San Diego Campgrounds

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Campgrounds: State Parks - Mountain/Deserts[]

NOTE: Camping at California State Parks and Beaches requires advanced reservations, usually done weeks in advance, through their website at ReserveAmerica.com.

**State Parks - Mountains/Deserts**
Venue	Community	Social Media Events	Notes
01: Palomar Mountain California State Parks	Palomar	Facebook	The beautiful forest and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park are in northern San Diego County, high atop the west side of Palomar Mountain. Large pine, fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. The park features camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing (trout) in Doane Pond. Coniferous forests cover much of the 1,862 acres, in contrast to the dry lowlands surrounding the mountain.
02: Rancho Cuyamaca California State Parks	Julian	Facebook	The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall.
03: Anza-Borrego Desert California State Parks	Borrego Springs]	Facebook	Park’s rugged landscape formed largely by the forces of erosion attacking the uplifted mountains. The higher the mountains rise, the more vigorously they are attacked by rain, snow, ice, and wind, as they yield to the constant pull of gravity.

Campgrounds: State Beaches[]

NOTE: Camping at California State Parks and Beaches requires advanced reservations, usually done weeks in advance, through their website at ReserveAmerica.com.

**State Beaches**
Venue	Community	Notes
01: South Carlsbad State Beach California State Parks	South Carlsbad	A coastal paradise perfect for camping and outdoor fun. With over 200 campsites perched on a bluff offering stunning ocean views, it's a camper's dream. Enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and skin diving, or take a scenic jog along the beach. The bluff provides breathtaking sunset views, ideal for photography or a romantic evening. Amenities include a camp store, a pizza restaurant with live music, and designated picnic areas.
02: San Elijo State Beach California State Parks	Cardiff-by-the-Sea	This beach offers a beautiful camping experience with sites perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean. The campground provides amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a camp store. You can enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and picnicking. The nearby reef is popular with snorkelers and divers. Reservations are required and can be made through ReserveCalifornia.com
03: Silver Strand State Beach California State Parks	Imperial Beach	A coastal delight, perfect for RV enthusiasts. Nestled between Coronado and Imperial Beach, this spot offers stunning ocean views and easy beach access. Enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, and fishing, or explore the nearby bike trails. The campground is equipped with full hookups, restrooms, and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. With its beautiful sunsets and serene environment, Silver Strand is an ideal destination for a fun and relaxing beachside adventure.
04: San Onofre State Beach California State Parks	San Onofre	A An adventure lover's dream. With campsites nestled along the sandstone bluffs, you get stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach. Enjoy activities like surfing, swimming, fishing, and hiking along the scenic trails. The campground offers amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, though there are no RV hookups. Try catching waves at the famous Trestles surf break or exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Campgrounds: San Diego County Parks[]

**San Diego County Parks**
Venue	Community	Notes
04: Guajome Regional Park San Diego County Parks	Lake Guajome	Some 4.5 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands and mixed grasslands. Two ponds attract a migratory birds and serve as home to a variety of fish that will test the skills of any angler. Guajome also has two day-use areas with new playgrounds, a basketball court, restrooms and lots of green lawn space make this park ideal for picnicking – along with 33 tent and RV campsites, a caravan pavilion and a rustic cabin for those wishing to extend their stay overnight.
05: Agua Caliente San Diego County Parks	Julian	Agua Caliente Park is a camping park nestled in the huge, Anza Borrego Desert State Park and is best known for its geothermally heated springs and rugged desert hiking. Three naturally fed pools provide different ways of enjoying the park's mineral water. Hikers will enjoy miles of trails that meander through the park's canyons and over its hillsides. The park is very popular during the winter and has numerous camping sites available including: Full hook-ups, partial hook-ups and tent sites, a caravan area for large groups, and seven camping cabins with temperature controls, a table with seating for four, two queen size bed frames, a sink, and a bathroom.
06: Dos Picos San Diego County Parks	Ramona	Sheltered by steep, boulder-strewn mountain slopes, this park is designed to highlight the ancient oak groves that make your stay here memorable. Well-suited for campers, this peaceful locale has a range of camping sites including partial hook-up sites, tent sites, ADA-accessible cabins, a youth group area and coin-operated showers. The park features picnic tables, horseshoe pits, soccer fields, an enclosed pavilion and restrooms. Fishing at the nearby lake is also popular activity. Dos Picos makes a great venue for weddings and special events.
07: Lake Morena San Diego County Parks	Campo	This spectacular lake is a magnet for anglers, yet the 3,250 acres of this East County park offer something for every outdoor enthusiast, from hikers to picnickers to just plain campers. The park shows characteristics of desert, coastal, and mountain habitats. Lake Morena sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet. It is the most remote reservoir in all of San Diego County. The park features 8 miles of non-motorized multi-use trails, TRACK trails for kids, pavilion, corporate meeting space and a playground.
08: OakOasis San Diego County Parks	Lakeside	Ideal for hikers, Oakoasis Preserve boasts nearly 400 acres of chaparral, manzanita, and woodlands. A 2.5-mile loop trail is well marked as part of the future Trans-County Trail system, which is planned to go all the way from Torrey Pines State Reserve to Anza-Borrego Desert. Explore the woods, hills, trail and sweeping views of the mountains and bring your four-footed friends! Horses are welcome, along with dogs on leash are welcome. Star parties are common at this preserve; join park rangers and the San Diego Astronomy Association on the second Saturday of each month for an evening of free stargazing.
09: Potrero San Diego County Parks	Potrero	a broad valley dotted by coastal live oaks. Its grassy meadow and rocky hillsides provide quiet solitude for hikers and campers year round. Picnickers also enjoy the shade of hundred-year old oak trees. The Park offers two wilderness cabins, RV, tent, and group camping with 37 campsites available.
10: Sweetwater Summit San Diego County Parks	Bonita	This park specializes in accommodating equestrians, but all of those who love the outdoors will enjoy their stay in this park. Hikers, cyclists and equestrians will enjoy 15 miles of trails that meander up and down the hill, through open grasslands and along streamside vegetation boasting spectacular views of the reservoir and this unique urban oasis. Camper, trailer, and tent camping are all options among 112 sites – many with access to both water and power.
11: Tijuana River Valley San Diego County Parks	San Ysidro	This unique campground offers breathtaking views of the valley, with connections to over 20 miles of trails, a nature education center, campsites and the first County campground to offer yurts.
12: Vallecito San Diego County Parks	Julian	The reconstructed sod Butterfield Stage Station is at the heart of this desert refuge, which is a great home base from which to explore the wonders of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Vallecito has been a campsite for literally hundreds of years, beginning first with the native Kumeyaay Indians. Vallecito is a quiet alternative to some of the busier desert campgrounds. One of its attractions is the weather, which averages about 10 degrees cooler than nearby Agua Caliente. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. There are 44 primitive campsites at Vallecito with tables, fire rings, and barbecue stoves, as well as eight equestrian campsites with corrals. Water is available at scattered locations throughout the campground. A youth area offers additional camping possibilities.
13: William Heise San Diego County Parks	Julian	One of our most beautiful parks, Heise lies amid 900 acres of mountain forests. The nearby town of Julian, with its quaint shops and restaurants, is a great place to visit. Forests of oak, pine, and cedar surround peaceful mountain meadows and provide an undisturbed setting for nearly 11 miles of scenic hiking and equestrian trails. Mule deer and wild turkey are frequently seen throughout the park, and rare residents include bobcats and mountain lions.

Mission Bay RV Resort: Located on Mission Bay, this resort offers RV camping with waterfront views and easy access to water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.

Camping in Greater California[]

14 Best Lakeside Campgrounds in California.

Introduction to Camping for New Families[]

Cub Scouts[]

Cub Scouts, which is a program within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), aims to introduce young boys and girls (kindergarten through fifth grade) and their families to outdoor activities, including camping. Here's how Cub Scouts typically teaches new families beginner camping skills:

Structured Program: Cub Scouts typically have a structured program designed to introduce camping skills gradually. They often start with basic skills and gradually progress to more advanced ones.
Training for Leaders: Cub Scout leaders, often parents or volunteers, receive training from the BSA on how to teach camping skills to youth members and their families. This ensures that the camping experience is safe and educational.
Age-Appropriate Activities: The camping activities are tailored to the age and abilities of the Cub Scouts. Younger children might start with simple activities like setting up tents or learning about outdoor safety, while older children might learn fire safety, cooking outdoors, and other more advanced skills.
Family Involvement: Cub Scouts emphasizes family involvement, so camping experiences often involve parents or guardians participating alongside their children. This allows families to learn and bond together in an outdoor setting.
Hands-On Learning: Cub Scouts believe in learning by doing, so camping trips often include hands-on learning experiences. For example, children might learn how to build a fire safely by actually practicing under adult supervision.
Campouts and Workshops: Cub Scouts organize campouts and workshops specifically focused on teaching camping skills. These events provide opportunities for children and their families to learn from experienced leaders and each other.
Safety First: Safety is a top priority in Cub Scouts. Before any camping trip, participants are educated on safety protocols, including how to stay safe in the wilderness, proper use of camping equipment, and what to do in case of emergencies.

By incorporating these strategies, Cub Scouts aims to provide a positive and educational camping experience for children and their families, helping them develop confidence, outdoor skills, and a love for nature.

Find Cub Scouts near you at: BeAScout.org.