RV Camping in San Diego

Campland on the Bay is one of San Diego’s most popular campsites, offering waterfront RV camping for over 50 years.

The campground is located in Mission Bay in the Pacific Beach neighborhood. It features a wide variety of recreational opportunities for guests to choose from including stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and sailing to name a few of my favorites.

Why We Love It

There is a great vibe in this Mission Bay RV Park.

RV’ers at Campland get to experience watersports, supervised kids’ activities, 24-hour security, and more.

Plus, there are various events, including live entertainment, that take place on site.

What to Do While at Campland on the Bay

Is there a better way to spend your waterfront RV camping experience than surfing? Well you won’t be far from Pacific Beach, my home beach actually, where surfers of different skill levels can feel comfortable in the waves.

If you’re new to surfing, I’d recommend the San Diego: Private Surf Lesson which will get you 1 on 1 instruction on technique, ocean conditions, and, of course, surfing etiquette.

This 2 hour lesson will have you experiencing the waves in no time.

Visit My Neighborhood - Pacific Beach

Nestled between North Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, Pacific Beach is home to the Ocean Front Walk, popular with walkers, bikers, and skateboards.

This family friendly area and beach is also a great place for surfers.

Definitely stay for the sunset as we featured Pacific Beach on our Best 14 Places to Watch the Sunset in San Diego article.

If you’re looking to combine your RV vacation with swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and picnicking, then RVing at San Elijo State Beach is the place for you!

This relatively wide beach offers beautiful views, a soothing ocean soundscape, and amazing local eats. You’ll also get a picnic table and a fire pit.

I think this campsite and area has a lot of the best that San Diego and Southern California have to offer.

Why We Love It

About half the sites feature electricity and water hookups which is really nice, but for me, it’s all about the location.

It’s good to know that RV camping in San Elijo is popular! It can be hard to find a space so I suggest that if possible, you plan ahead!

What to Do While at San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach is perfect for walks in the sand or swimming just offshore.

But for me, I like to surf. If you’re new to surfing or just want to brush up on your surfing skills, Solana Beach: Private Surf Lesson with Board and Wetsuit is for you.

Spend just 2 hours in this private lesson learning at your own pace and you’ll be up on a wave in no time.

Visit Cardiff by the Sea

If you’re looking for a town that has plenty of seaside charm, history, and gorgeous cliffs, say hello to Cardiff by the Sea.

Whether you want to birdwatch at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve or just hang out at the laid back Swami’s Beach, there really is no shortage of things to do while you visit.

This bluff-top campground has a smaller beach area than San Elijo State Beach and to me is primarily for surfing.

I would say though that the RV campsites have easy access to the beach and feature breathtaking views.

We actually recently did a full article comparing San Elijo State Beach vs South Carlsbad State Beach, including the campsites, so if you’re looking for an RV campsite on the beach, make sure to check that out!

Why We Love It

To me, South Carlsbad State Beach can be a little quitter than some of the other camping locations. I’ve also had luck getting a spot at the last minute which is something I can’t say for many RV campsites on San Diego’s beaches.

The campsites have everything you’ll need from picnic tables to firepits and of course, waves close by to lull you to sleep.

What to Do While at South Carlsbad State Beach

More than perhaps other beaches in the area that might be a bit larger and offer swimming opportunities, this one is mostly about relaxing and surfing.

And if you want to try surfing at another beautiful beach in the area, the La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson is perfect for both beginners and intermediates.

You’ll get to learn the basics in the calm waters of La Jolla before transferring your techniques to your stay at South Carlsbad.

Visit Carlsbad

Carlsbad Beaches are some of my favorite beaches in San Diego so that is always a draw for me. The area also has some quality shopping and dining opportunities.

Pair them with Carlsbad’s family and group friendly attractions like LEGOLAND California and the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in the springtime for a truly unforgettable vacation.

With a stunning desert landscape, wildlife, and flora, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking for something a little more rustic and off the beaten path.

I love the fact that Anza-Borrego is a dark sky community. And that means that as soon as the sun sets, you’ll be treated to one of the best nighttime skies Southern California has to offer.

Why We Love It

This is one of our favorite places to go when we’re not at the beach! And between the wildflower blooms, stars, and canyons, you’re sure to fall in love with this state park too.

You can camp anywhere you like just remember, this is a desert habitat. The summer months will get very hot during the day and cool at night.

I think it’s best to go RV camping here during spring and fall.

What to Do While at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Of course, if you had to pick a time to go, spring’s desert flower bloom is a must-see!

The desert comes alive during the wildflower blooms and if you happen to be here during a super bloom, you’ll get to see bursts of yellow, orange, pink, and white as far as your eyes can see.

Visit the Borrego Badlands

Visit the golden hills and arroyos at the Borrego Badlands for a look back into how water shaped our world’s geological past.

The geology is truly fascinating, with layers of color indicating times that the sediment settled. I actually stumbled upon this place with my family recently and I couldn’t recommend it more!

Nicknamed California’s Grand Canyon, I’d also say that Font’s Point is a must visit for any photography buff.

If you love beach camping, then RV camping on Silver Strand State Beach may just be the best in all of Southern California.

This is about as close to the ocean as you can get!

Despite being only an approximately 20-minute drive from Downtown San Diego, Silver Strand State Beach’s secluded nature will have you feeling like you are much farther away.

Why We Love It

Silver Strand State Beach is more secluded than our other beach camping locations like San Elijo and South Carlsbad.

This is a solid RV camping location if you’re looking for some solitude, views of the Pacific Ocean, and to indulge in some beach and outdoor activities.

What to Do While at Silver Strand State Beach on Coronado island

I know I keep mentioning surfing but that’s because surfing runs through the veins of San Diego. If you’ve ever thought of giving it a try, this could be a fantastic opportunity.

Get 1 on 1 attention with a San Diego: Private Group Surf Lesson. You will learn how to ride the waves in this 2 hour lesson and you can even bring your family or a small group.

Visit Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach is perfect for birdwatchers and photographers.

If you’re a birdwatcher or animal lover, definitely make time to visit the Tijuana River National Estuary, the largest saltwater marsh in Southern California.

Keep an eye out for bird nests, seals, and Gray Whales during the whale watching season.

Visit Coronado Island

If you’ve read my other articles, then you know how much I love Coronado Island.

You can see the famous Coronado Bridge, visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado, get amazing views of Downtown San Diego, and then stay for the sunset.

And if you like military history like I do, I have a bonus tip. Take the short trip over the Coronado Bridge to the Embarcadero neighborhood to visit an icon of the area located in the beautiful San Diego Bay, the USS Midway Museum.

You can get the cheapest price with a Go City San Diego pass.

You can also save a bit more when you use the discount code GVSD5OFF.

If you’re into rugged terrain and rolling hills then this RV campsite could be for you!

The area offers scenic waterfalls, beautiful meadows, and oak forests.

I’m pretty sure that the Laguna Campground will be everything you’re looking for in a rustic, mountain camping experience.

Why We Love It

Simply said, if you like beautiful nature, then you’ll like the Laguna Campground. The area is beautiful!

And if you like to hike, the trails here reward visitors with stunning views.

What to Do While at Laguna Campground

Keep an eye out for the rare Laguna Skipper butterfly, it calls this state forest home. Go for a hike or just an afternoon stroll in the slightly cooler temperatures you’re sure to find in the area.

Make your way to the Storm Canyon Overlook for a view of the Laguna Mountains and Anza-Borrego.

Visit Mount Laguna

A visit to the Mount Laguna Observatory is a fun day trip I’d recommend to you and your family.

Or you could take a side trip to Julian to visit its apple orchards, wineries, and soak up its historic charm.

Part of the Mission Trails Regional Park, the Kumeyaay Lake Campground is the ideal place for campers looking forward to the finer things in life: hiking, fishing, and rock climbing.

This is where you want to go when you want to disconnect and just enjoy nature. The lake is beautiful and I think it’s the perfect spot for a solo camper, family, couple or group of friends looking for a weekend getaway.

Why We Love It

Kumeyaay is great for both solo campers and groups.

There are plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. To me it’s also the kind of place that calls for parking the RV, putting away the electronics, and playing some cards or a good board game!

What to Do While at Kumeyaay Lake Campground

Kumeyaay is perfect if you love miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. But alas, there’s no swimming at Kumeyaay Lake.

You can fish at the lake with a valid California Fishing License for everyone over 16. And as I mentioned above, don’t forget some games!

Visit Mission Trails Regional Park

With its diverse habitats, wildlife, and activities, Mission Trails Regional Park offers something for everyone on its 7,000 acres.

If you’re new to the area, we definitely recommend considering a hiking tour so you have a guide to point out what you’re looking at and someone that can show you the way.

It’s no secret that Lake Jennings Park is one of San Diego’s most idyllic parks. And with access to plenty of outdoor activities like picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, and, of course, camping, you’ll quickly find out why.

The lake is perfect for both beginner and experienced anglers, with a valid California Fishing License, looking for their first, or next catch.

Why We Love It

To me this RV campsite is pretty easy to explain. It has beautiful panoramic views, family friend activities, and is the perfect location for some s’mores! Is there anything better?

What to Do While at Lake Jennings Park

There are several trails you can take through and around the campground, and according to their official website, they’re currently improving their entire trail system.

But like Kumeyaay Lake above, sadly, there is no swimming.

Visit East of Lakeside

Pair your stay at Lake Jennings with a visit to the equally charming East of Lakeside.

Visit one of the local vineyards, the farmers’ market, or just enjoy the scenic drive.