Great Campgrounds Near San Diego, California

San Diego is full of hotels. You can find hotels in every price range from $50 a night to $400 a night, all with full restaurants, heated pools, cable TV and room service. But what if you want to enjoy the San Diego from an outdoor perspective? Hiking, fishing, bird watching, desert and mountain camping are all available just a short distance from this major coastal California city. There are many campgrounds to chose from, some on the beach and some further inland. The beach campgrounds seem to be set up for the RV camper but if you are a tent camper, where do you go?

 Guajaome Regional Park: Only 20-30 minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, east of downtown Oceanside, this campground is known both for its rich natural habitats (including a small but beautiful lake) and its historic Rancho Guajome Adobe. June weddings are a common event at this campground. Tent and small RV camping is allowed. Roughly 30 minutes from Legoland, 60 minutes from Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, 90 minutes from Disneyland and located just off State Route 76, this is a convenient campground for family campers. Reservations are a must! Currently RV/tent camping rates are $24 a day.

Dos Picos County Campground: Sheltered by steep, boulder-strewn mountain slopes, this park is designed to highlight the ancient oak groves that make your stay here memorable. There is a small lake and many of the sites are shaded with full trees. Roughly 50 minutes from Legoland, 30 minutes from Sea World and the San Diego Zoo and located with easy access to State Route 67, this campground has showers and restrooms. Currently tent camping rates are $19 a day.

Sweetwater Summit Park: This park specializes in accommodating equestrians, but all of those who love the outdoors will enjoy their stay in this well-groomed, grassy park, it is close to major attractions such as golf courses, Otay Lakes Reservoir, Olympic Training Facility, the San Diego Zoo, and Tijuana. Only 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, this is a great campground for those who want to camp near the city. Planes landing at San Diego airport fly directly overhead and can get a bit loud at times. A small campground with RV and tent sites, this campground is located near the Sweetwater Reservoir, just east of Interstate 805 off Highway 54. Reservations are a must! Currently tent camping rates are $19 a day. Fishing fees at $4 a day may apply.

Lake Jennings County Campground: Sheltered by steep, boulder-strewn mountain slopes, and high on a hill above Interstate 8, this park is located on the Lake Jennings Reservoir with many of the sites shaded by trees. Shore fishing is a popular activity at this campground, but the campground does not allow boats in the lake as it is a drinking water reservoir. In the summer this campground has nature presentations, group camping sites, showers and restrooms. Currently tent camping rates are $23 a day. Fishing fees at $4 a day may apply.

Lake Morena County Park: The spectacular lake is a magnet for anglers, yet the 3250 acres of this East County park offer something for every outdoor enthusiast, from hikers to picnickers to just plain campers. Tent and RV camping are allowed, and restrooms are located throughout the campground. This campground is located about 1 hour east of downtown San Diego and is just off Interstate 8 but far enough that you do not hear any traffic. There is also an Indian Casino and Outlet Center located just minutes away. Currently tent camping rates are $19 a day on the south side of the lake. Primitive camping (walk or bike in) is available on the north side of the lake. Fishing fees at $4 a day may apply.