Looking for the best campgrounds near Valley Center, CA? Valley Center is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$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"
$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."
$40 - $120 / night
"You can camp next to it as well and get in! It’s $35 per car they do have military discount. The total of $32 with discount. They also have porta potties every few 500 feet."
"The spot we initially reserved was located on the little river, but once we got there, we realized we were a little too packed in with the rest of the visitors, so we requested to move to a more open spot"
$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."
$40 - $130 / night
"Most of the sites are on slopes, or require walking up/down a series of steps to access."
"We drove up for an impromptu camp trip, it was only about an hour drive. I've never been up to Palomar Mountain although I've lived here for 30 years!"
"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."
$20 - $40 / night
"Palomar Mountain Observatory Campground is one of the prettiest spots I've seen to camp close to San Diego in Southern California."
"Very pretty setting in forested valley below the famous telescope (now closed to all visitors - even to walk around outside). 30 or so sites, nice variety, some cater to astronomers, handicapped, doubles"
"There is a lot to do near by, a very convenient store about 5-10 minutes away called valley center foods! Employees were sooo sweet and friendly! DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!"
"My family owns a 1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia since 2020 and use The Dyrt to find hidden gems near our home for weekend camping."
$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."
$15 / night
"Just south of Palomar Mountain Observatory (a must visit) Fry Creek is a heavily wooded (oak, fir, pine) campground in a narrow valley surrounded by steep forested banks."
"The only con was that there are way too many insects everywhere, My base camp got bombarded with a swarm of wasps, And I was forced to leave a day early, and had to leave my cooking pot behind because"
ScoutSpot 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.
ScoutPull-through sites have a little room not so close to neighbors Buddy sites are available
ScoutThe 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. :(
TravelerLarge parking spots and great atmosphere. The fishing lakes are and best indoor walking paths are a bonus.
ScoutAwesome quiet campground for a more “dispersed” camping feel. Dispersed due to the fact there’s only a few water spigots at select sites and the bathroom were a hike from our spot. We took site #20, it was little bit of a trek from the parking spot to our camp, but the site was extremely spacious and secluded. We decided 4 stars because the forest service failed to post our reservation for site #06 (which has the best view but not much shade). We were here mid July on a Thursday and there were only 2 other sites occupied. Beware the unreal amount of mosquitos.
ScoutMy family and I had an excellent time at the Thompson’s farm! We stayed a few weeks, hanging out with their cows and chickens! Their eggs are fantastic and so beautiful I almost didn’t want to crack the shells! The family is kind and great hosts, definitely contact them to spend time on their farm!
TravelerGreat location, quaint little town. Levels concrete pad, have room to put your stuff. Laundry and close to base.
RangerThe perfect spot for family, childrens, or scout horse camps! My father and I both went as kids (40 years a part) and remember and treasure our experience. Rawhide ranch hosts family, youth groups, and scout weekend or summer camps. Note that I do not believe they host individual adult campers. It seems like all their camping options are associated with their events/camp program. It is however the perfect, fun introduction to camping for kids with a lot of fun activities. Note that these photos were taken about 14 years ago
GuideAmenities isn’t all that great when they’re not maintained well. Gym has damaged equipment, pool has lose hand rails and heated pool is filthy. Pool furniture is outdated, broken and dirty. They will only play country music at the pool. The shower house looks like it has recently been updated but smells and has mold growing already. They do not allow any kind of camper except big rigs/trailers. They have a “dog park”, which is very small and smell horrendous due to there only being fake plastic grass. Most owners will also not clean up after their pets, so you or your dog may step into feces quite often there. RV park is between highway and main road - no quiet found here. Rules on what you’re allowed to put up for shade will vary depending on how much management likes you there. All in all an Ok place if you aren’t actually spending you time there.
Camping near Valley Center, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Valley Center, California, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Valley Center, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 294 campgrounds and RV parks near Valley Center, CA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Valley Center, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 77 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Valley Center, CA.
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