Best Camping in San Diego
Looking for the best camping in San Diego? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Diego. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the incredible Outbound community.
Hike the Visitor Center Loop Trail
The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs.
This trail allows for the practice of a variety of activities: rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, birding, camping horseback ridin...
1.4 miles
190 ft gain
Oceanview Camping at San Elijo
This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can h...
South Carlsbad Campground
South Carlsbad Campground is a picturesque experience. Imagine gorgeous sea cliffs overlooking a lovely beach, with ample activities to pursue (or just lay in the sun and enjoy some quiet time). The most popular campsites, 1-70 and 156-222, are pe...
Hiking Otay Mountain
The trek begins on the Otay Mountain Truck Trail at Pio Pico Resort & Campground. You can either park and hike the entire trail, or drive up to a point a couple miles and park before the road becomes steep and rough. The distance on here is if...
15.3 miles
2903 ft gain
Camp at Dixon Lake
Dixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more.
The campground is open yea...
2.1 miles
295 ft gain
Camping at Paso Picacho
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak ...
Hike Stonewall Peak
This hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Alth...
5.5 miles
800 ft gain
Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground
Situated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area. A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to...
4.4 miles
718 ft gain
Photograph the Mexican Border on the PCT Southern Terminus
From San Diego head East on Hwy 8 for roughly 60 miles to Buckman Springs Road (Exit 51). Take a right on Buckman Springs road an drive South for 10 miles. Turn right on CA-94 W (Campo Rd) and drive for 1.5 miles. After crossing the railroad track...
Camp at Oak Grove Campground
Apart from being visually appealing, the campground features open, yet secluded sites that are perfect for stargazing and shooting-star spotting. Each campsite has a picnic table and a grill. There are vault toilets and flush toilets. There is als...
2772 ft gain
Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad
Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure...
Camp at San Mateo Campground
San Onofre State Beach, best known for its famous surf breaks, additionally offers two well equipped campgrounds.San Onofre Bluffs has fire pits and picnic tables, as well as outdoor showers, chemical toilets, and an RV dump station. Swimming and ...
