The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Solana Beach, CA

1,350 Reviews

Several excellent campgrounds sit within a short drive of Solana Beach, with South Carlsbad State Beach Campground ranking high on most campers' lists. The sites at South Carlsbad put you right by the ocean and come with private restrooms and pay showers that don't break the bank for tent and RV campers alike. San Elijo State Beach Campground lies just two miles from Solana Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, where the surf breaks right below the campground and you can wake up to ocean views. Both places fill up fast, particularly in summer months, so book well ahead of time. You might spot local wildlife like seabirds and small mammals while camping here, so keep your food secured properly. Water and clean bathrooms are available at these campgrounds, making your stay more comfortable. Spring and fall bring the nicest weather for camping in this area, though summer gets hot and requires extra attention to shade and water. Winter cools down but remains mild thanks to the coastal location. You can find camping supplies and other necessities at stores near both campgrounds. Solana Beach area camping works well for both first-timers and experienced campers looking for beach time.

Map showing campgrounds near Solana Beach, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Solana Beach, California (179)

    1. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    "One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"

    2. San Elijo State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 753-5091

    $50 - $520 / night

    "Pick a spot - $75 gets you on the bluff with hookups $50 gets you on the bluff but no hookups $35 gets you on the other side Trash, recycling, and sewage disposal ($10) nearby."

    "If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."

    3. Campland on the Bay

    21 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 581-4205

    $60 / night

    "It sits next to the bay, which is calmer and the beach. I've seen people jet ski, sail, paddle boat, play beach volleyball, and swim, and there are even bonfire pits on the beach!"

    "We had 4 campsites all next to each other. The camp hosts were all very nice, they drove around quite a bit making sure all was good. For how many sites they have it didn’t seem too crowded."

    4. Dos Picos County Park

    33 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 789-2220

    $24 - $100 / night

    "The creek eventually flows into a pond located on the other end of the campground. The pond is actually pretty large! Lots of space to walk around and explore."

    "The missus and I decided to do a midweek overnight escape and chose Dos Picos Park due to its close proximity.

    Great little campground with partial (electricity & water) hookups."

    5. Del Mar Beach Cottages

    10 Reviews
    Encinitas, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 725-4640

    $35 - $65 / night

    "The campsites are small but it is clean and family friendly also located right on a big beautiful beach. You must have a military ID to camp here, you can have alcohol on the beach but no glass."

    "But being that close to the ocean was wonderful! You just can’t beat falling asleep to ocean waves!"

    6. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 839-4045

    $39 - $50 / night

    "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. The walks around the lake are definitely worth doing!"

    "I grew up in Oceanside and people talked about camping at Dixon lake in Escondido and I thought it was lame and not “real” camping. Having never been there, I based this off nothing."

    7. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 668-2748

    $24 - $25 / night

    "Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."

    "You are away from the city, but not too far. The facilities were nice and the only scare was the GIGANTIC spider seen outside the bathroom. We'd for sure come pack...the price is right too :$"

    8. Oceanside RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Oceanside, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 864-2728

    "Overall liked this rv park, close to town for us to explore all the restaurants close by. Beach is a 5-10 minute walk. Staff was friendly ask for Diana sweetheart."

    "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."

    9. Escondido RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 239-5273

    "Location near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking."

    "The site itself is simply stunning, nestled in a peaceful and beautiful location that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway."

    10. Guajome Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Oceanside, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 724-4489

    $29 - $35 / night

    "For the price of full hook up ($35) in a location so close to the beach, I call it a win. It was beautiful with a pond and walking paths. There were many dogs and we saw horses on the paths too."

    "Flush toilets available and a nice nature walk around a lake. The park was a great/affordable base camp for nearby Legoland amusement park."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 179 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Solana Beach, CA

444 Photos of 179 Solana Beach Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Solana Beach, CA

1350 Reviews of 179 Solana Beach Campgrounds

Guide to Solana Beach

Camping near Solana Beach, California, offers a fantastic mix of ocean views, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. Campers love the convenience of walking right onto the sand. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Biking and Running: The area has excellent bike lanes and running paths. One camper noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Hiking: Campgrounds like William Heise County Park offer hiking trails and fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One guest at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and showers. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. One visitor at Lake Jennings said, "The ladies at the front are always so incredibly sweet!"

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground noted, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. For example, Lake Hemet Campground has limited options, with some sites lacking electric hookups.
  • Noise Levels: Campers should be prepared for noise from nearby roads or trains. One reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "There is a rise in thefts...the loud cargo train that runs just around the grounds."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like playgrounds or swimming areas. A visitor at Lake Jennings said, "There was a play area that had ladder golf, tetherball, and ping pong."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep the kids engaged. One camper at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "Good access to walking and biking trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A reviewer at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground highlighted the convenience of the camp store for quick bites.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at William Heise County Park noted, "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 Noise: Choose sites away from busy roads or train tracks if possible. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A reviewer at Lake Hemet Campground advised, "There is a $10 fee, they have a convenient credit card machine."

Camping near Solana Beach, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for beach access, scenic views, or family-friendly activities, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Solana Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Solana Beach, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 179 campgrounds and RV parks near Solana Beach, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Solana Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Solana Beach, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 77 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Solana Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Solana Beach, CA.

What parks are near Solana Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Solana Beach, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

Keep Exploring