Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Vista, CA has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Vista campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Vista. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$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"
$50 - $520 / night
"If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."
"It's classic California beach camping. Spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground. That said, the beach is great, and the river mouth is great for surfing."
$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."
$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."
"Overall liked this rv park, close to town for us to explore all the restaurants close by. Beach is a 5-10 minute walk. Staff was friendly ask for Diana sweetheart."
"After circling back and now coming from the east, the narrow drive with the street light and curb wasn't enough for us to turn...so backed it up and went to the wider entrance down the street."
"The campground is situated very close to the beach and has all the amenities to make life easier.  I was very impressed with the level of security at this campground to include day and night patrols,"
"Love how there was so much to do on the grounds and around.
They had an indoor rec room with billiards, shuffle board and more.
Outdoor rec area with corn hole, picnic area and more."
"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."
$35 - $65 / night
"The campsites are small but it is clean and family friendly also located right on a big beautiful beach. You must have a military ID to camp here, you can have alcohol on the beach but no glass."
"But being that close to the ocean was wonderful! You just can’t beat falling asleep to ocean waves!"
$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."
$250 / night
"San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."
"Another beautiful gem along the California Coast. Although not on or too near the beach, this campground is truly a lovely spot. All or most of the campsites boast a bit of privacy."
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 Vista, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and serene parks, perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping around Vista, CA, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to families looking for a peaceful retreat. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Vista, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 228 campgrounds and RV parks near Vista, CA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vista, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 77 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Vista, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Vista, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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