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Best Campgrounds near Spring Valley, CA

1,047 Reviews

Camping around Spring Valley ranges from coastal sites to desert wilderness. San Elijo State Beach Campground sits right on the ocean, giving campers good spots for surfing and swimming. Blair Valley Primitive Campground in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park lies farther inland where the night skies are dark and great for stars. San Elijo has regular bathrooms and shower buildings, while at Blair Valley you'll need to bring all your water and take care of yourself. You should book San Elijo well ahead of time since it fills up fast, particularly in summer. Blair Valley doesn't take reservations - you just show up and find a spot, so getting there early helps. Both places often have rules about fires depending on conditions, so check what's allowed before you go. Spring Valley's weather works for camping in any season. You can pick between beach camping or desert camping depending on what you like better.

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Best Camping Sites Near Spring Valley, California (146)

    1. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    31 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "I’m not sure you’ll find a campground like this anywhere else in California for $29/night with partial hookups. It was quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms could have used some attention."

    "The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic, even a large event room."

    2. San Diego Metro KOA

    31 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 427-3601

    ".

    + The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.

    + During the week it felt spacious.

    + We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"

    "Walking distance to stores if something is needed."

    3. Lake Jennings

    32 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 390-1623

    $35 - $140 / night

    "This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."

    "We had scoped this out as a wintering location for my snowbird dad, and I always remembered how powerfully silence of that hillside had impacted me... finally camped there- it was lovely!"

    4. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    8 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 :$"

    5. Silver Strand State Beach

    22 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 435-5184

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Great choice for camping along the ocean in Southern California."

    "Can’t beat the proximity to the beach! Spots next to the road are loud and the campground is busy with small parking lot style areas, but if you can get a spot backing on to the beach, A+."

    6. Fiddlers Cove RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 522-8680

    "Facilities are immaculate.. adjacent to the marina, so many boats, kayaks and watercraft are available for rent.."

    "Easy access to all of San Diego"

    7. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    15 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 596-3141

    "Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."

    "Kids loved the convenient fishing right behind our trailer and the swimming pools a short drive away. Also was able to rent paddle boats to cruise around the lakes."

    8. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay

    12 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 489-3950

    $150 - $280 / night

    "The bay and the marina are within walking distance and there is a restaurant at the marina. There is water electric sewer and cable at each site."

    "Great access to bike trails, close to all that San Diego has to offer."

    9. Dos Picos County Park

    33 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    19 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."

    10. Campland on the Bay

    20 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    15 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Spring Valley, CA

320 Photos of 146 Spring Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Spring Valley, CA

1047 Reviews of 146 Spring Valley Campgrounds

Guide to Spring Valley

Camping near Spring Valley, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at William Heise County Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were great for exploring and getting some exercise."
  • Beach Access: If you prefer the ocean, check out San Elijo State Beach Campground. A camper shared, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway…great beach and surfing possibilities for the entire family."
  • Fishing: For those who enjoy fishing, Lake Jennings is a great spot. One reviewer said, "Nice clean water in the lake with plenty of fish."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered at Dos Picos County Park. One camper mentioned, "The county park is quiet and peaceful. During the week, I’m 1 of about 4 campers."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Lake Jennings said, "The ladies at the front are always so incredibly sweet!"

What you should know

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."
  • Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Blair Valley Primitive Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "It's a fine campground. There is a check-in kiosk that was well run."
  • Check-in Times: Be aware of strict check-in times at some locations. A visitor at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground mentioned, "Very strict check-in time."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby hiking trails. One family at William Heise County Park said, "We saw squirrels, bunnies, and LOTS of hawks and a few other birds during our stay."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a café. A camper at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, "There’s a local market and lots of restaurants nearby."
  • Pack for Comfort: Make sure to bring comfortable sleeping gear. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lake Jennings said, "Spaces are good size and plenty of room in between the next site."
  • Dump Station Access: Be aware of the dump station's location and hours. A camper at Dos Picos County Park mentioned, "The line for the dump is long and slow moving."
  • Bring Cash for Firewood: Some campgrounds only accept cash for firewood. A visitor at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground noted, "Fire wood is cash only."

Camping around Spring Valley, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Spring Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Spring Valley, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Spring Valley, CA and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Spring Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Spring Valley, CA is Sweetwater Summit Regional Park with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Spring Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Spring Valley, CA.

What parks are near Spring Valley, CA?

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

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