cute. There's some fences and scrub-trees in-between the spots, so that helps a bit," according to a visitor who appreciated these modest privacy features.
Seasonal considerations: Different times of year affect campground atmosphere and availability. "We stayed here next to the lake for a few days and just loved it. We were lucky we didnt have to leave, we got a permanent spot," shares a Lilac Oaks camper, highlighting how some visitors secure extended stays during less busy periods.
