Best Tent Camping near San Marcos, CA
Searching for a tent camping spot near San Marcos? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near San Marcos. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near San Marcos, California (18)
1. Kumeyaay Lake Campground
20 Reviews•45 Photos•374 SavesSantee, CaliforniaThe Kumeyaay Lake Campground is open for Friday and Saturday night camping. The 46 campsites are available for reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis and the is $22.66 per night. On the reservation website page, go to the "Location" drop-down menu at the top of the page and select Kumeyaay Lake Campground. All cancellations must be made 14 days in advance.
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Equestrian
$24 - $25 / night
2. The Eyrie Farm
1 Review•8 Photos•49 SavesRamona, CaliforniaWe're an organic farm homestead. Springtime sees the field lush and green from the rains. Summer is hot and dry, but the cool evening breeze is nice. We have Red-tailed Hawks at their nest, hummingbirds, songbirds, and our own quail, chickens, turkeys and ducks to mingle with.
Campsites are in our open back pasture, "Oat Prairie at Eyrie Farm." You'll probably hear coyotes at night.
It's your responsibility as campers to be aware of our policies, including all rules, cancellation policy and check in/out times (which are local PST). These policies are FIRM.
Be advised at this time there is no toilet, it is Pack-It-Out. We will be adding a bathroom shed shortly.
Every person-- adults and kids of ALL ages-- count toward party size. Children are not free.
No RVs, trailers, or campers. No exceptions. Truck pop-up tents are fine. Additional cars after the first 2 are charged $10 each, cash on site. Carpool when possible!
NO PETS. Guests with assistance animals must sign our assistance animal contract to stay. Be advised that assistance animal fraud is a crime, and we must protect ourselves and our animals.
We are strictly unavailable after 9pm. It's best to arrive before nightfall as it's easier to fine. Once you get on our road you must LOOK for our number and signage on the LEFT side of the road (you'll receive address in your booking confirmation). Make sure you go to "Eyrie Farm" and no other place!
Follow us on FaceBook! Search for "The Eyrie Farm":)
We also sometimes host on Hipcamp, at the listing here:
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
$30 / night
3. Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
10 Reviews•30 Photos•142 SavesAnza, California- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
4. GoodVibes Ranch & Farm
2 Reviews•52 Photos•18 SavesDulzura, California“Discover the Joy of Nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm: Your Ultimate Mountain Escape!” At GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, we offer a variety of camping options to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional tent camping, glamping units, or eco-friendly trailers, we have something for everyone.
Our campground is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Jamul, California, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure.
In addition to camping accommodations, we offer a range of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the surrounding hiking trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf or unwind with a friendly game of billiards.
We pride ourselves on providing an affordable camping experience, making it the perfect choice for families or friends looking to gather and create lasting memories.
Come and discover the joy of nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, your ultimate mountain escape!
At GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, we provide a range of amenities to ensure your comfort and convenience during your camping experience. With 74 Acres you have ample space around your individual campsites to enjoy with friends and family. To utilize amenities such as disc golf or billiards check in at front desk to access. Hiking or Disc Golf maps are also at front desk. Our campground offers separate men's and women's bathrooms, as well as a shower area where you can freshen up after a day of outdoor activities.
For those who prefer to cook their own meals, we have a fully equipped kitchen available for your use. Stay connected with our WiFi access and enjoy the convenience of well water throughout the campground.
We also prioritize sustainability and have implemented a waste management system. You will find designated bins for garbage, recycling, and compost, allowing you to dispose of your waste responsibly.
To enhance your camping experience, we have fire pits where you can gather around and enjoy a cozy campfire. Additionally, we provide a BBQ grill and picnic areas for you to enjoy outdoor meals with your loved ones.
We strive to provide all the necessary amenities to make your stay enjoyable and hassle-free at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$50 - $175 / night
6. Pine Creek Road Camp
3 Reviews•3 Photos•78 SavesMount Laguna, California- Pets
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. Falcon Group Campground
1 Review•6 Photos•30 SavesTrabuco Canyon, CaliforniaOverview
Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway. The pleasant climate, scenery, trail system and convenient location, make this a popular destination for groups from Los Angeles and San Diego. Hiking is especially popular among campers.
Recreation
Hikers of any level can find trails that challenge and accommodate their recreational goals around the campground. Among them are the Falcon Trail, a 1.4-mile easy trail that connects to the campground, and Trabuco Canyon Trail, which provides scenic 6.8-mile hike into the backcountry. The San Juan Trial, which is popular with mountain bikers, has a trailhead at Blue Jay campground, adjacent from Falcon Group Campground. The trail climbs a very steep set of stacked switchbacks from the floor of Hot Springs Canyon and traverses briefly before steeply ascending a ridge toward Sugarloaf Mountain. There are also many ideal picnic spots and scenic overlooks along Ortega Highway.
Natural Features
The campground sits at an elevation of 3,300 ft. off the Ortega Highway scenic drive in the Santa Ana Mountains, a route that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forest. The area lies in a mixed forest and chaparral ecosystem and is inhabited by a variety of birds, plants and wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
The closest town is Lake Elsinore, which has various shops, restaurants and recreation opportunities.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$60 - $120 / night
10. Corral Canyon Campground
2 Reviews•3 Photos•24 SavesPotrero, CaliforniaCorral Canyon CampgroundDistance1.2 miles with connecting optionsCampfiresCampfires are not allowed when elevated fire restrictions are in effect. Please see our current fire restrictions page for more details.FeesAdventure Pass RequiredHike/Ride TimeHalf dayDifficultyEasy to ModerateBest SeasonsSpring, WinterLocationOff the I-8 at Buckman Springs Rd. Turn right on Buckman Springs rd. to Morena Stokes Valley rd, travel 10 miles to reach Four Corners Staging area and continue to the campgroundRanger DistrictDescanso Ranger District - (619) 445-6235 Corral Canyon Campground is located within the Corral Canyon OHV Area and provides a secluded camping opportunity for those using the surrounding trails. Campsites are nestled amongst an Oak grove with views of chaparral and desert for miles. Trails can be accessed from just outside of the campground, linking many to__the greater OHV Area for more options. Each parking sport was designed to accommodate vehicles towing up to 27ft. trailers.20 sites are available and OHV use is allowed with a Green Sticker (required). Please note that there is no potable water in the campground or within the local Corral Canyon and Bear Valley area.
- Tents
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews near San Marcos, California
1464 Reviews of 18 San Marcos Campgrounds
- FFairen T.
Guide
Idyllwild Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park
Quiet Mountain Camping
Offers wide range of tent camp sites, RV camping, showers, toilets. Beautiful scenic hikes. Small creek runs through property. Campsite grills and picnic tables.
- Gary R.
Scout
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Great weekend spot
Campground is separated by large parking spots (class A/C or travel trailers) and the other is geared towards smaller setups (smaller trailers and tents). Some spots have great shade over the picnic table (we hung our hammock on ours), and all of the tent sites have fire pits. Some units are on a slope so keep an eye out for that if you are tent camping. Bathrooms were clean and showers have token dispensers right by the showers. Got pretty cold at night.
MomentoMori C.Guide
Sweet Oaks Winery - Temporarily Closed
Great camping for newbies
Sweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!
Prisc M.Scout
Lake Jennings
lake jennings was a dream. local fun, good vibes, and a blast with good friends!
Tent camping overnight!
- ZZach B.Scout
Camper Resorts of America
Good for rvs but not tent camping
Does not allow tent camping
- DDouglas F.Scout
Skyline Ranch RV Park & Campground
Tent
Tent site
- Jamie C.Guide
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Pretty neat spot
Walk to the beach is kind of long. Camp is on the bluff! We tent camped and had a good time
Shainna M.Guide
Dos Picos County Park
Gorgeous!
Great county park. Quiet and well maintained. Pay showers. $29/ night. Pets welcome. Fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Tent camping available as well.
Paula A.
Traveler
Oak Grove Campground
Great place
This is totally a great place to go tent camping it's peaceful and quiet during the week. It's clean and just a fun place to camp.
- LLisa L.Scout
Ramona Oaks RV Resort
Close by get away
Went camping in August, during a heatwave, and had Covid restrictions. Even with all of that, we had a good time! We were in spot 21 right by the pond. Camped in a tent trailer and had plenty of room to set up an outdoor sitting and cooking areas. The only issue was “meat bees” that came around when we were trying to eat. Bathrooms were clean and stocked with supplies. Pool was nice and refreshing but had little shaded areas. We definitely would camp there again when it isn’t so hot!
Sade H.Traveler
Observatory Campground
Love this place!
I brought my family with our 2 dogs for Thanksgiving and unfortunately we left early because it was a major danger for our dogs with the very bold and brave coyotes.
We tent camped but I feel like if we had an RV it would have been safer for the dogs.. for us alone with out the dogs, tent camping would have been fine!
Other than that. BEAUTIFUL!!! We loved every single moment from the colorful drive up to the stars and checking out the observatory which was also pet friendly. It’s SO FUN to see all the different color leaves and the sunsets, the sunrises, the crisp air, the views on the way up….all of it was so beautiful.
Renee C.Guide
Silver Strand State Beach
No Tent Camping
There has never been tent camping allowed here. There is RV or trailer camping but no tent and no bathrooms here. Make sure you check the water quality since it can be an issue at times since it is near the Mexico border.
- Paul V.Scout
Fry Creek Campground
Absolutely beautiful
Best tent campground
- PPeteScout
McCall Equestrian Park
Wonderful view, horse campsite
This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled.
- DDave L.Scout
Dos Picos County Park
Great for Kids & Adults
I have only tent camped here and enjoyed the quite and clean site. I like that it is not far from civilization but feels very remote. My kids caught their first fish in the little pond.
- DDave L.Scout
Dos Picos County Park
Great for Kids and Adults
I have only tent camped here and really enjoyed the clean and quiet spot not too far from civilization but feels like in the middle of nowhere. My kids caught their first fish in the little pond :)
- Ana G.Scout
Yaqui Well Primitive Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Super easy, free, and fun!
We rolled in after dark and found a spot super easy that was secluded and perfect for tent camping. We had a nice hike in the morning before heading back to Julian for pie :)
Jonathan G.
Ranger
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Good surf, close to town
We had a group of five here for a weekend of tent camping, and it was great. The campground is small which means everyone is fairly close together but everything is nearby. Head down to the water for surf!
Jose J.Guide
Fiddlers Cove RV Park
Great Military Base Park
Can’t say enough about this park. 56 full hook up spaces and two tent camping spots. Very clean and very friendly staff. Definitely recommend and will go back again soon. Has on site shower and laundry facilities.
- EElise P.Scout
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Great Beach Camp
We tent camped here. The campground is large, so most spaces have a lot of room. Lots of amenities for those that need them. Short walk to the beach. Some seasons, the beach is very rocky and difficult to swim.
Care B.
Legend
Dixon Lake Campground
Spot #45
Spot #45 is very private, I highly suggest this spot!! I don’t tent camp, and there is a spot to pull my van up which was perfect! Dogs are only $1 a night & they have a small snack stand during the day
Jill F.Guide
William Heise County Park
Tame camping
Cabins are fun and shelter you from the occasional strong gusty winds.
Tent camping in the rain is also do-able here due to the temperate climate. There are a couple playgrounds, so a very kid-friendly environment as well.
- Leslie M.Guide
Del Mar Beach Cottages
Oceanfront
Campsites are fairly tight together. Our tent site was second row, intermixed with rvs. But being that close to the ocean was wonderful! You just can’t beat falling asleep to ocean waves!
Mei S.ScoutSouth Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Great site
Super beautiful area (obviously), with a tent site overlooking the beach (but fenced in). Wish we could camp on the actul beach but that is rare. There was privacy and it wasnt overcrowded.
- Leslie M.Guide
San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping
Beachfront
We tent camped here. The sites are TIGHT sand the campground crowded. BUT, the tent spots are ocean front. It was wonderful! so for that I could overlook the crowded sites. It is more for surfing than playing in the waves on the beach, there are rocks spread out making it less enjoyable for kids, but our crew were happy there.
- VVic A.Traveler
Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Tent camping and must-do hike
have only tent camped so not sure about hook ups. hike across the road is great but do it early before it gets hot. bathrooms get a little trashed by Sunday morning. crew doesn’t keep up. spots nice size for three tents, group of 8. bring ant spray. hard to get reservations. stop for breakfast at the lake while you’re in the area.
Jesse C.ScoutRamona Oaks RV Resort
Ramona Oaks
Ramona Oaks is exactly what it says RV Resort, they do have 4 tent sites available which are ok just very rocky. One thing i didn’t like was the tent sites being so close to the main road that all night long you hear semi trucks and rice burners with their load exhaust driving down the windy road. A lot of the RV spots look to be permanent or semi permanent residence and nobody really comes out to socialize. There wasn’t a lot of kids out like i thought there would be like when i used to go camping as a kid. They do have a small lake that is catch and release only, don’t know exactly what fish are in there but i did catch a few sun fish. They do have a nice playground for the kids.
Guide to San Marcos
San Marcos, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quick getaway. With beautiful landscapes and numerous activities, campers can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- The Kumeyaay Lake Campground features clean bathrooms and hot showers, making it a comfortable spot for weekend camping.
- At GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, guests can enjoy amenities like outdoor hot showers and flushable toilets, elevating the camping experience to glamping.
- The Eyrie Farm offers a unique experience with a charming organic farm atmosphere, although it lacks some traditional camping facilities.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- The Kumeyaay Lake Campground is surrounded by amazing hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities at Mission Trails Regional Park.
- At GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, visitors can explore beautiful hiking trails and enjoy a full-size disc golf course on the property.
- Campers at Corte Madera Mountain can embark on a scenic 7.5-mile hike that rewards them with stunning views of the Lake Morena area.
Tent camping near San Marcos offers these unique features
- The Kumeyaay Lake Campground allows campfires after 7 PM, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
- GoodVibes Ranch & Farm is pet-friendly, making it a great choice for families who want to bring their furry friends along.
- The Eyrie Farm provides a unique experience with farm animals and a chance to enjoy fresh, organic breakfast options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Marcos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Marcos, CA is Kumeyaay Lake Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near San Marcos, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near San Marcos, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring