Best Campgrounds near Tecate, CA

The border town of Tecate, California sits within a diverse camping landscape that ranges from oak-shaded county parks to high mountain forests. Potrero County Park, just 6 miles from the Mexican border, offers tent and RV camping with full hookups, shaded sites under oak trees, and hiking trails. Lake Morena County Park, approximately 20 miles from the Mexico border, provides both developed camping and accommodations for Pacific Crest Trail hikers. The region extends from the lower elevation border areas to the higher elevation Laguna Mountains, where campgrounds like Burnt Rancheria (at 6,000 feet) and El Prado offer pine forest camping with access to meadows and mountain views.

Camping permits and regulations vary significantly across the area's public lands. Potrero County Park requires reservations and offers amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and showers. As one camper noted, "These camp sites are great. I was surprised with how much shade there is; lots of great oak trees." Higher elevation sites in Cleveland National Forest, such as Corte Madera Mountain, require permits that "can be emailed to you if you call the rangers station." Road conditions range from paved access at county parks to rough dirt roads requiring high-clearance vehicles for more remote areas. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with stronger signals at lower elevations and near towns. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in the border region while remaining cooler at higher elevations.

Many campers appreciate the area's proximity to both wilderness experiences and cultural opportunities. The international border creates unique possibilities, with one visitor reporting, "We parked at the border for 7 bucks, walked across and had tacos." Campgrounds in the Laguna Mountains receive consistently high ratings for their cooler temperatures and forest settings. According to a regular visitor, "At 6000 feet in mountain forests, you feel like you are far away from it all. The camp sites are generously spaced adding to the seclusion." Wildlife sightings are common, with turkeys frequently spotted at Lake Morena. Weekends tend to be busier at all campgrounds in the region, with many visitors coming from nearby San Diego for quick getaways.

Best Camping Sites Near Tecate, California (131)

    1. Lake Morena County Park

    15 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 565-3600

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Lake Morena is an awesome place to stay. This was our first campsite during our PCT thru hike, approximately 20 miles from the Mexico border via the trail."

    "The campground at Lake Morena has around 80+ spots that range from hookups for RV to basic tent camping. There's a indoor entertainment room and multiple bathrooms."

    2. Potrero County Park

    7 Reviews
    Potrero, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 478-5212

    $30 / night

    "My advice is to make a day trip into Tecate also, it’s only 6 miles away. These camp sites are great. I was surprised with how much shade there is; lots of great oak trees. Good hiking trails."

    "Nice drive just outside the city, great trail and all the necessary amenities. We will definitely be back!"

    3. San Diego County Lake Morena County Park

    8 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 579-4101

    $24 / night

    " The Lake Morena campground is well-kept and relaxing. It has a variety of sites including full-hookup, partial hookup, and tent only."

    "The views of the lakes and mountains are breathtaking. Lots of wildlife to see. Bobcats, deer, quail, rabbits and wild turkeys. Good internet if on Verizon network"

    4. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    33 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    23 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."

    5. Thousand Trails Pio Pico

    13 Reviews
    Dulzura, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Locations near Jamul Casino. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups sites. Fill propano available. Spot are very big. The pool and kid playground are great."

    "Showers were nice and warm, and not coin operated - a rarity given the water droughts around CA."

    6. San Diego County Potrero Regional Park

    3 Reviews
    Potrero, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 478-5212

    "This was my first experience in California after three prior stays in Texas and Arizona. The San Diego County system centrally handles reservations of its campgrounds, which was fortunate for me."

    "Nice spacious sites at this county run campground near the border. Lots of shade trees. Trails, playground, cabins for rent and pavilion that can be rented for large group meetings/dinners."

    7. Lake Jennings

    33 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    25 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!"

    8. Burnt Rancheria Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-0120

    $35 / night

    "I love this campground because it's woodsy and close to home.  You get that far away feel without being too far away. "

    "We had hosts that were helpful, friendly, the restrooms were stocked/clean, they brought firewood around, and were just good people."

    9. Bobcat Meadow Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    3 Reviews
    Campo, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "There's enough space to spread out when it's not busy, but if all the spots are taken it would feel too close to other campers for us."

    "Right next to one of the main trails and surrounded by 50+ miles of them."

    10. El Prado Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-2082

    $35 / night

    "This is the closest campground to the lakes. Just a couple steps away from the beautiful meadow it overlooks. Lots of trees for hammocking!!"

    "It is a big, big campground that is wooded and adjacent a large meadow, recreational area and lake (when not dried out, drought sucks)."

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Recent Reviews near Tecate, CA

866 Reviews of 131 Tecate Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    Perfect weekend getaway

    This campground is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and we absolutely loved it. 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. We stayed in site number 17 and it was lovely. Each camp site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Online says you can buy firewood but they no longer provide that service, so make sure you bring your own firewood! You can’t swim in the lake, but you can fish and it’s very pleasant to walk around and bird watch. There is so much to do in this urban park, you could spend many days here. P.S. the Mission Trails visitor center is spectacular.

  • D
    Aug. 1, 2025

    San Diego Metro KOA

    Trees are messy but creates shade.

    Spot is nice enough. Neighbors' campfires are 10 ft away from your trailer and makes your camper smell like smoke the whole next day when they start a campfire. Trees drop sticky droppings all over your camper and awning... not to mention your truck and camp site.

  • P
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Lake Jennings

    Beautiful and clean, but loud

    The campgrounds were clean. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The setting is quite beautiful. I’m deducting a full star because our neighbors were blasting profanity-laced music until late in the night. They also brought a TV and were loudly listening to a UFC broadcast from 6PM-10:30PM which really ruined the whole vibe. There is clearly no enforcement for noise. I hate when people blast music at campgrounds and I especially hate it since I have young kids who slept very poorly because of it. :(


Guide to Tecate

Camping sites near Tecate, California span from sun-baked desert valleys to wooded mountain areas at elevations up to 6,000 feet. This border region transitions dramatically from the hot, arid Tecate area (frequently exceeding 95°F in summer) to the cooler pine forests of the Laguna Mountains where temperatures can drop below freezing in winter. Cell service varies significantly, with most campgrounds reporting strong Verizon coverage but limited or non-existent T-Mobile reception.

What to do

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Lake Morena County Park serves as a popular first stop for Pacific Crest Trail hikers. "Lake Morena is an awesome place to stay. This was our first campsite during our PCT thru hike, approximately 20 miles from the Mexico border via the trail," notes Alexa S. at Lake Morena County Park.

Trail exploration for all levels: The El Prado Campground area offers extensive trail systems for hikers and mountain bikers. "There is so many trials to hike. A little local downtown that had a great BBQ spot! Our site was shaded which was great while staying over the summer," shares Stephanie M. The trails accommodate different skill levels, with Luis N. adding, "Lots of trails to hike or bike for people of all skill levels!"

Wildlife watching: Early mornings are prime time for wildlife viewing, particularly for wild turkey sightings. "There must have been 100 wild turkeys that cruised thru the camp ground a few times. Pretty epic sight!!" reports Tamara K. The area is also home to deer, quail, rabbits, and occasionally bobcats.

What campers like

Cool mountain escapes: Burnt Rancheria Campground offers a forested retreat from summer heat. "Only an hour from San Diego, this is accessible but feels so far away. At 6,000 feet, the pine and oak trees provide great shade in almost all sites," writes Jonathan G. about Burnt Rancheria Campground.

Cross-border experiences: The proximity to Mexico creates unique opportunities for day trips. Potrero County Park's location makes international visits simple, with one reviewer noting its convenience to Tecate, Mexico: "Good hiking trails. We stayed in 'Tent site 2' which was good. My only criticism is that the sites are just a little too close, unless you don't have a neighbor."

Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, mid-week visits offer the best experience. "We spent a weekend here, and so did many families and dogs and hikers and bikers. The park was not full when we arrived, and did fill up on Friday evening," shares Jessica M. about San Diego County Lake Morena County Park, suggesting weekday visits for more privacy.

What you should know

Shower facilities vary: Pay showers are common in the region's campgrounds. At Lake Morena, "Showers are pay showers. .50/4mins." While at Potrero Regional Park, June D. notes it has "nice spacious sites at this county run campground near the border. Lots of shade trees. Trails, playground, cabins for rent and pavilion that can be rented for large group meetings/dinners."

Insect awareness: Some campgrounds report seasonal insect issues. "Visited this past weekend (October), had great weather. Campgrounds were nice and not too crowded. Lots of shade in the RV sites and seemingly everywhere (lots of trees). I will say there were a LOT of flies and bees, but not much you can do about that," reports Jenn L. about Potrero County Park.

Fire restrictions change seasonally: Fire regulations vary throughout the year. Some campgrounds prohibit fires during high-risk periods, while others maintain year-round fire pits. Always check current restrictions before your trip, as conditions can change rapidly with seasonal Santa Ana winds.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "We found this park last minute because our original place had fire restrictions. We picked right! Park has a nice playground and a trail that has lots of shoot offs. We tent camped, which was a lot of fun!" shares Cantrell C. about San Diego County Potrero Regional Park.

Water activities: When water levels permit, Lake Morena offers fishing opportunities. "Even though I did not hike the pacific crest trail on this visit, tons of other hikers did!! This campground offers a discounted rate for hikers that need/want to crash for the night or two. They also have a free bin where you can take or give clothing, shoes, food & camping gear. The lake has gone down a lot but the campground is now a little trek from the lake but is walkable and beautiful to say the least. You can also fish!!!" explains Libby P.

Educational opportunities: The region offers opportunities to learn about local ecology and history. The trail at Potrero has "signage on the Kumayaay and local plantlife," according to Jenn L., making it educational for children interested in native culture and desert plants.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for privacy: For RVers seeking more privacy, outer loop sites offer better spacing. "We had a campsite on the outer loop (9) that backed up to an overlook of a field. If you don't need a pull through, definitely get one of the outer loop spaces - they're way less cramped," advises Chrysti P. about Sweetwater Summit Regional Park.

Internet connectivity: Cell service and internet access vary widely between campgrounds. "Very well maintained facilities, not much around it. This San Diego County campground owes one of its stars to the only local business that has WiFi for travelers (my T-Mobile had zero bars, no coverage at all)," reports Steve S., while Moriah M. notes "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."

Road conditions: Access roads to higher-elevation campgrounds can present challenges for larger RVs. Some require navigating narrow mountain roads with tight turns. For remote sites, high-clearance vehicles are often recommended during wet weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tecate, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tecate, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Tecate, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tecate, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tecate, CA is Lake Morena County Park with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tecate, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Tecate, CA.