RV parks near Spring Valley, California sit at elevations between 400-600 feet in the eastern portion of San Diego County. Located within a semi-arid Mediterranean climate zone, the area averages less than 15 inches of rainfall annually, concentrated between November and March. Cell service varies widely between campgrounds due to the surrounding hills and mountains, with some locations experiencing complete dead zones despite proximity to urban areas.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Mission Bay: Mission Bay RV Resort provides direct access to De Anza Cove for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. "The beach is a dog friendly after 4 p.m.," notes Jose J. about Mission Bay RV Resort. "There is a path that goes along the bay that is about a mile long, and also a bridge that connects the park to Campland on the Bay."
RC car racing: Thousand Trails Pio Pico offers a dedicated track for remote control car enthusiasts. "Someone even built a track for RC cars to race on," explains Daniel B. about Thousand Trails Pio Pico. The campground's remote location provides space for this unique activity not found at other RV parks in the region.
Disc golf course: Rancho Los Coches RV Park features a disc golf course in a designated off-leash dog area. "There's a gorgeous and HUGE area across a small bridge and creek that had some disc golf and allows dogs to be off leash," reports Juliet L. The natural setting contrasts with the more urban RV parks closer to San Diego.
What campers like
Proximity to military sites: Fiddlers Cove RV Park offers unique access for military ID holders. "Very well maintained. Right off the amphib base. Must have Mil ID to camp there. Kayak, boat, SUP available for rental. Easy access to all of San Diego," says Katie H. about Fiddlers Cove RV Park. The waterfront location provides views and activities not available at inland parks.
Affordable electricity costs: Monthly stays at Rancho Los Coches RV Park come with reasonable utility charges. "For the monthly stay, our electric only came out to be about $80 which is awesome considering we had something running at all times, including AC and/or heat," notes Juliet L. about Rancho Los Coches RV Park. This is significantly lower than other parks in the area that may charge $150-200 for comparable usage.
Premium features at premium sites: Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay offers upgraded camping sites with additional amenities. "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," details GotelRV about Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay. These amenities provide an upscale camping experience for those willing to pay premium rates.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity impacts several RV camping options near Spring Valley. "The 8 freeway runs behind it so it's extremely noisy at all hours," reports Douglas T. about Circle RV Resort. Similarly, at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay: "Be cautious about what site you select. We had #1 and it is so noisy that we had to buy a white noise machine."
Complete cell service dead zones: Despite being near urban areas, some campgrounds have zero connectivity. "Cell service is 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. T mobile, ATT, And Verizon's phone service all are very poor throughout the park," explains Juliet L. about Mission Bay RV Resort.
Security features: Several parks implement security measures for camper safety. "The park is secured with a gate which requires a code," notes Roxanna L. about Circle RV Resort. Similarly, at Mission Bay RV Resort: "There is security at the front of the campground to wave every car into it. They are super nice and usually have a fire going at night."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Several campgrounds offer pool complexes with child-friendly features. "Large pool area. Splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV!" reports yawkub about Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay. The splash pad provides safe water play for younger children separate from the main swimming area.
Game rooms for rainy days: Indoor recreation spaces help during inclement weather. "One rec center is designed more for kids with a pool table, air hockey, shuffleboard, and games," explains Daniel B. about Thousand Trails Pio Pico. Additionally, at Sun Outdoors: "Adjacent areas has a nice gym that opens to pool area, game room with pool table, scuffle board and poker tables. An arcade for the kids."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Some parks offer nature watching possibilities. "Beautiful wildlife, sunsets, sculptures, beach, marina, bike paths," shares Sherrie R. about Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay. The marina setting attracts birds and marine life not typically visible at inland RV parks.
Tips from RVers
Backing in strategies: Tight spaces require planning at several parks. "We had a pull through but no room with parked cars to get our 42' 5th wheel in - so we backed it in and it fit nicely," shares Douglas T. about Circle RV Resort. At most parks, arrive early in the day when neighbors are likely away to have easier maneuvering space.
Laundry facilities: Costs vary significantly between parks, with some charging premium rates. "Laundry is $5 a load for both w&d. Ridiculous as they are very small and don't hold a lot," notes Roxanna L. about Circle RV Resort. By comparison, Rancho Los Coches offers laundry facilities open until 9 pm at standard rates.
Monthly stay options: For longer-term RV sites near Spring Valley, consider parks with monthly rates. "This campsite looks really clean and has a heated pool with a small gym. It was 1200 per month," reports Adela L. about Escondido RV Resort. Monthly rates typically require additional application processes and may have waiting lists during winter months.
