Camping in San Diego

Along the beautiful coastline of Cardiff by the Sea, you’ll find San Elijo State Beach. It’s the perfect chance to revel in the beauty of Southern California’s coast while camping.

Why We Love It

This is a great spot to relax in your tent camp or RV and enjoy “living on the beach.” Go hiking along the bluffs, go surfing during the day, and then spend the evening stargazing.

Looking for more secluded campsites? Try San Elijo Lagoon, perfect for birdwatching and fishing.

Demand is high at this beach camping location. So, make sure you book this camp early!

What to Do While at San Elijo State Beach

The campground is only a short walk away from the main beach, making it easy to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, whale watching, and, of course, surfing.

Don’t know how to surf? No problem.

Sign up for the fun San Diego: Private Surf Lesson. It’s a one-on-one private lesson for groups that will have you all learning surf etiquette, techniques, and how to pop-up on your board.

Visit Cardiff by the Sea

Cardiff delivers plenty of coastline, history, boutiques, and coastal charm.

You can hike along the scenic trails in Cardiff State Beach, learn about San Diego’s mission history along El Camino Real, window shop as you stroll down Cardiff Avenue, and so much more!

With over 40 acres of oceanfront, Carlsbad State Beach gives campers plenty of access to San Diego’s ocean.

Camping here provides the perfect chance to sit back, enjoy the outdoors, and take in the San Diego coastline.

Why We Love It

South Carlsbad State Beach is perfect for families looking for a truly family-oriented experience because of the campground’s Wi-Fi free zone.

And like San Elijo State Beach, the spots go quickly. Be sure to book your spot early.

What to Do While at South Carlsbad State Beach

When in San Diego, do as the locals do! Grab your surf or paddle board, go swimming, or just take a moment to enjoy the view.

Looking for more lessons? The San Diego: Private Group Surf Lesson lets your group paddle, pop, and ride the waves in a variety of locations.

Meet your instructor at one of these Wavehuggers locations: Cardiff, Encinitas and Carlsbad. Get their local insight and then transfer those skills to the waves.

Visit Carlsbad

There’s a reason we call Carlsbad “an outdoor-lover’s paradise.”

Carlsbad offers plenty of coastline, canyons, and so much more - you’ll never run out of things to do.

If you’re lucky enough to visit between March and May, to see one of our favorite floral displays, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch!

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers campers a truly unique and unforgettable camping experience.

You’ll get to see vast desert landscapes, rock formations, and the diverse desert wildlife in the largest California state park.

The best seasons to visit are spring and fall. Since it is a desert, you can expect weather extremes, especially during the winter and summer.

Why We Love It

This is one of our favorite places to go camping when we’re not at the beach!

You can camp anywhere you like within the state park and then just sit back, relax, and enjoy the tranquility.

What to Do While at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Of course, if you’re debating when to stay, there’s no question - it has to be in the spring!

Anza Borrego comes alive during the Desert Flower Bloom as thousands of wildflowers bloom in colorful bursts of oranges, yellows, greens, and purples.

Visit the Borrego Badlands

Pair the bloom with a visit to the Borrego Badlands for an unforgettable camping trip.

The Borrego Badlands gives you a glimpse of California’s ancient, geological past with its 450 million year old rock formations.

Calling everyone who ever wished for a “night at the zoo!”

This once-in-a-lifetime overnight adventure will have you taking guided walks for exclusive after-hours up-close animal demonstrations, sharing in camp activities, and devouring s’mores.

This experience is made possible through the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Why We Love It

This is a one-of-a-kind, unique experience that’s perfect for families. I think especially if you have younger kids who love animals, this is a camping adventure worth considering.

What to Do While at Roar and Snore at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

During the day you can visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and watch over 3,500 animals in carefully maintained replicas of their natural habitats.

You can take the guided Africa Tram Safari and visit an African Savannah field and visit the Walkabout Australia to see the kangaroos and wallabies.

Don’t forget your Go City San Diego pass - the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is included in the price!

Visit Escondido

Be sure to stop in one of San Diego’s oldest cities, Escondido, while you’re in the area.

From history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts to wildlife lovers and foodies - there’s a little bit of everything in Escondido.

The Laguna Campground is great for campers looking for cooler temperatures, natural beauty, being “off grid”, and easy access to a variety of hiking trails.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the endangered Laguna Skipper Butterfly, which has a dedicated area in the campground.

Why We Love It

The Laguna Campground is nothing short of spectacular!

From the mountains to the meadows to the colorful wildflower bloom in April and May, this is a truly beautiful campsite.

What to Do While at Laguna Campground

While you’re camping, you can also explore a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate to challenging. There you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains, waterfalls, meadows, and forests that Laguna offers.

Laguna’s rugged landscape also makes it the perfect location for mountain bikers!

Visit Mount Laguna

This scenic village is home to the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Mount Laguna Observatory.

I think a side trip to Julian for one of their tasty apple pies is also well worth it!

Like Laguna above it, Kumeyaay offers campers a picturesque camping experience.

With plenty of hiking trails and fishing opportunities, the Kumeyaay Lake Campground is perfect for outdoor lovers looking for a scenic getaway.

Why We Love It

Not only is the Kumeyaay Lake Campground a tranquil and relaxing getaway, they offer plenty of family-friendly activities.

What to Do While at Kumeyaay Lake Campground

Heads up! There is no swimming at Kumeyaay Lake, but guests over 16 can fish with a valid California Fishing License.

Visit Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park is one of our favorite recreational areas! With multiple habits in one place, Mission Trails boasts dozens of ways to enjoy nature.

Be sure to stay for sunset! Mission Trails is featured in our Best Places to Watch the Sunset in San Diego article.

If you love fishing, hiking, or both, Lake Jennings Park will have you enjoying the outdoors to the fullest!

Why We Love It

Lake Jennings is the perfect campsite for families who love to fish. In fact, it’s some of the finest freshwater fishing in the U.S. and they host a variety of fishing tournaments throughout the year.

And with plenty of activities for kids, this family-friendly campground is perfect for a weekend getaway.

What to Do While at Lake Jennings Park

Boat rentals are available onsite, however, there is no swimming.

Hiking trails lead to the San Vicente Creek, Sweetwater River, and El Cajon Mountain. If you just want to relax, there is also nothing wrong with just relaxing with a great book and the incredible views of this gorgeous lake!

Visit East of Lakeside

If you’re looking for more outdoor fun, East of Lakeside offers charm, natural beauty, and classic San Diego hospitality.

You can surely pair your visit with a wine tasting tour or a scenic drive through the area.

If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has both developed campgrounds with showers and picnic tables and primitive sites for a more natural setting.

Of course, bragging rights where they are due, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers 100+ miles of trails.

Why We Love It

This secluded getaway is great for groups and families looking for something a little different.

Plus, campers will have a breathtaking view of the San Diego mountains, including Cuyamaca Peak, which is the second highest mountain peak in the San Diego area.

What to Do While at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Despite being only around 1 to 1.5 hours away from Downtown San Diego, you’ll feel as if you are worlds away.

I think the best thing to do is to hike in an oak woodland forest that features a sprinkling of pines and take in the lovely meadows and creek that go through them.

Visit Mount Laguna

Mount Laguna is just a lovely scenic drive away from Cuyamaca Rancho. Treat yourself to a visit to this charming village and drink in the views of mountains and forests in this 30-ish minute drive.