Camping in San Diego

Learn about when the best times to go camping in San Diego and where to find the best local campsites on the eastside and along the beaches.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Camping in San Diego
A Local’s Guide
Perfect Time to Camp
Featured Activity
Campsites
Best Places to Camp
Save on Tours
Camping Tips
Where to Stay

A Local’s Guide to Camping in San Diego

Day Camping Near Torrey Pines State ParkFry Creek Campground Near Palomar Observatory

Camping in San Diego is the perfect activity for family and friends of all ages who want to spend more time outdoors. In addition, it is a unique way to create memories that will last a lifetime. There are several benefits that come along with venturing out into the great outdoors and becoming one with the nature that surrounds you.

For one, being out in nature is a great mood booster and San Diego has beautiful beach camping and traditional camping opportunities. It allows you to really unplug and forget about the everyday distractions or stresses going on in life. Not to mention it gives everyone the opportunity to exercise and burn some calories.

Another benefit of camping is that it helps to strengthen and build relationships. It gives family members and friends the opportunity to really talk and open up to each other. It also helps everyone develop new skills and work together by doing things like: setting up the tent, cooking food and starting a fire.

If you’re searching for a more “modern day” camping experience, there’s the option to stay at one of San Diego’s campgrounds. Campgrounds offer a combination of being outdoors while also having access to amenities that help make things a bit smoother. These amenities often include items like showers, restrooms and a grill.

Local Tips
RV Adventure
Since RV campgrounds in San Diego, California are close to some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the state, this city is a great place to start.

There are campgrounds everywhere in the United States. So, choosing where to travel for your camping excursion can be difficult. But if you’re searching for a place with a little bit of everything, it’s time to head to San Diego.

San Diego, California is commonly referred to as “America’s Finest City.” It is filled with some of the most beautiful scenery and has a wide variety of attractions for all ages. Needless to say, there’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be had while camping in San Diego.

In addition, there are the usual camping activities the whole family can join in on. You can spend the nights telling stories, making dinner around a fire and spending time with loved ones.

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San Diego Harbor Cruise
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The Perfect Time to Go Camping in San Diego

Tent in Blair Valley Primitave Camp Ground
Tent in Blair Valley Primitave Camp Ground

San Diego is widely known for its year-round perfect weather. The average temperature is 72 degrees, so it’s easy to say that the outdoors can be enjoyed at any time.

While you can camp any month in San Diego, fall is a popular time of year amongst most campers because of its cool weather and lack of insects. Plus, the fall months tend to be less crowded than the spring and summer.

There are also benefits to camping in the spring and summer in San Diego. For those looking for more attractions and events, despite the additional crowds, this may be the perfect time for you. In addition, this is a great time of year for families to experience San Diego’s beach scene.

Unlike other areas of the United States, winter in San Diego is filled with moderate temperatures that make the outdoors easy to enjoy. The average high temperature is 65 degrees and the average low temperature is between 50 and 55 degrees so camping is still an option during this time of year.

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White Rhino at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
When heading to the San Diego Zoo, make sure to visit to the Safari Park. The Safari Park is home to a wide array of different safaris where you can experience different animals from around the world.
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Campsites in San Diego

San Diego has a variety of campsites that help visitors experience what the area has to offer. The right place to stay is up to each visitor's personal preference. Campland on the Bay, Lake Jennings Park and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are just a few popular camping locations.

San Elijo State Beach and Campground

San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach is located along the beautiful coastline of Cardiff by the Sea. This is a great spot to either tent camp or bring your RV to enjoy “living on the beach”. Demand is high at this beach camping location, make sure you book this early.

Carlsbad State Beach Camping next to the Ocean

Carlsbad State Beach

With over 40 acres of oceanfront, Carlsbad State Beach gives plenty of access to San Diego’s ocean. Campers can have a truly family-oriented experience due to the campground’s “Wi-Fi free zone.” The spots go quickly here so be sure to book this early.

Campland on the Bay at Mission Bay

Campland on the Bay

Campland on the Bay is an award-winning campsite located on Mission Bay and is also in close proximity to Downtown San Diego. Campland is popular for their live events and activities like concerts, arts & crafts, organized sports and horseshoe tournaments. At Campland on the Bay there are tent camping sites as well as RV camping sites. Be sure to book this early as it does fill up quickly.

Lake Jennings Park

Lake Jennings is the perfect campsite for families who like to fish. The campsite has boat rentals available onsite and the lake is known for having some of the best freshwater fishing in the U.S.

Roar & Snooze at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Roar and Snooze

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park gives campers a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the Roar and Snooze overnight adventure. Campers will sleep in tents that overlook the park’s giraffes, rhinos, elephants and more. To make it the ultimate experience, the Roar and Snooze stay includes up-close animal demonstrations.

Popular Hotels Nearby
Popular Hotels
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Best Places to Camp in San Diego

Camping options in San Diego are endless. There are paid campgrounds that have amenities and there are areas where you can camp for free. You also can choose between camping in the mountains or camping on the beach.

Laguna Campground next to Mt Laguna in North County San Diego
Laguna Campground next to Mt Laguna in North County San Diego

Mountain Camping in San Diego

If you’re searching for a free, remote camping location then Mount Laguna might be the right choice. Campers will have a breathtaking view of the San Diego mountains, including Cuyamaca Peak which is the second highest mountain peak in San Diego.

How to get there: Take Pine Creek Road which is located off the Sunrise Highway/S1. It can also be accessed from Old Highway 80 off of the 8 freeway.

Looking from above at Turtles Surf Spot at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff
Looking from above at Turtles Surf Spot at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff

Beach Camping in San Diego

Usually when camping comes to mind, so do thoughts of the mountains. In San Diego, visitors have the unique ability to camp on the beach. That’s right, there’s an option to pitch a tent on the sandy, white shores.

There are a number of campsites with beach camping that allow visitors to fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing and wake up to the view of a sunrise over the water.

San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff is a top San Diego choice for camping on the beach. There are restrooms, lifeguards and fire pits to round out your beach camping adventure.

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San Diego Hiking Tour
San Diego Hiking Tour
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Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Useful Camping Tips

Culp Valley Primitive Campground Near Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Culp Valley Primitive Campground Near Anza Borrego Desert State Park

The entire experience of camping is exciting. To ensure a smooth trip, there’s a few tips to take into consideration.

Tent Camping and Pick a Campsite Before Arrival if Possible

If you’re taking a tent, practice setting it up at home to better utilize time once you arrive at the campground.

It’s also important to choose a campsite ahead of time. This will help ensure that your family has the best location to spend time together during your vacation in San Diego.

Plan Ahead with Food and Water

Camp-fire friendly meals are a must when camping. The food should be easy to prepare like oatmeal or hot dogs. There should also be plenty of water for everyone in the family.

Check the Weather in Advance

Be sure to check the forecast in advance and make sure everyone packs plenty of clothing for the trip. Keep in mind that while the weather in San Diego is mild year-round, having appropriate attire for the season is very important.

Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush

Personal hygiene is important while camping as you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Make sure to pack toiletries like soap, shampoo and hand sanitizer for the trip.

Take a Hike

One common camping activity is hiking. Hiking is a great way to discover more of what surrounds you and get a view of the scenery. In addition, you’ll be able to witness some of the wildlife that can be found in San Diego like sea lions or migratory birds.

Enjoy the Beach

For campers looking to experience the beach, there are a number of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Visitors can go kayaking, surfing, stand up paddle boarding or just go for a swim in the ocean.

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May
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Partly Cloudy in May
Jun
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Partly Cloudy in June
Jul
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Sunny in July

Stay Nearby

Glorietta Bay Inn
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Glorietta Bay Inn
from $219 / night
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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley
Near Balboa Park
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley
from $134 / night
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Bahia Resort Hotel
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Bahia Resort Hotel
from $199 / night
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Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
Near Camp Pendelton
2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
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from $120 / night
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Tours & Adventures
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$36 per person
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The World Famous San Diego Zoo
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