San Diego Camping

San Diego Camping Overview

California has literally thousands of campgrounds. Below, you'll find campgrounds from San Onofre State Beach to Mount Laguna with conveniences like flush toilets and showers, as well as popular and unique campgrounds to help you narrow the choice. These campgrounds include National Parks, State Parks, National Forests, State Forests, County Parks and privately owned resorts. Camping locations in San Diego include sites on bluffs above white sand beaches, at recreational lakes, next to observatories in the mountains and at open meadows. We've included as much detail as possible so you have a better idea of what to expect and whether reservations are required in advance.

PETS: Dogs are allowed at almost all campgrounds but must be kept on a leash, picked up after, and never left unattended. Most beach campgrounds allow dogs in the campground but not on the beach.

BEARS: Metal bear-proof lockers are provided in almost all campsites where bears are a problem. California bears do not attack people and should not be feared, but a great deal of space and respect should be given to a bear. Please visit our Tips page for more information on bears and other precautions to consider.

CAMPING CHECKLIST - download our checklist of camping essentials and you won't forget anything at home.

TIP: Looking for some late night campsite entertainment? Check out www.seasky.org for their celestial calendar including meteor showers.

San Diego Campgrounds
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San Onofre State Beach is located off both Christianitos and Basilone Road exits off Interstate 5. Choose from 2 campgrounds. San Mateo off the Christianitos exit offers 149 sites for tent or RV. Campground resides inland from beach, but paved bike path leads to Trestles, one of California's best surf breaks. Small convenience store in camp. San Onofre off the Basilone exit offers 176 sites atop a bluff. Few sites have direct ocean views. A huge sandy beach that's good for swimming and surfing is accessible by several dirt trails. Amenities for both camps include a picnic table, fire ring, flush toilets and showers. Reservations required.

San Mateo Creek Campground
830 Cristianitos Road
San Clemente, California 92672
(949) 492-4872
Map San Mateo

San Onofre Campground
Basilone Road
San Clemente, California 92672
(949) 492-4872
Map San Onofre

Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Guajome is located off Highway 76 midway between Interstates 5 and 15. The park is situated in the middle of urban sprawl, but offers many rural activities including hiking, camping, fishing and horseback riding. A historic adobe structure resides within the park. Shore fishing is available at a very small lake. Campground features 35 sites for tents or RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. RV dumpstation. Reservations recommended.

Guajome County Park
3000 Guajome Lake Road
Oceanside, California 92057
Reservations: (877) 565-3600
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

South Carlsbad State Beach is located off Tamarack Avenue south of Palomar Airport Road exit, off Interstate 5. Sites are located atop a bluff with several staircases that lead to wide sandy beaches below. This is one of the best campgrounds we've seen along the ocean from California's central coast to the southern border. Sites are huge to accommodate motor homes and separated by tall shrubs. Expansive ocean views from most sites. An onsite general store offers firewood, a laundromat, board rentals and other supplies. Kahuna Bob's Surf School is situated at the north end of the campground. Amenities include a picnic table, fire ring, flush toilets and showers. Reservations required.

TIP: You're going to want an oceanfront spot at this park. They're very popular and reserve up many months in advance even in winter. Some ocean-side spots have no campsites across from them, which adds a little more privacy. These spots include 62, 156 through 179 and 186 through 193.

South Carlsbad State Beach
7201 Carlsbad Blvd
Carlsbad, California 92008
(760) 438-3143
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

San Elijo State Beach is located off Interstate 5 south of the Encinitas Boulevard exit on Highway 101. Pronounced San A-lee-ho, this campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just a short distance from San Elijo Lagoon and the ever-popular town of Solana Beach. Descend steps to a narrow beach offering swimming and surfing with an adjacent reef that's popular with snorkelers and divers. Several great surf breaks are situated along San Elijo's shoreline and the big wave producing Swamis is a short distance north of the park. This is one of the best campgrounds for surfing we've seen in Southern California. Sites are large to accommodate motor homes and separated by tall shrubs. Expansive ocean views from many sites. An onsite general store offers firewood, a laundromat, board rentals and supplies. A food stand offers huge breakfast burritos, local steamed clams and more. Eli Howard Surf School is located within the campground. Amenities include a picnic table, fire ring, flush toilets and showers. Some sites have power and water hookups. Reservations required.

TIP: You're going to want an oceanfront spot at this park. They're very popular and reserve up many months in advance, even in winter. Also, the day-use parking is located to the north which adds traffic through the northern portion of the campground.

San Elijo State Beach
Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007
(800) 444-7275
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Palomar Mountain State Park is located east of Pala off Highway 76. Nestled in a conifer forest resembling Sierra Nevada terrain, Palomar Mountain offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Small 30 site campground accommodates tents and small RVs. Campground has running water, flush toilets and showers. Activities include picnicking, hiking and fishing. Several hiking trails branch out from the campground leading to nature trails and panoramic lookouts.

Palomar Mountain
Highway 76
Pala, California 92059
(760) 742-3462
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Observatory is located east of Pala off Highway 76. Camp is nestled in a conifer forest resembling Sierra Nevada terrain. Being only two miles from the Palomar Observatory, this camp caters to amateur astronomers with telescope-friendly portions of camp. Non-astronomers are welcomed to join in The Explore the Stars Program. Campground features 42 sites for tents and small RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. Sites are First-come first-served.

Observatory
35899 Canfield Road
Palomar Mountain, California 92060
(858) 673-6180
Map  |   No Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Oak Grove is located of south Aguanga off Highway 79, east of Temecula. Camp is nestled among shade-bearing oak trees. Campground offers 81 sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include a fire ring with grill, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. Sites are First-come first-served.

Oak Grove
Highway 79
Aguanga, California 92536
(858) 673-6180
Map  |   No Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Dos Picos is located off Highway 67 northeast of Poway. This small county park is nestled among oak trees and centrally located near several fishing lakes. Nature walks, camping, picnicking and fishing are popular activities. Campground features 75 sites for tents or RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. RV dumpstation. Reservations recommended.

Dos Picos County Park
17953 Dos Picos Park Road
Ramona, California 92065
Reservations: (877) 565-3600
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Lake Henshaw is located off Highway 76 east of Pala. Camp is nestled among shade-bearing oak trees along side a large recreational lake. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking, swimming and more. Facilities include a marina with boat rentals and bait, a swimming pool, grocery store, restaurant and laundry. Campground offers 95 sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include a fire ring with grill, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. Reservations recommended.

Lake Henshaw Resort
26439 Highway 76
Santa Ysabel, California 92070
(760) 782-3487
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

William Heise is located off Highway 94 west of Campo. Heise park is located among oak trees and rolling hills near the beautiful town of Julian and only minutes from Lake Cuyamaca, one of San Diego County's most productive fishing lakes. Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming and sightseeing. Heise is considered to be San Diego County's most beautiful park. Campground features 103 sites for tents or RVs and 6 wilderness cabins. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. RV electric hookups and dumpstation. Reservations recommended.

TIP: Sites we recommend for more privacy: 8, 10 & 11 for RV requiring electric hookups and 23, 24, 31, 39, 40 (pull through), 46, 48 and 56 for tent or RV. Tent sites 62 through 103 are tightly packed and grouped in bunches.

William Heise County Park
4945 Heise Park Road
Julian, California 92036
Reservations: (877) 565-3600
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is located on Highway 79 between Highway 78 and Interstate 8, south of Julian. Cuyamaca is located in a forest of oaks & pines with beautiful meadows and streams. The nearby Lake Cuyamaca offers swimming, boating and fishing. Other activities include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and more. Two campgrounds offer a total of 166 sites for tents or RVs, and several wilderness cabins. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. RV dumpstations at both camps. Reservations recommended.

TIP: Fires destroyed much of this park in 2003. Most of the tall trees are burned leaving sparse shade for camp spots. At the time of this writing in 2008, much of the vegetation has rebounded to bring life back to the park. The new vegetation mixed with the burned out trees creates a stark beauty that does nothing to detract from this park.

Cuyamaca Rancho
12551 Highway 79
Descanso, California 91916
Reservations: (800) 444-7275
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Burnt Rancheria is located off Interstate 8 just east of the Highway 79 turnoff, on the Sunrise Highway. Camp is nestled in a mixed conifer and oak forest on Mount Laguna. The Visitor Center on Mount Laguna offers free tickets for Star Parties, an opportunity to observe space from the Mount Laguna Observatory. Campground features 111 sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include a fire ring with grill, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. A general store and Visitor Center are located within walking distance north on the Sunrise Highway. Reservations recommended.

Burnt Rancheria
Road S1 (Sunrise Highway)
Mount Laguna, California 91948
(877) 444-6777
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Laguna is located off Interstate 8 just east of the Highway 79 turnoff, on the Sunrise Highway. Camp is nestled in a mixed conifer and oak forest on Mount Laguna. The Visitor Center on Mount Laguna offers free tickets for Star Parties, an opportunity to observe space from the Mount Laguna Observatory. Campground features 104 sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. A general store is located just a short distance south near the Visitor Center. Reservations recommended.

TIP: Sites 12 through 15 in Meadow Loop offer beautiful views of Laguna Meadow.

Laguna
Road S1 (Sunrise Highway)
Mount Laguna, California 91948
(877) 444-6777
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Lake Dixon is located near the intersection of Highway 78 and Interstate 15, in north Escondido. This recreational lake offers camping, picnicking, boating and fishing opportunities. Boat rentals available. Campground features 47 sites for tents or RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers.

Lake Dixon
1700 North La Honda Drive
Escondido, California 92027
Reservations: (760) 741-3328
Map  |   Reserve by Phone  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Lake Jennings is located off Interstate 8 northeast of El Cajon. This small county lake offers hiking, camping, picnicking and fishing opportunities while remaining close to densely populated regions. Campground features 96 sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. RV dumpstation. Reservations recommended.

Jennings County Park
10108 Bass Road
Lakeside, California 92040
Reservations: (877) 565-3600
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Sweetwater Summit is located off Highway 54 east of Interstate 805. This large county park offers hiking, camping, picnicking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities while remaining close to densely populated regions. Campground features 60 sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. RV dumpstation. Reservations recommended.

Sweetwater Regional Park
3218 Summit Meadow Road
Bonita, California 91902
Reservations: (877) 565-3600
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Lake Morena is located off Interstate 8 and south on Buckhorn Springs Road. This large county park offers hiking, camping, picnicking, boating and fishing opportunities. Boat rentals available. Campground features 86 sites for tents or RVs and a limited number of cabins. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. Reservations recommended.

Lake Morena County Park
2550 Lake Morena Drive
Campo, California 91906
Reservations: (877) 565-3600
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Agua Caliente is located south of Highway 78 along Road S2, southeast of Julian. This large county park is best known for its natural mineral springs. Several pools are located throughout the park that are naturally heated to 90 degrees or more. Hiking, camping, picnicking and wild flower viewing are popular activities. Campground features 140 sites for tents or RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and spring-fed thermal showers. RV dumpstation. No Pets allowed. Reservations recommended.

Agua Caliente County Park
39555 Road S2
Borrego Springs, California 92004
Reservations: (877) 565-3600
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Potrero is located off Highway 94 west of Campo. Located among oak trees and rolling hills, potrero is only minutes from the Mexican border town of Tecate. Activities include camping, picnicking and hiking. Campground features 39 sites for tents or RVs. Amenities include a fire ring, picnic table, flush toilets and showers. RV dumpstation nearby. Reservations recommended.

Potrero County Park
24800 Potrero Park Drive
Potrero, California 91963
Reservations: (877) 565-3600
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Silver Strand State Beach is located 4.5 miles south of the upscale city of Coronado on Highway 75. Silver Strand is basically a long sandbar that separates San Diego Harbor from the Pacific Ocean. This is a long, wide beach with volleyball nets, fire rings, camp spots, public restrooms and showers. Beaches on the harbor and ocean sides are separated by pedestrian tunnels that go underneath the roadway. Activities include surfing, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, water skiing, volleyball, biking, skating, boating and beach parties. Campground features over 100 sites for RVs and trailers with self contained systems only. Restrooms are shared with day use beach goers. Reservations recommended.

Silver Strand
5000 Highway 75
Coronado, California 92118
(619) 435-5184
Map  |   Reservations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

ADDITIONAL campgrounds are located throughout the Cleveland National Forest from Corona in the north, south to Mexican border. Most offer a table, fire ring and vault toilets. Many do not have running water. Reservations required at some campgrounds.

Cleveland National Forest
10845 Rancho Bernardo Road
Suite 200
San Diego, California 92127
(858) 673-6180
Website  |   Other Ideas

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