Camping in San Diego: Explore the Best Spots!

This article has everything you need to know about camping in San Diego County!

As you guys have probably noticed, I am a big camping fan.

I have camped in all Southern California counties and in many counties located in the rest of the state.  My campground bucket list keeps growing because I keep finding amazing spaces (and because it is difficult to reserve in some places).

Today, I want to share as much knowledge as possible about camping in San Diego.  The simple thought of going on a camping trip on the county gets me super pumped!

Let’s dig in since I have tons of beautiful campgrounds to show you.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

About Camping in San Diego

Below, you will find a comprehensive list of campgrounds located in San Diego County.  For reference, I have added the approximate distance from Downtown San Diego.

You will find a mix of public and private campgrounds.

We tend to associate camping with tents.  However, there are different types of camping.  This list includes options for tents, recreational vehicles (RVs), and trailers.  Notice some of the places mentioned here do not accommodate tents at all (but I have kept these at a minimum).

I am providing direct links to the campgrounds booking sites.  When you see these links, it means that you can reserve in advance.  In theory, you can forget about reservations and look for a place once you arrive at your destination.  I advise against this during the high season and holiday weekends. 

Camping is a great way to cut accommodation costs.  Staying in a hotel in the San Diego area costs over $80 (over $100 is more realistic) per night.

San Onofre Bluffs Campground

This popular campground is part of the San Onofre State Beach. If you love surfing, fishing, sunbathing, cycling, kayaking, or birding, you have to include this campground in your bucket list. 

And, if you are not a fan of these activities, you can use the campground as a base to explore the plethora of fun, nearby attractions. This is a historic area too; hence there are no limits on what you can around.

The views from the trails above the bluffs are simply amazing. Make sure to admire the vivid sunsets while sipping wine in front of a bonfire.

San Onofre Bluffs Campground has several amenities like fire pits, restrooms, showers (cold water), sanitation stations, group campsite, and first aid area. A day-use area is located at the campground’s entrance (you do not have to be camping to enjoy the offerings).

Distance from San Diego: 60 Miles

Camping Region: Beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 175

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: This campground is located south the line diving Orange and San Diego counties.  Actually, a lot of people believe this is Orange County.  The closest city is San Clemente (Orange County), also known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea.”  

Camping in San Diego – San Mateo Campground

San Mateo is the other campground that is part of the San Onofre State Beach.  This campground is located 3.5 miles inland, accessed through Cristianitos Road, and surrounded by Camp Pendleton (a military base).  

There is a 1.5-mile trail connecting the campground to Trestles, a major surfing spot. Amenities include restrooms, token-operated showers, fire pits, picnic tables, camp host, trash stations, and accessible features.

Keep in mind there is no cell phone reception in the campsites.

Distance from San Diego: 60 Miles

Camping Region: Inland but 3 miles from the beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 150

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: If you do not find availability at San Onofre Bluffs or San Mateo, check the nearby San Clemente State Beach Campground (Orange County).

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

This campground is known to be among the best in the San Diego region.  It’s renowned for its coastal bluffs, which act as a tourist attraction. Campers can engage in activities such as surfing, swimming, fishing, diving, and beachcombing. 

The site is pretty popular; hence reservations are a must! Amenities include campsite host, campfire center, store, laundry, lifeguards, restrooms, shower, sanitation station, and designated viewpoints.

The campground is located 8 miles from the Carlsbad Village, 3 miles from LEGOLAND, and about a mile away from the Batiquitos Lagoon.

Distance from San Diego: 30 Miles

Camping Region: Beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 223

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Not all campgrounds face the ocean (some face Highway 101)

San Elijo State Beach Campground

San Elijo is yet another popular campground (as all beach campsites in California are). And, yes, like other campgrounds I have mentioned it is a well-known surfing spot and home to scenic cliffs. This site is located on the Cardiff by the Sea neighborhood of the city of Encinitas.  

Basic amenities such as restrooms and showers are available on-site.  In addition, you can find a store, RV sanitation station, beach wheelchairs, laundry and viewpoints along the campground.

The fees charged are affordable; hence it’s a nice destination for visiting. Walk-ins are welcomed (but reservations are encouraged).

Campers can engage in activities like swimming, jogging, surfing, sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, and walking. To the north, you can visit Downtown Encinitas, Moonlight State Beach, and Swamis.  To the south, the San Elijo Lagoon, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, and Cardiff State Beach are waiting for visitors.

Distance from San Diego: 25 Miles

Camping Region: Beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 171

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Not all campgrounds face the ocean (some face a forested area).  Campsites with ocean views are more expensive.

Photo by chrisinphilly5448

Camping in San Diego – Silver Strand State Beach

This is an RV campground located in the heart of San Diego (it is technically in Coronado). If you do not have an RV, you can use the facilities by paying a day-use fee.

The grounds are perfect for recreation. Fun activities include picnicking, surfing, fishing, volleyball, and swimming. As the name suggests, the beach is located on a thin strip of land.  You can take a dip in both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay.

Amenities available include restrooms, showers, fire rings, volleyball courts, sanitation station, large trash bins, and water filling stations.

Distance from San Diego: 11 Miles

Camping Region: Beach, Urban

Type of Camping: RVs

Number of Sites: 429

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Tent camping is not allowed

Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

Are you looking to camp while avoiding summer hot temperatures? Palomar Mountain is located within the Cleveland National Forest at a 5,000 feet average altitude.  Temperatures here are 20 to 25 degrees lower than coastal temperatures.  Plus, it is a crowd-free zone.

I recommend accessing the area through CA-76 to take a look at the Mission San Luis Rey and the Pala Asistencia.  Once at the park, you can hike, fish at the Doane Pond, drive to the Boucher Lookout Tower and visit the Palomar Observatory (which is amazing!)

Campground amenities include restrooms, showers, water, and a camp host.

Distance from San Diego: 70 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 31

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Chains are required during winter

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Campground

This mountain park has two campgrounds: Paso Picacho and Green Valley.

Two of the most notorious trail in the park, Cuyamaca Peak and Stonewall peak, start from the Paso Picacho campground.  A creek runs through the Green Valley Campground, making it a great option for those who want to cool off on hot days.

Cuyamaca Lake is located a few miles away from the park.  The California Wolf Center and Julian, the apple pie capital of Southern California are located nearby too.

Campground amenities include restrooms, showers, campfire center and picnic tables.  Group and horse campgrounds can be reserved as well.

Distance from San Diego: 54 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: Paso Picacho – 85, Green Valley – 81

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Chains are required during winter

Anza Borrego Desert State Park Campground

This huge park (largest state park in California) has mountains, canyons, dry lakes, badlands, palm groves, and flower fields (spring).  It is recommended to research attractions before arriving or asking questions to the rangers stationed at the visitor center.  You are not going to see everything the park has to offer on a day or weekend.

With respect to camping, there are several disperse campgrounds (no facilities) catering to hikers and bikers.  Developed campgrounds include the Borrego Palm Canyon and Tamarisk Grove campgrounds.

These campgrounds offer  drinking water, restrooms, token-operated showers, picnic tables, and campground host.

Distance from San Diego: 85 Miles

Camping Region: Desert

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: Borrego Palm Canyon – 117, Tamarisk Grove – 27, tents are not allowed on hook-up sites

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: I do not recommend camping here during the summer.  Even though the campground offers potable water, you should bring your own water

Camping in San Diego – Guajome Regional Park

All the campgrounds previously mentioned are operated by the California State Parks.  This campground is administered by San Diego County. This is my go-to place when I cannot find a campsite on the beach since it is located only 9 miles from the coast and offers easy access to Oceanside and Carlsbad.

The woodlands, lake and ponds in the park offer a serene landscape. The grasslands and bodies of water attract several bird species. Plus, fishing and fish feeding is allowed.

Amenities include restrooms, basketball court, dump station, fitness area, pavilion, picnic tables, playgrounds, coin-operated showers, soccer fields, and trails.

Distance from San Diego: 46 Miles

Camping Region: Inland but close to the beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 32

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: You can bike to Oceanside through a designated trail.  

William Heise County Park Campground

This is one of my favorite campgrounds!

First, the road taking you to the park is full of beautiful vistas. The park lies amid 900 acres of mountain forests. It is easy to spot deer, rabbits, and wild turkey (a lot of them). Also, the park has 11 miles of trails.

This is my go-to place when I visit Julian (a town known for all things apple).  Other than eating pie (eat as much as you can), you can visit a mine, hike, wine/beer taste, visit a museum and shop around Julian.

Amenities include a picnic area, playgrounds, restrooms, showers, dump station, and camp host.

Distance from San Diego: 60 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: About 100

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Campers need to exercise caution since there are rattlesnakes in the campground.  They seem to be quite common sights.  I have been alerted about some seen near my campsites the times I have visited the park.

Other San Diego County Campgrounds

Other than Guajome and William Heise, San Diego County operates the following camping parks:

• Agua Caliente – Desert oasis located close to Anza-Borrego State Park
• Dos Picos (Ramona)
• Lake Morena (East County)
• Oakoasis – For youth groups only
• Potrero (East County, near the Mexico Border)
• Vallecito – Located close to Anza-Borrego State Park as well

Kumeyaay Lake Campground

This is my “secret” spot for camping near San Diego.  The campground is part of the Mission Trails Regional Park and it has its own reservation website.  Since it is not on a state or county reservation site, availability is very good (even last minute availability).  

The campground is serene since it’s located away from the traffic and large urban areas. However, it is close enough to good restaurants and markets.  You can take things easy if you want (you do not have to pack food and cook).

Amenities include restrooms, showers, camp hosts, lake, trails, campfire center, fire ring, and picnic table.

Distance from San Diego: 17 Miles

Camping Region: Urban

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 46

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Bring insect repellent because sometimes the mosquitoes are out of control.

Camping in San Diego – La Jolla Indian Campground

This is one the top-rated campgrounds in San Diego. Families love to camp here because of the easy river access and tubing opportunities.  Other amenities include restrooms, showers, store, campfire station and fire pits.

Distance from San Diego: 58 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain, River

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: Over 200

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Bring insect repellent because sometimes the mosquitoes are out of control.

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

The Santee Lakes is a scenic park with cabins and fishing spots that give visitors a superb experience. This is a place I like a lot!

The site is fit for fishing, boat riding, biking, and swimming. There are tons of amenities like a water park, pool, fishing lakes, playground, store, restaurant (grill), Wi-Fi, RV dumping station, BBQs, and rentals.  There are weekend activities in the communal house.

Distance from San Diego: 18 Miles

Camping Region: Urban

Type of Camping: RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 300

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: No tents are allowed.  You can visit for the day for a fee.

Read More: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Campland on the Bay

This campground has been serving the public for over 50 years.  Its location on Mission Bay puts it a stone’s throw from San Diego’s most popular beaches and attractions.

The spot can be seen as a resort since it has swimming pools, hot tubs, bicycle rentals, skatepark, basketball court, restaurant, market, ice cream parlor, live entertainment, marina and Wi-Fi. 

Distance from San Diego: 9 Miles

Camping Region: Beach, Urban

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: Over 500

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Because of all the amenities included, except higher than usual camping rates

Camping in San Diego – San Diego Metro KOA

My experience with KOA campgrounds has always been positive.  This park is not an exception. Located in Chula Vista, it is in close proximity to all the fun stuff San Diego offers.

Well, that is if you leave the facilities at all.  The park is equipped with amenities like a pool, gazebo, playground, kids club, jumping pillows, basketball court, leash-free dog park, bike rentals, showers, restrooms, and laundry.  For additional recreation, there are activities such as laser tag, movies under the stars, cooking decorating, ping-pong, and craft classes.

Distance from San Diego: 10 Miles

Camping Region: Urban

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers, Cabins

Number of Sites: Over 200, most are RV sites (about 30 tent sites)

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Because of all the amenities included, except higher than usual camping rates

Lake Jennings Campground

If you need a short getaway or vacation, this is a perfect camping spot in San Diego. The campground has scenic vistas, and tons of amenities such as covered playground structure, showers, restrooms, Wi-Fi, firewood, ice, bait and tackle shop, kid’s activities and games.

The lake has miles of hiking trails, and boating/fishing opportunities.

Distance from San Diego: 25 Miles

Camping Region: Lake

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 39 tent sites, 52 RV sites and 5 tipi sites

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Photo by Rickbramhall

Thousand Trail Group Campgrounds

The Thousand Trail group operates two RV resorts and campgrounds in San Diego County. Similar to companies like KOA, they bring a wide range of amenities to the camping experience.

For example, there are picnic areas, dog park, laundry, swimming pool, restaurant, library, hiking trails, games, and store on-site

The Pio Pico facility is located in Jamul (19 miles from San Diego) and Oakzanita (41 miles) facility in Descanso.

Check availability here.

Camping Gear

I consider myself a minimal camper.  I try to keep the amount of gear at bay.  In addition, I always have my gear packed, ready to throw into the car.  Here is an idea of what I take on camping trips.

• Easy to Set Up Tent – A tent is at the core of camping for many.  I recommend investing in a tent that you can set up in a couple of minutes and it is built to last.  This makes all the difference when you change campsites often or are setting camp after a tiring day or at night. Coleman is an excellent brand. >Check Coleman’s tents here  
• Inflatable Mattress – If you want to have a comfortable night’s sleep, an inflatable mattress is the way to go. EnerPlex manufactures super plush mattresses.  >Buy an inflatable mattress here
• Sleeping Pad – If you want to ditch the bulky and heavy inflatable mattress, you can opt to acquire a sleeping pad.  I have enjoyed my self-inflatable Sleepingo pad way too much.  >Take a look at my sleeping pad here
• Travel Pillow – I just can’t make it without a pillow.  Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow is a dream.  >>Buy camping pillow here
• Cold Weather Sleeping Bag – The appropriate sleeping bag is another must that I recommend investing in.  Even in Southern California, depending on where you are camping and the season, temperatures can drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  >Check out this affordable option from HiHiker
• Foldable Chairs – Portable chairs allow you to hang out on the campsite, under a tree, by the fireplace, lake, river, or beach. A classic Coleman camping chair is a solid choice. >>Buy portable camping chair
• Pillows and Quilts – I pack extra bedding just in case the weather goes bananas.
• Waterproof Camping Blanket – This serves as a picnic blanket, tablecloth, and throw. >Click to buy a super functional camping blanket
• Soft Cooler Bag – If we are camping for a couple of days, we bring a soft cooler bag with enough capacity for drinks and some food items.  I love my CleverMade collapsible cooler bag.  >Take a look at my cooler here
• Hard Cooler – For longer camping trips, we take a 48-quart cooler (and the soft cooler too).  We have had a Coleman cooler for years.  >Buy the same cooler I use here
• Solar Powered Lantern – With time, I have gotten tired of battery-operated lanterns.  I have upgraded to a solar-powered one.  The one manufactured by LuminAID works great. >Learn all about this lantern here
• Headlamps – These are a great addition to any camping arsenal.  >Click to check these top rated headlamps
• Water Bottle – Do not forget to bring water! Keep yours cold by taking a beautiful Hydro Flask water bottle.  >Check out the insane options her
• THERMOS Tumblers – I have been a fan of the THERMOS brand since I received a tumbler as a gift. The tumblers keep drinks hot for hours.  >>Buy THERMOS insulated tumblers here
• Power Inverter – This is a must if you want to charge the phones fast in the car or charge multiple devices at once. >Check out this option by BESTEK
• Flip Flops – I always pack flips flops to walk around the campsite and use on public showers.  I am partial to the Tevas brand.  >>Take a look at these beautiful flip flops
• Towels –  This is the accessory I always forget about.  WETCAT’s Turkish Towels take minimum space and dry fast.  >Buy a Turkish towel here
• Portable Power Bank – It is a pain to keep phones charged while camping.  Having a power bank is a lifesaver.  The Anker portable charger can charge a phone 5 times. >Buy this incredible power bank here
• Even in summer, I bring warm clothes because I do not want to be surprised by the weather.  That includes a long sleeve shirt, long pants, thermal socks, and a thick jacket.
• I pack clothes and toiletries on my Hynes Eagle Carry On Backpack.  My husband uses a Columbia Backpack.

Simplifying the Camping Process

I have tried to present as many options as possible.  However, if you are quicky looking for options, go to the Reserve America site to look for campgrounds operated by the State Parks and to the San Diego County Parks site for the campgrounds operated by the county.

You will find most campgrounds mentioned here in one of those 2 sites.  If you do not find availability, you can start checking the private campgrounds.

If you are looking for a camping destination this year, consider these campgrounds in San Diego. From the reviews, you will be motivated to make your reservation too.  These are destinations worth adding to your bucket list!!

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