Best Campgrounds near Spring Valley, CA

Camping options around Spring Valley, California include several established campgrounds offering various accommodation types within a short drive of urban amenities. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park in nearby Bonita provides partial and full hookup sites for both tent and RV camping, with shaded sites in the original campground area. Other nearby options include Lake Jennings in Lakeside, which offers tent camping, RV sites, and glamping accommodations including yurts. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve features 300 campsites with cabin rentals and standard camping areas, while San Diego Metro KOA in Chula Vista provides developed camping with amenities just minutes from the metropolitan area.

The climate in this region supports year-round camping with mild temperatures, though summer months can become quite warm. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. "The campground is freeway close and only a few miles away from grocery stores and restaurants," noted one visitor about Sweetwater Summit Regional Park. Facilities at most established campgrounds include flush toilets, showers, and hookups, though amenities vary by location. Campers should be prepared for some highway noise and aircraft sounds at certain campgrounds, as several sites are positioned near transportation corridors or under flight paths. Cell service is generally strong throughout the area, making these campgrounds suitable for remote workers needing connectivity.

Campers consistently highlight the convenience of these campgrounds as bases for exploring San Diego attractions. Many sites offer city views while maintaining a natural setting, creating a unique urban-adjacent camping experience. According to one visitor, "We stayed one night with a trailer and a tent, it was clean, nice and well maintained. Not much to do in terms of nature settings, but if you're looking for something cheap for full hookups close to town, it's a great spot." Several reviews mention the presence of wildlife including coyotes, despite the urban proximity. Sites with shade are particularly valued and tend to book quickly, especially in the summer months. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours and have regular security patrols, creating family-friendly environments despite their metropolitan location.

Best Camping Sites Near Spring Valley, California (154)

    1. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

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

    $34 - $38 / night

    "Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful. Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California."

    "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."

    2. San Diego Metro KOA

    32 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

    33 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

    20 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

    23 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

    18 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.."

    "Great location, quaint little town. Levels concrete pad, have room to put your stuff. Laundry and close to base."

    7. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    16 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."

    "The fishing lakes are and best indoor walking paths are a bonus."

    8. Dos Picos County Park

    35 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Campland on the Bay

    21 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 Reviews near Spring Valley, CA

1079 Reviews of 154 Spring Valley Campgrounds


  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Oak Grove Campground

    Quiet, small and dark... simple camping.

    A great little hidden site with not much to offer but stargazing, fresh air and nice campers. My 2nd trailer camping trip was 1 night and it was awesome, plenty of stars and the Milky Way was so clear... years since I've seen it. Non hook ups but there is water throughout the grounds, plenty of wildlife birds, I had a bluejay sing for me all day. Clean restrooms... and red ants. Loved my space so I'll be getting it again.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Dos Picos County Park

    A family fun zone site.

    Nice site I stayed 1 night with W/E hook ups, my first time with my new camper trailer. It was ok, trailer spaces were tight but have plenty of tall trees, not much privacy. My space was next to a rec center to have a security light on all night, more stars than the city and the moon looked good in my telescope. Overall decent site, didn't have time to enjoy the hike, fishing or park.

  • s
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Borrego Palm Canyon Campground — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Open Desert Fun

    October 4th stay was new to me, my 3rd trailer camping trip from San Diego. It was nice and warm at arrival and cool by the moonlit night with the gnats going away until morning. No one was next to me so I had it good, most were tent camper and quiet by 10pm... great views. Shack guard was nice and helpful... I liked this site.

  • C
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Granite Springs

    Little Known Gem

    Primitive camp site with chemical bathrooms. Has 3 areas to set up tents. First come first serve, but you must check in at the ranger station before you go. $5 per camper. We comfortably fit 3 tents on one site.

  • M
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Mission Bay RV Resort

    Trashy park

    Several issues here. First the most obvious the connections are at the front of the space on the drivers side. If you back in you better have 100 feet of hose sewer and power cord. Reservations failed to tell me while on the phone that the power was out but they’re still charging full price. Most of the lots are dusty dirt lots well over half of the park is not in use and in disrepair. There is trash everywhere and the staff could care less if you’re enjoying yourself. Do yourself a favor and spend the 20 extra dollars to stay at Campland Overall a waste of money and beach front property

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Great camp

    Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.

    Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California.

  • Kai K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    Loved The Off-Roading and Beautiful Views

    Loved how much road there was to explore. We went about 2 hours deep into this area and there was still more to explore. The best part here was the stars, so stunning. Be careful in the summer as it is very hot during the day.

  • j
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Henshaw Resort

    My stay review

    This place is pretty cool The staff is nice and not too strict. The place can definitely use a lil tlc but for the price per day its nothing too complain about. The pool is cool the showers and bathroom are all functional. Wich is a good thing. I was told to pick any spot i liked wich made my stay even better. No hookups at all i had my rv/camper but that was no problem i took my generator. Place is definitely recommended if you're a not too picky person.😉

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    Cool spot

    Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. Don’t feel like you missed anything if you can’t get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.


Guide to Spring Valley

Spring Valley camping options span a mix of urban-adjacent parks and lakeside retreats with elevations ranging from near sea level to about 600 feet. The region typically receives less than 15 inches of rainfall annually, creating dry conditions in undeveloped areas. Most campgrounds require reservations 6-7 months in advance for weekend stays, particularly during the peak summer season when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Jennings in Lakeside offers well-stocked fishing lakes where campers can fish directly behind their trailers. "We camp frequently since we live 5 mins away. Always enjoy Easter and Halloween with friends and family," notes a Lake Jennings visitor who appreciates the convenience.

Water recreation: Paddleboats, kayaks and other watercraft rentals are available at several locations. At Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, visitors can "Feed the ducks, fish, ride the pedal boats. It's an awesome place for a day outside!" according to one reviewer who frequents the park with family.

Hiking trails: Mission Trails Regional Park surrounds Kumeyaay Lake Campground with extensive hiking options. A camper mentions: "There are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things. The rangers even supplied Dr. Bronners Castile soap in each bathroom."

Bay views: For those seeking water proximity without swimming, Fiddlers Cove RV Park provides marina access and bay activities. "Water front back in sites, pull through sites, other back in sites not waterfront and two tent sites... Clean restrooms with shower. Water, sewage and power hook ups," explains a military visitor.

What campers like

Urban camping amenities: Campers at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park enjoy the balance of nature and convenience. "Great pull thru sites on level concrete pads. Full hookups. Many hiking trails and bicycle trails," notes one visitor who appreciates the developed facilities.

Internet connectivity: Working remotely while camping is increasingly popular in the area. At Lake Jennings, a full-time RV dweller reported, "Internet service was great for Verizon. We got 23 Mbps with 3 bars of 4G LTE unboosted, and 69 Mbps with 5 bars using a simple MIMO antenna."

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities stand out in reviews. One camper at Kumeyaay Lake Campground mentioned, "The campgrounds were very clean and we were surprised with the high sanitization of the bathrooms!"

Privacy options: Strategic site selection can maximize privacy despite urban locations. A Lake Jennings visitor explained: "An added benefit of the Preferred View sites is the privacy since no one is camped behind you. Our particular site even had useful shrubbery on each side to create a quasi sense of privacy between sites."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, with premium sites filling months ahead. At Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, a frustrated camper noted: "I have been trying for 2 1/2 years to get back in, almost every day so we can visit our grandchildren... They ALWAYS have Friday to Sunday blocked off forever and ever."

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Spring Valley Lake camping?

While Spring Valley Lake doesn't have a dedicated campground, nearby options offer excellent amenities. Mission Bay RV Resort provides waterfront sites with full hookups, clean restrooms, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It's less crowded than some neighboring campgrounds while maintaining a homey feel. For a more rustic experience, Green Valley Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers access to beautiful waterfalls via a short trail from the campsites, vault toilets, and a peaceful natural setting.

Where is Spring Valley Campground located and how do I get there?

Spring Valley is located in San Diego County, California. While there isn't a specific Spring Valley Campground, nearby camping options include Sweetwater Summit Regional Park in Bonita, which is just minutes from Spring Valley. You can access it via SR-125 and Jamacha Boulevard. For a beautiful beach alternative near the area, South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is accessible off Interstate 5 in North County San Diego, offering oceanfront camping with convenient access to local attractions.

Are there used RVs or travel trailers available for purchase near Spring Valley?

While not specifically selling RVs, the Spring Valley area has options for RV enthusiasts. Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort near Anza-Borrego has 120 full hookup spaces (both 30 and 50 amp) that accommodate various RV sizes including 30' toy haulers. This gives you a chance to see different RV models in use. For RV shopping, check Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve which hosts RV shows seasonally where both new and used models are often displayed and available for purchase.