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"
TravelerGreat spot for camping , if you have a big rig it’s a little tight to move around on the roads but definitely nice for sprinters / trucks / suvs or even cars ! Roads are PAVED , I think thats new because I don’t remember that last year when i went !
ScoutLots of things to do! Right next to the beach, large campgrounds! Fire pits and dog friendly!
GuideVery nice campground. Camping spots are spacious and clean. They do offer showers, but they are pay showers and only take quarters. They were doing some construction on a playground while we were there, but it didn’t bother anything. Overall a nice campground
GuideThis is a unique spot to camp, because you’re met with people backpacking the summit and people going through the PCT! There is plenty of space along the trail and it is just a GORGEOUS area to wake up to. Can’t believe it’s in southern California
ScoutOverall the campground / park is very nice and has all of the amenities (toilets, showers, water, etc.). The view overlooking the water is nice!
It is a very populated area, the campsites are close to one and other. That said, we had a nice space. There is a highway (the 101) and active railroad adjacent to the park.
ScoutGreat place! The camp ground is great, and you can feel the beach breeze! The walk to the beach was amazing too! And it family friendly!!!!
LegendOur friends just bought a camper van and wanted to test the systems on it while having a weekend getaway and this was a great spot for it! All hookups PLUS dump out in each spot (so convenient, loved this!). It’s right in the middle of the city but they did a great job making it feel like you were out in nature. Great walking around the trails and lake. 8 minutes from a super Walmart if you need anything. Other campers are next to you, but not right on top of you. The camp hosts were friendly and do a great job of keeping the sites and bathrooms super clean! Fire pits and picnic tables in each spot as well. One of the hosts offered us some leftover firewood, but we had a propane pit we were using. It’s not a “must come back to” spot but great for a last minute camping experience!
TravelerThere was abundant firewood for purchase at the gate. There is a nice bathroom with flushing toilets and sinks with soap closer to spot #41, but we were at #19, so it was a small walk to get there. However, there was a portopotty right near our site if the walk is too inconvenient.
Our site was flat, and it was easy ground for stakes. Although keep an eye out for critter holes. Tons of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away.
We did see that someone had to be rescued from the riverbed while we were there, so be careful if you plan to climb down into it.
The only bummer was that in some cases, you had to drive to get to other trails, or walk on the road.
ScoutOther reviews have to be A.I. generated. Had every reason to believe there were electrical hookups, but when you show up they say there are no electrical hookups and it’s a dark park so have fun with that experience. It’s no wonder no one actually goes here. You get what you pay for. Not worth the drive.
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 285 campgrounds and RV parks near Valley Center, CA and 16 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 16 free dispersed camping spots near Valley Center, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Valley Center, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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