Several RV campgrounds near Santee, California offer camping options beyond standard hookups. Located in San Diego County at approximately 400 feet elevation, Santee experiences mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the area feature seasonal activities with swimming pools that remain open year-round due to the temperate weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Oak Creek RV Resort connects to hiking paths where campers can enjoy native California landscapes. "It was really nice spending some time here, we saw it on the app and wanted to check it out. We live close in the area. I had no idea there was a little lake here, it's very pretty!" shared one visitor to Oak Creek RV Resort.
Water recreation options: Fiddlers Cove RV Park offers equipment rentals for water activities. "Kayak, boat, SUP available for rental. Easy access to all of San Diego," notes a camper at Fiddlers Cove RV Park, which requires military ID for access. The park sits directly on the bay, providing immediate water access.
Outdoor games: Many Santee-area campgrounds maintain recreational facilities. Mission Bay RV Resort features "a nice basketball court and clean bathrooms. There is a gated pool and hot tub," according to a recent visitor. The park also connects to a mile-long path along the bay.
What campers like
Security features: The gated entrance at Ramona Oaks RV Resort provides campers with additional safety. "Has a coded security gate which changes monthly. Has a pool, spa, playground, barn, RV storage, laundry, restrooms with showers, catch & release pond," notes one visitor to Ramona Oaks RV Resort, located about 30 minutes from Santee.
Concrete pads: Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay stands out for its site quality. "Elite Full Hookup RV Site includes your very own gas fire BBQ grill, gas camp fire, 4 Adirondack chairs, dinner table with 6 chairs, full hookups including cable tv," explains a camper at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay. The park maintains 197 sites with premium amenities.
Resort-style amenities: Several RV campgrounds near Santee feature extensive recreation options. "Pool, places to eat and drink. The staff is always friendly," mentions one Sun Outdoors visitor. Another notes, "Great pool area. Splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV! Food service as well."
What you should know
Traffic noise levels: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds. "RV park is between highway and main road - no quiet found here," reports one visitor about Circle RV Resort. Similarly, at San Diego RV Resort, "This RV resort is situated between free ways. Road noise is the main issue. Otherwise it's a very nice and well maintained RV resort."
Cell service quality: T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon service varies significantly between locations. "The phone service was non-existent, and the wifi didn't reach our spot. Apparently after speaking with other residents, it doesn't really reach most of the park," reports a Mission Bay RV Resort visitor.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds report periodic problems with water systems. A Ramona Oaks visitor noted, "Nice quiet and clean campground. With a lots of hiking trails and activities to do. The only downside is the drinking water has issues."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Pools provide recreation when beaches aren't convenient. "We went camping in August, during a heatwave, and had Covid restrictions. Even with all of that, we had a good time! Bathrooms were clean and stocked with supplies. Pool was nice and refreshing but had little shaded areas," reports a visitor to Ramona Oaks RV Resort.
Playground access: Children need dedicated play areas at campgrounds. "They do have a nice playground for the kids," notes one Ramona Oaks visitor. Similarly, Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay features "a comfort station with a playground and horse shoe pits."
Farm experiences: For unique camping, consider Thompson Palms Campground. "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!" shares a visitor to this small 3-site facility.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from entrance gates when possible. At Escondido RV Resort, "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," shares one camper at Escondido RV Resort.
Laundry facilities: Bring sufficient quarters or cards for laundry facilities. "Laundry is with your debit card, but wicked expensive, $3.75 wash, $3.75 dry," notes one camper about Circle RV Resort facilities. Multiple RV parks in the area charge $5 or more per complete load.
Reservation timing: Book well ahead for peak seasons, especially winter months. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winter averages 65-70°F, making the Santee area particularly popular with snowbirds seeking moderate winter temperatures.
