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Map showing campground location near Dulzura, California
Camper submitted image from Otay Mountain CampView 10 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Dulzura, California

Otay Mountain Camp

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Shooting enthusiasts and off-road vehicle users frequent this dispersed BLM camping area in the hills east of San Diego County. Access requires navigating to the South Bay Rod and Gun Club first, then following a narrow dirt road that can accommodate passing larger vehicles with care. Google Maps directions from the northeast lead to a permanently gated route, making the southern approach through the gun club the only viable entry point.

The area functions primarily as a shooting range during daylight hours, with activity typically ceasing at nightfall. Campers should expect washboard road conditions and verify they're parking on legal camping roads—only Otay Mountain Road and Otay Lakes Road are designated for overnight stays according to BLM regulations. Cell service reaches the area, and basic amenities include water, restrooms, and trash service. The location provides mountain views and serves as a base for exploring places to camp around Dulzura in this corner of southern California.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Otay Mountain Camp is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.61659303 N
116.7840705 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Otay Mountain Camp needs a permit.

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3 Reviews

Andrew H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 14, 2026

Camping in a shooting range

The best part of the area is it's proximity to San Diego.

Do not blindly follow google maps to get here. There is a permanent gate closure. I followed the instructions others have posted. First go to the nearby private shooting range. Then to this location.

The road in is narrow, dirt, washboard. At one point someone was driving a flatbed wrecker up the other direction. Passing each other was terrifying.

As others have pointed out this is a BLM shooting range. It's very busy with lots of 4x4s and side-by-sides enjoying the area.

Shooting stopped at night and was quite until morning.

The area is pretty with small mountain views.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Otay Mountain Camp by Andrew H., March 14, 2026
  • Review photo of Otay Mountain Camp by Andrew H., March 14, 2026
  • Review photo of Otay Mountain Camp by Andrew H., March 14, 2026
  • (4) View All
Chris A.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 11, 2024

This is a BLM area for shooting.

This area is a nice area for shooting. It is frequented by shooting enthusiasts from all over the local area. Be advised: the entry into this area is from the south by the South Bay Rod and Gun club. The route via maps from the north east is gated and locked. If you want to use maps then put in the coordinates that I have pinned but also add a stop, the South Bay Gun Club and that way it will take you to the South Bay Gun Club first and then the pin drop from the south. Cheers

Sitethere are some nice sites off the sides of the road for shooting. it is fairly obvious where previous Shooters have gone. first come first serve
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed in Otay Mountain Wilderness?

Yes, camping is allowed in the Otay Mountain Wilderness, but with important restrictions. Not all roads in the area are legal for camping, so you need to be selective about where you park. According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), only Otay Mountain Road and Otay Lakes Road are designated for camping. Always check the current regulations before setting up camp, as rules may change. The area is managed by the BLM, which typically allows dispersed camping in wilderness areas with proper permits.

How do I access the Otay Mountain Wilderness trailheads?

Access to Otay Mountain Wilderness is primarily from the south via the South Bay Rod and Gun Club area. If you're planning to visit, be aware that routes shown on maps from the northeast are often gated and locked, making them inaccessible. The main access points are along Otay Mountain Road and Otay Lakes Road. For accurate directions, it's best to use the South Bay Rod and Gun club as a reference point when setting your GPS coordinates rather than following potentially misleading map routes.

What activities can I do in Otay Mountain Wilderness?

Otay Mountain Wilderness offers several recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is especially popular for shooting activities, with many enthusiasts visiting from around the local area. The presence of the South Bay Rod and Gun club nearby highlights this popularity. Beyond shooting, the wilderness area provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The mountainous terrain offers scenic views for those looking to explore the natural landscape. Always check current regulations before planning activities, as wilderness areas typically have specific rules to preserve the natural environment.

What permits do I need for Otay Mountain Wilderness?

For camping in Otay Mountain Wilderness, you should check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for current permit requirements. While some BLM lands allow dispersed camping without specific permits, wilderness areas often have special regulations. The BLM website for Otay Mountain Wilderness has the most up-to-date information on any necessary permits or restrictions. It's always advisable to contact the local BLM office before your trip to confirm current requirements.

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