RV camping options near San Ysidro, California span across diverse terrain from coastal areas to desert landscapes with elevations ranging from sea level to over 3,000 feet in the Julian area. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F in desert locations like Borrego Springs, while coastal RV sites maintain milder conditions year-round. Cell service varies significantly between mountain and urban locations, affecting connectivity for remote workers.
What to do
Stargazing in Borrego Springs: Borrego Springs is a Designated Dark Sky Community perfect for nighttime astronomy. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort provides an excellent base for stargazing activities. "The stargazing is amazing! Very clean and well maintained. Quiet respectful guests. Great area to bike," notes one visitor who stayed in January.
Golfing on-site: Several RV parks feature golf courses right on the property. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course offers a 9-hole course in excellent condition. One camper mentions, "Three of our party enjoyed the 9-hole golf course which is in excellent condition," while another adds that the "camp sites are more spacious than I expected and have mature landscaping between sites."
Explore Julian: This historic mountain town is accessible from multiple RV parks in the region. Stagecoach Trails Resort serves as a convenient base about 20 minutes from Julian. A visitor notes, "Julian is about 20 minutes away, cute little mountain town with a brewery and some good food!"
What campers like
Mineral pools and spas: Many visitors appreciate the hot mineral baths available at certain RV resorts. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort offers "hot mineral spas" along with "a little fishing pond, golf course, pickle ball and a wellness center where you can even get a massage," according to one reviewer.
Spacious sites with privacy: Several RV parks provide larger sites with landscaping between spaces. One visitor to The Springs at Borrego mentioned, "Very spacious resort in the center of a gorgeous 9 hole golf course/driving range. Check-in packet was prepared & ready along w/an escort to our space, which has level concrete parking and picnic pad with table."
Helpful staff: Many reviewers comment on the quality of customer service at various RV parks. A visitor to Escondido RV Resort appreciated that "Michael's friendly customer service and professionalism truly stood out, making our stay all the more enjoyable," even during challenging weather conditions with "heavy rain and hail from an atmospheric river."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Desert areas experience extreme temperature variations. A camper at Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort advises, "I wouldn't recommend planning your trip mid-May to mid-September as temperatures are dangerously high. It's quite lovely in the winter!"
Highway noise: Some RV parks are located near major roadways. At Circle RV Resort, one visitor notes, "Hwy 8 is right outside your door and very loud. Sites are adequate and if you have a pull through site you get a grill."
Water quality issues: Water supply can be inconsistent in certain areas. A reviewer for Ramona Oaks RV Resort mentioned, "Nice quiet and clean campground. With a lots of hiking trails and activities to do. The only downside is the drinking water has issues."
Site selection matters: Choosing the right site can significantly impact your experience. One camper at Escondido RV Resort shared, "People are complaining about freeway noise, we stayed in site 3 (the closest site to the freeway) and it was quiet as a mouse from inside our (insulated) RV."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Many RV parks offer swimming pools that appeal to families with children. One reviewer at Ramona Oaks RV Resort noted, "Pool was nice and refreshing but had little shaded areas. We definitely would camp there again when it isn't so hot!"
Playgrounds and activities: Some parks provide playground equipment and recreational areas. A visitor to Ramona Oaks mentioned, "They do have a nice playground for the kids. They do have a small lake that is catch and release only."
Consider timing for crowds: Peak seasons can mean more children and activities. A visitor to Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort commented, "Fall foliage season fills many parks fast, with advance reservations recommended for popular destinations."
Farm experiences: For a unique family activity, consider sites with animal interactions. Thompson Palms Campground offers farm-based camping where, as one visitor shares, "My family and I had an excellent time at the Thompson's farm! We stayed a few weeks, hanging out with their cows and chickens! Their eggs are fantastic and so beautiful I almost didn't want to crack the shells!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Some sites present leveling challenges depending on your rig size. At Encore Palm Springs Oasis, a visitor reported, "We unfortunately got one that was an end spot so it angled down to one side quite a bit. It was difficult for us to get level and costs us our 'patio' area since there wasn't enough room for our rug."
RV age restrictions: Some parks have policies about older RVs. A visitor to Escondido RV Resort noted, "Little pricey and has RV age restrictions but I sent pics and was allowed even though I was outside the age."
Concrete pad benefits: Many rv sites near San Ysidro, California feature concrete pads for stability. At The Springs at Borrego, a reviewer appreciated that "the concrete pads are really long. This allowed us to have both the trailer and the truck on the pad. Not the perpendicular park job we are all used to."
Big rig accessibility: For larger motorhomes, turning radius and site dimensions matter. Circle RV Resort visitors note that "roads are very narrow" but the park is "big-rig-friendly" with full hookup options.
