With a unique mix of stunning coastline and lovely forests, it’s no surprise that San Diego is a popular destination for camping. Whether you’ve been camping for ages or you’re just getting started, make sure you check out a few of the best camping sites around San Diego.
San Elijo State Beach Campground
Perched on a cliff and offering incredible views of the ocean, San Elijo State Beach Campground is a great destination when you’re looking for some outdoor fun. Here, you’ll find 162 tent and trailer sites that each come with a fire pit and picnic table. There are steps that lead down to a stretch of beach that’s popular with swimmers, surfers, snorkelers, and divers. With such amazing views, it’s easy to see why spots here fill up fast and why reservations are recommended.
Kumeyaay Lake Campground
Located in Mission Trails Regional Park, Kumeyaay Lake Campground offers 46 campsites that are open on Friday and Saturday nights. Every site comes with drive-in parking, a mulch-covered tent area, fire ring, and picnic table. However, the sites don’t offer much in the way of shade, so consider packing an umbrella or canopy. During your stay, you can enjoy around 60 miles of hiking trails, as well as kayaking, boating, and shore fishing on Lake Murray.
Campland on the Bay
If you’re searching for a campground that offers exciting activities that everyone can enjoy, look no further than Campland on the Bay. You can go swimming in one of the two heated pools; head down to the marina to rent wave runners, kayaks, or paddleboards; enjoy a game of horseshoes or beach volleyball; check out the full calendar of events that range from dodgeball to bingo; or wait until weekend evenings to enjoy dancing, live music, and a light parade.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Another popular bluff-top campground in San Diego is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Choose one of the sites on the west side of the campground, and you’ll enjoy stunning views of the ocean. Take the steps that lead down to the beach, and you’ll find opportunities for surfing, swimming, skin diving, fishing, and picnicking. Plus, if you have a partner who’s not interested in roughing it the entire vacation, you can use Hotel Planner to find Pacific Beach hotels that are close to the campground for a good compromise.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
If you’re searching for a truly unique camping experience, check out Roar & Snore Safari at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There are 44 tents available, and you can choose the classic tent, the traditional tent with a view of the African Plains exhibit, or the premium tent, which comes with a queen-size bed, two cots, and electric outlets. During your stay, you’ll also enjoy special activities like guided walks, a dinner, and a campfire program.
If you’re looking for some of the best places to go camping around San Diego, you can’t beat one of these top destinations.
