Camping Near San Diego

Experience the beauty of San Diego camping, where sun-kissed beaches and serene hills create the perfect outdoor retreat.

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5 Best Campgrounds Near San Diego, CA

  • Silver Strand State Beach

    Location MarkerCoronado, CA

    Silver Strand State Beach is located on the sandy isthmus connecting Coronado and Imperial Beach. With beachfront camping options, this site is perfect for those who love the ocean. It offers stunning sunset views and access to miles of beach for swimming and fishing.

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  • San Elijo State Beach

    Location MarkerEncinitas, CA

    San Elijo State Beach offers beachside camping in the scenic town of Encinitas. The campground is located on the bluffs and has direct access to the beach. Surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers frequent the area, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

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  • Lake Jennings Campground

    Location MarkerLakeside, CA

    Lake Jennings Campground offers a peaceful escape from the city with its lakeside views and natural beauty. It is a family-friendly location with plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and boating. The campground is quiet and offers well-maintained facilities.

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  • Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Location MarkerBonita, CA

    Sweetwater Summit is located in Bonita and provides spacious campsites with views of the Sweetwater Reservoir. It is an ideal location for RV and tent campers, with hiking trails and picnic areas available. The campground is perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway.

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  • Mission Trails Regional Park

    Location MarkerSan Diego, CA

    Mission Trails Regional Park offers camping in a natural preserve just outside the city of San Diego. With over 7,000 acres of rugged canyons and hills, this campground is a favorite for hikers and nature lovers. The location is remote yet close to the city, offering a unique experience.

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5 Hardest-to-Book Campgrounds Near San Diego, CA

  • Silver Strand State Beach

    Location MarkerCoronado, CA

    As one of the most popular beachside campgrounds, Silver Strand often books up months in advance, especially during peak seasons. Its proximity to San Diego and direct beach access make it a top choice, contributing to its difficulty in securing reservations.

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  • San Elijo State Beach

    Location MarkerEncinitas, CA

    With its cliffside views and prime location for surfing, San Elijo is consistently in high demand. It offers the perfect blend of beach and natural beauty, making it one of the hardest campgrounds to book in the San Diego area.

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  • Campland on the Bay

    Location MarkerSan Diego, CA

    Campland on the Bay is a family-friendly campground located on Mission Bay, and its popularity often leads to it being fully booked. With access to water activities and proximity to downtown San Diego, it’s a sought-after spot for vacationers.

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  • Lake Jennings Campground

    Location MarkerLakeside, CA

    Due to its quiet, scenic location and proximity to the lake, Lake Jennings Campground is in high demand. The lakeside views and fishing opportunities make it a tough spot to secure, especially on weekends.

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  • Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    Location MarkerSantee, CA

    Santee Lakes is a popular choice for local campers looking for a quick getaway, and its beautiful surroundings and recreational activities often lead to it being booked far in advance. The lakeside sites are particularly hard to get.

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5 Best Campgrounds for RV Camping Near San Diego, CA

  • Campland on the Bay

    Location MarkerSan Diego, CA

    Campland on the Bay is a premier RV camping destination offering full hookups and waterfront sites. Located on Mission Bay, this campground is perfect for RV travelers looking to enjoy water sports and proximity to local attractions.

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  • Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Location MarkerBonita, CA

    Sweetwater Summit offers RV campers large, spacious sites with hookups. The park is known for its tranquil setting and beautiful views of the reservoir. It's a great base for exploring the San Diego area while enjoying the outdoors.

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  • Silver Strand State Beach

    Location MarkerCoronado, CA

    Silver Strand is one of the top RV camping spots in the area, with beachfront sites that are highly coveted. With easy access to the beach and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s ideal for RVers looking to relax by the ocean.

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  • Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    Location MarkerSantee, CA

    Santee Lakes is a well-known RV park with beautiful lakeside views and full hookups. It's a perfect spot for RV campers who enjoy fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The campground’s clean facilities and serene environment make it a popular choice.

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  • Mission Bay RV Resort

    Location MarkerSan Diego, CA

    Mission Bay RV Resort is located right on the water, offering stunning views and easy access to downtown San Diego. With its full hookups and waterfront sites, it’s a perfect location for RV campers who want a mix of urban and outdoor experiences.

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5 Best Campgrounds for Tent Camping Near San Diego, CA

  • San Elijo State Beach

    Location MarkerEncinitas, CA

    San Elijo is a fantastic place for tent campers, offering ocean views and easy beach access. The campground’s bluff-top sites are ideal for those who enjoy waking up to the sound of the waves and spending the day surfing or swimming.

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  • Lake Jennings Campground

    Location MarkerLakeside, CA

    Lake Jennings is a peaceful spot for tent campers, with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills. The campground offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and hiking, making it a great place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

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  • Mission Trails Regional Park

    Location MarkerSan Diego, CA

    Tent camping at Mission Trails is perfect for adventurers who love hiking and exploring rugged terrain. The campground is remote enough to offer peace and quiet but close enough to the city for convenience. It’s ideal for nature lovers.

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  • Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Location MarkerBonita, CA

    Sweetwater Summit offers tent campers a spacious, quiet place to set up camp. With miles of trails and beautiful views of the reservoir, it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without venturing far from San Diego.

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  • Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    Location MarkerJulian, CA

    Located in the mountains east of San Diego, Cuyamaca Rancho is an excellent place for tent campers seeking a more secluded experience. The park is full of wildlife and offers beautiful scenery, perfect for a quiet retreat.

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Camping near San Diego guide

Overview

Embrace the quintessential southern California lifestyle in vibrant San Diego, situated just a short drive from the California-Mexico border. This diverse metropolis boasts a rich heritage, stunning natural beauty, and an impressive coastline featuring over 60 beaches stretching across 70 miles. With its favorable climate and abundant sunshine, San Diego offers ideal conditions for year-round outdoor adventures and camping experiences. The region provides numerous camping options within the county and nearby areas, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to slumber beneath the stars, drift off to sleep with the soothing sounds of the ocean, or awaken amidst a canopy of trees.

Where to go

San Diego and Coronado

Stay close to downtown San Diego at a private camping, glamping, or RV park, such as the family-friendly Campland at Mission Bay. Across San Diego Bay, Silver Strand State Beach provides RV sites near Coronado. Further inland, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park offers campsites with hookups and an aquatic playground. For a unique experience, consider staying in a floating cabin or lakeside tent or RV site at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. Near the border, Tijuana River Valley Regional Park features a campground, yurts, and a diverse ecosystem. For an extraordinary adventure, spend the night camping at the San Diego Zoo.

Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Clemente

Head north along the coast for endless waves, sandy stretches, and the ultimate beach camping experience, with several public oceanfront camping options. Many beach campgrounds are situated on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and easy water access, along with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and camp stores. Popular choices include the sought-after San Elijo State Beach near Cardiff, South Carlsbad State Beach, San Onofre State Beach, and San Clemente State Beach. In Oceanside, RV camping is available at Harbor Beach.

Julian

For a mountain getaway, venture inland to the charming gold rush town of Julian. Explore the extensive trail network at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park for hiking and biking, or enjoy recreational activities at Lake Cuyamaca. Spacious camping spots are available at Green Valley and Paso Picacho. William Heise County Park offers tent camping, RV camping, and cabins, while Vallecito County Park provides a high desert camping experience. Nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park boasts hundreds of miles of trails, excellent stargazing opportunities, and a variety of developed, primitive, and dispersed campsites. For forest and wilderness camping, head north into the Cleveland National Forest.

When to go

San Diego's mild climate and abundance of sunny days make it a year-round destination. Summer is particularly busy, with crowds flocking to the ocean and beaches, and the city hosting numerous festivals. For a quieter experience with pleasant weather, consider visiting in spring or fall. Spring is also ideal for witnessing wildflower blooms in nearby Coronado, Carlsbad, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Winter brings occasional rain showers and cooler ocean temperatures.

Know before you go

  • While San Diego has a public bus and trolley system, having a car is recommended for easier travel, especially when exploring coastal areas or venturing inland.
  • Beach campgrounds are highly sought-after, particularly during summer months. Make sure to book your campsites well in advance.
  • Be aware of fire restrictions and bans. Some beaches prohibit campfires.
  • If you plan on enjoying water activities during winter, consider bringing or renting a wetsuit.
  • Many San Diego beaches and park trails have restrictions on pets, so check regulations before bringing your furry companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is unrestricted camping allowed in San Diego?

Unrestricted camping is not permitted throughout San Diego County, even for car camping or backpacking. However, camping is allowed in certain state parks, on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and in designated private areas featuring professional campgrounds and RV parks.

Is overnight beach camping allowed in San Diego?

While beach camping is possible in certain San Diego areas, pitching a tent directly on the sand is generally prohibited on public lands. However, you can find bluff-top beach campsites and RV spots at locations like South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach. Silver Strand State Beach offers RV camping with water and electric hookups. Keep in mind that overnight stays at Mission Beach are not permitted. Discover more beach camping options near San Diego.

Are there free camping spots in San Diego?

Most dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land near San Diego is free, though some sites may require a fee. Always adhere to Leave No Trace principles. Cleveland National Forest permits dispersed camping with proper permits. Within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near Julian (approximately a 2-hour drive from the city), Fish Creek and Blair Valley Campground are popular choices for primitive camping experiences.

Can you camp in San Diego County Parks?

San Diego County Parks welcome campers, as do nearby California state parks like Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Palomar Mountain State Park. Within San Diego County, camping opportunities are available at nearly a dozen regional parks, including William Heise County Park, Agua Caliente County Park, and Guajome Regional Park, all offering either camping cabins or tent sites.

Where to purchase camping equipment in San Diego?

San Diego hosts various camping supply stores where you can find camping gear, backpacking equipment, and RV essentials. Popular options include REI in Clairemont, Walmart, 5.11 Tactical off I-8 in Mission Valley, and Big 5 Sporting Goods (near Old Town). Additionally, the locally-owned Nomad Ventures in Escondido offers specialized outdoor gear. For those looking to rent camping equipment, TopoTerra in downtown San Diego is a great resource.

Is car camping permitted in San Diego?

Car camping is not allowed on San Diego city streets. The city enforces a "vehicle habitation ban," prohibiting overnight sleeping or living in vehicles within city limits. Additionally, parking oversized vehicles or RVs overnight (between 2 and 6 am) on public San Diego streets requires a permit. For a safe car camping experience in San Diego, opt for designated camping areas, such as private campsites just outside the city limits.

Where can I tent camp on the beach in San Diego?

While direct camping on the sand is not permitted in San Diego, there are nearby beach campgrounds that offer tent camping with ocean views. Some popular options include:

  • San Elijo State Beach - Located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, this campground offers tent camping on a bluff overlooking the ocean.
  • South Carlsbad State Beach - Another bluff-top campground, South Carlsbad State Beach provides tent camping with beautiful ocean views.

Remember that these campgrounds are highly popular, so it's crucial to reserve your spot well in advance. For more information and options, explore the San Diego beach camping page.