Best Camping Near
San Diego, CA

The San Diego region offers remarkable camping diversity, with sites ranging from below sea level in the Colorado Desert to pine-studded mountains reaching 7,200 feet. Across 26 campgrounds, visitors can choose experiences that match their comfort level, from primitive tent sites in secluded backcountry to fully-equipped RV campgrounds with modern amenities. Most locations (77%) accommodate RVs, while over half provide basic facilities like showers and flush toilets. The landscape transitions dramatically from coastal bluffs at San Elijo State Beach to ancient oak groves in Cleveland National Forest and the stark desert beauty of Anza-Borrego.

Wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities exist at virtually every campground, with many sites also offering mountain biking and fishing access. The region's mild climate enables year-round camping, though desert locations can become extremely hot in summer while mountain sites may see winter snow. Nightly fees vary widely from free primitive sites to $149 for full-service locations, giving campers flexibility in both budget and experience level. What makes this region particularly special is the ability to camp in three distinct ecosystems - coast, mountains, and desert - all within a few hours' drive of San Diego.