San Diego is one of those places I keep coming back to. Over the years, I’ve camped at beaches where the waves crash just steps from my tent and hiked into mountains where the air feels worlds away from the city. A few of my closest friends live in San Diego, so I’ve had plenty of excuses to explore the best campgrounds in the area again and again.
What makes camping here so special is the variety. One weekend you can be roasting marshmallows by the Pacific, the next you’re under star-filled desert skies or tucked into pine-covered peaks. Having spent countless nights outdoors around San Diego, I’ve narrowed down the spots that truly deliver unforgettable experiences. Here are the best places to go camping near San Diego that I’d recommend to friends, locals, or anyone chasing a mix of coastal vibes, desert escapes, and mountain getaways.
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1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego is honestly way more spectacular than most people expect. You’re talking about California’s largest state park here – over 600,000 acres of desert wilderness that feels like stepping onto another planet. I’ve camped here multiple times, and the night sky absolutely blows your mind since it’s an International Dark Sky Park.
The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is a solid 3-mile round trip that leads to this insane palm oasis tucked into the desert. It costs $10 to park at the trailhead, but it’s totally worth it. You might even spot desert bighorn sheep if you’re lucky. The wildflower blooms from February to March are incredible when we get good winter rains.
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground has 122 sites and is where I always stay. Tent sites run $35 per night, while RV sites with full hookups are $45. The campground has decent amenities – showers, flush toilets, and fire rings with shade ramadas. You can book up to six months ahead through ReserveCalifornia, and honestly, you’ll want to since this place fills up fast October through May.
Essential Info:
- Location: Eastern San Diego County, 2-hour drive from San Diego
- Best time: October through May (it’s brutally hot in summer)
- Day use: $10 per vehicle
- Group sites: $125 per night
- Official site: California State Parks – Anza-Borrego
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2. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Cuyamaca feels like the complete opposite of the desert – you’re surrounded by towering pines, oak woodlands, and meadows with actual creeks running through them. I love how it’s only 50 miles from San Diego but feels like you’re in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The elevation here is around 4,000-5,000 feet, so it’s actually cool in summer.
Paso Picacho Campground is where the action is. It’s got 85 sites at $40 per night (senior discount brings it to $38). The Stonewall Peak Trail starts right across the highway – it’s a challenging 2-mile hike up to 5,700 feet with killer views of the coast, desert, and Mexico on clear days. The Cuyamaca Peak Trail is even more epic at 3.5 miles to the 6,512-foot summit.
Green Valley Campground sits lower at 4,000 feet with 81 sites and has Green Valley Falls nearby. There’s actually a creek running through the middle of the campground, which is pretty awesome. Both campgrounds have flush toilets, hot showers (coin-operated), fire rings, and picnic tables. No hookups though.
Essential Info:
- Camping: $40 per night (April-November reservations required)
- Day use: $10 per vehicle
- Cabins available: $80-$100 per night
- Extra vehicles: $10 per night
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia
- Official site: California State Parks – Cuyamaca
3. Palomar Mountain State Park
Palomar Mountain is this hidden gem about 1.5 hours from San Diego that sits at 5,000 feet elevation. It’s got that Sierra Nevada vibe with huge pines, cedars, and firs. I’m always surprised how cool it gets here, even in summer – perfect for escaping the heat down below.
Doane Valley Campground has 31 sites at $40 per night. The sites are pretty small, so if you’ve got a big tent, you might end up setting it on the asphalt pad (which honestly isn’t that bad). Some sites are tent-only, and there’s a group camp at Cedar Grove for $130 per night.
What’s really cool is you can hike right from camp to Boucher Hill for amazing views, or check out Doane Pond for some trout fishing. The Palomar Observatory is just up the road and worth the visit. Fair warning – cell service is pretty much non-existent here, which might be a blessing depending on how you look at it.
Essential Info:
- Camping: $40 per night (seniors $38, disabled $20 with pass)
- Day use: $10 per vehicle (cash or check only)
- RV limit: 24 feet
- Reservations: April-November through ReserveCalifornia
- Note: No gas stations on the mountain – fill up before you go
- Official site: California State Parks – Palomar
4. San Elijo State Beach
San Elijo is hands down one of the best beach camping spots in SoCal, but you’ve got to book way ahead – we’re talking six months in advance for summer dates. The campground sits right on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, and about a third of the 171 sites have direct ocean views.
I always try to snag one of the premium oceanfront sites – they’re $50 per night for standard or $75 with full hookups. Regular sites start at $35. The beach access is via stairs down the bluff, and the surfing here is actually pretty decent year-round. There’s also great snorkeling around the reef areas.
Heads up about the train noise though – the tracks run right between the campground and Highway 101, so you’ll hear freight trains rolling through at night. Earplugs are your friend. The camp store has been closed for a while, but Cardiff is right across the highway with restaurants and shops.
Essential Info:
- Sites: 171 total, mix of tent and RV (35-foot limit)
- Pricing: $35-$75 per night depending on location and hookups
- Reservations: Essential, book 6 months ahead at ReserveCalifornia
- Hike/bike site: $10 per person (first-come, first-served)
- Dogs allowed in campground but not on beach
- Official site: California State Parks – San Elijo
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5. Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand is unique because it’s the only camping on a sand spit between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. But here’s the catch – it’s RV-only camping. No tents allowed, and your RV needs to be completely self-contained with a flushable toilet and running water system.
The campground is basically a paved parking lot with 120+ hookup sites, but you’re literally steps from both the ocean and bay beaches. RV sites range from $50-$65 per night depending on if you want ocean-facing (sites 101-137 are the money spots). All RVs have to back into their sites, which can be tricky if you’re not used to it.
I’ll be honest – it feels pretty cramped with sites packed tight together. But if you want to wake up to ocean views and have easy beach access for swimming, surfing, or fishing, it’s hard to beat. Just know the gates close at night (usually around 8 PM), so no late-night runs to town.
Essential Info:
- RV camping only (self-contained units required)
- Sites: $50-$65 per night
- Day use: $12-$20 (demand-based pricing)
- Gates close nightly at posted hours
- Extra vehicle parking: $20 per night in day-use lot
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia
- Official site: California State Parks – Silver Strand
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6. Lake Cuyamaca
Lake Cuyamaca sits at 4,600 feet elevation and offers a totally different vibe from the state park campgrounds. It’s a 110-acre lake surrounded by oak and pine forests, and the fishing here is actually pretty solid. I’ve caught some nice trout, especially in the cooler months.
There are three different campground areas to choose from. Tent sites run $35 weeknights, $40 on weekends. RV sites are $45 weekdays, $50 weekends. Chambers Park is the most family-friendly with a playground and snack shop. The cabins sleep up to 8 people and have heat, lights, and a wood stove.
You’ll need a California fishing license plus a daily lake permit ($10 for adults, $5 for kids). They rent boats here – everything from kayaks to pontoon boats. The hiking around the lake is pretty mellow, and wildlife watching is solid with deer, turkeys, and even bald eagles.
Essential Info:
- Tent camping: $35-$40 per night
- RV sites: $45-$50 per night
- Reservation fee: $8
- Fishing permits required: $10 adults, $5 kids
- Boat rentals available
- Reservations: Lake Cuyamaca website
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7. Mount Laguna
Mount Laguna is part of Cleveland National Forest and sits at around 6,000 feet elevation. It’s basically the closest thing to alpine camping you’ll find near San Diego. Burnt Rancheria Campground has 109 sites at $35 per night, and it’s surrounded by dense pines and oaks.
The Big Laguna Trail is a 10-mile loop that’s absolutely gorgeous, winding through meadows and forests. You’re also right on the Pacific Crest Trail here, so you might see some thru-hikers passing through. The Garnet Peak hike is only 3 miles round trip but gives you incredible views of the desert and ocean.
Summer weekends here feature star parties with San Diego State University Observatory – definitely worth timing your visit for one of these. The elevation means it actually gets cold at night, even in summer, so bring warm sleeping gear.
Essential Info:
- Camping: $35 per night (includes one vehicle)
- Day use parking: $8 ($13 at campsites)
- Extra vehicles: $10 per night
- Elevation: 6,000 feet (bring warm clothes!)
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
8. Campland on the Bay
Campland is definitely the most resort-like option on this list. It’s right on Mission Bay with 562 sites ranging from basic tent spots to premium waterfront RV sites. This place is huge and caters to families with pools, playgrounds, and tons of activities.
Pricing varies wildly by season – winter rates start around $83 per night, while peak summer can hit $549 for premium sites. That’s pretty steep, but you’re paying for the location and amenities. There’s a marina, multiple pools, bike rentals, and even live entertainment.
I think it’s worth it if you want a more civilized camping experience with the kids. The beach is great for swimming and water sports, and you’re close to SeaWorld and other San Diego attractions. Just don’t expect a wilderness experience – this is definitely glamping territory.
Essential Info:
- Sites: 562 total (tent and RV options)
- Pricing: $83-$549 per night (highly seasonal)
- Amenities: Marina, pools, restaurants, activities
- Location: Mission Bay, 30 minutes to major attractions
- Reservations: Campland website
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9. William Heise County Park
William Heise is tucked up in the mountains near Julian and offers some of the most peaceful camping around San Diego. The 900-acre park sits in oak woodlands and pine forests with 104 campsites spread out for decent privacy.
Sites range from $24-$34 per night depending on amenities. The Desert View Trail is a moderate 2.5-mile hike that gives you panoramic views stretching to the desert horizon. Being near Julian means you can easily hit up the famous apple pie shops and local restaurants.
I love how quiet it gets here at night – you can actually see the Milky Way clearly. The campground has full hookups available for RVs, cabins for rent, and all the usual amenities like showers and restrooms. It’s particularly beautiful in fall when the oak leaves change colors.
Essential Info:
- Camping: $24-$34 per night
- Day use: $3 per vehicle
- Sites: 104 total (tent, RV, and cabins)
- Location: Julian area, 1 hour from San Diego
- Reservations: San Diego County Parks
10. Burnt Rancheria Campground
Burnt Rancheria is technically part of the Mount Laguna area but deserves its own mention. At 6,000 feet elevation in the Laguna Mountains, this is your closest shot at true mountain camping near San Diego. The campground has 109 sites for $35 per night.
You’re right on the Pacific Crest Trail here, and the Garnet Peak trail starts from camp. It’s only 3 miles round trip but the payoff is huge – 360-degree views from desert to ocean on clear days. The campground gets pretty busy in summer, so book ahead through Recreation.gov.
The star parties here are legendary thanks to the dark skies and high elevation. San Diego State University brings telescopes up on summer weekends, and it’s honestly one of the coolest experiences you can have camping. Just remember it gets legitimately cold at night even in summer.
Essential Info:
- Camping: $35 per night
- Sites: 109 total
- Elevation: 6,000 feet
- Day use: $8 parking ($13 at campsites)
- Star parties: Summer weekends
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
11. Agua Caliente County Park
Agua Caliente is like finding an oasis in the Anza-Borrego Desert. The big draw here is the natural hot springs that feed three pools with different temperatures. It’s about 100 miles east of San Diego, but the drive is worth it for this unique experience.
RV sites with hookups run $30-$35 per night, tent sites are $20-$25, and they have climate-controlled cabins for around $60. Day use is $3, plus another $3 for pool access if you’re not camping. The Moonlight Canyon Trail is a gentle 3-mile hike that shows off the rugged desert landscape.
I always time my visits for the cooler months (winter is actually peak season here). The mineral pools are incredibly relaxing after a day of hiking, and you might see bighorn sheep or other desert wildlife. It’s definitely a different experience from the mountain campgrounds.
Essential Info:
- RV sites: $30-$35 per night
- Tent sites: $20-$25 per night
- Cabins: $60 per night
- Day use: $3 plus $3 for pools
- Location: Anza-Borrego Desert, 100 miles from San Diego
- Reservations: San Diego County Parks
12. Dos Picos County Park
Dos Picos sits in Ramona about 46 miles northeast of San Diego. It’s got that classic Southern California feel with oak groves and boulder-strewn hillsides. The 57 campsites are spread out nicely for privacy, with tent sites running $24-$34 and RV sites $30-$40 per night.
The Dos Picos Loop Trail is a 4-mile hike with solid desert and mountain views. There are small lakes on the property that are decent for fishing and kayaking – you can rent kayaks locally. The park has a playground and picnic areas, making it pretty family-friendly.
I like this place for its central location – you can easily day-trip to Julian, the wine country, or even the desert from here. It’s not the most spectacular camping, but it’s reliable and peaceful. The ADA-accessible cabins run about $60 per night if you want something more comfortable.
Essential Info:
- Tent sites: $24-$34 per night
- RV sites: $30-$40 per night
- Cabins: $60 per night
- Sites: 57 total
- Location: Ramona, 46 miles from San Diego
- Reservations: San Diego County Parks
13. Tijuana River Valley Regional Park
Tijuana River Valley is definitely the most unique spot on this list – you’re camping right along the U.S.-Mexico border about 17 miles south of downtown San Diego. The park covers 79 acres with diverse habitats and is part of the Pacific Flyway for bird migration.
The 51 primitive campsites run $24 plus a $5 reservation fee. They also have yurts available for $60 per night, which is pretty cool if you want to try something different. The Border Monument Trail is a moderate 5-mile hike that follows the international border and offers some interesting historical perspective.
Birdwatching here is phenomenal – over 20 miles of trails wind through different habitats. You might see everything from migratory waterfowl to raptors. The park offers horseback riding tours through Rancho el Camino if you want to explore on horseback.
Essential Info:
- Camping: $24 per night plus $5 reservation fee
- Yurts: $60 per night
- Day use: $3 per vehicle
- Pet fees: $1 per night for dogs
- Extra vehicles: $4 per night
- Location: 17 miles south of downtown San Diego
- Reservations: San Diego County Parks
