taking in the viewsPhoto 1 of 6 of Whiteside Mountain
basecamp, full with running water and sinkAll set up for camp.

Whiteside Mountain

Hosted by Steve · Jamul, California
6 guests max
100%
·
299 reviews
Avatar
Hipcamp's 50 Favorite Places to Camp in the US
Named one of our favorites in 2026.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
160 acres of wild and private land at the top of a mountain. Bouldering, exploring, outdoor cold water shower, well drinking water, and pergola! 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and beaches but a whole different world! A single camp spot on the top of a mountain surrounded by 160 acres of no one else! Requires 4WD/high clearance AWD road to camp spot. Plenty of shade at spot with picnic area that is covered. Drinking water, sink and outdoor cold water shower. Bouldering (climbing), fire pit (seasonal), covered deck, hiking and VIEWS!  Plenty of room and separate camp spots- lock the gate and you will have no visitors or onlookers. Single outdoor flush toilet with sink.  We provide a Propane stove - 2 burner, propane, toilet paper, dish soap and hand soap.  No COTS. Guests love it here "This was finally checked off of my saved list—my partner and I rented a 4x4 to get up there since our 2WD car wouldn't have made it in one piece. It was only a short drive from downtown San Diego and was super easy to navigate. Once we arrived the experience was TRULY MAGICAL. We had such an awesome experience exploring the property, birdwatching, hiking and some light climbing. Don't forget to check out the cave! The facilities were beyond expectations and we had a seamless experience. Steve was super accommodating and was great at communicating—he even gave us a small tour of the property! The sunsets and sunrises here were something out of a dream, we wish we could wake up every morning here. We will definitely be coming back soon!"A single camp spot on the top of a mountain surrounded by 160 acres of no one else! Requires 4WD/high clearance AWD road to camp spot. Plenty of shade at spot with picnic area that is covered. Drinking water, sink and outdoor cold water shower. Bouldering (climbing), fire pit (seasonal), covered deck, hiking and VIEWS! Plenty of room and separate camp spots- lock the gate and you will have no visitors or on lookers. Single outdoor flush toilet with sink.  We provide a Propane stove - 2 burner, propane, toilet paper, dish soap and hand soap.  No COTS.
Rig suitability
Allowed rigs: cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
No campervans, class A RVs, class B RVs, class C RVs, pop-up campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers
Ask about rv access types
Ask about max rv length
Ask about slideouts
Ask about surface type
Ask about surface levelness
No electrical hookup
No sewage hookup
Ask about water hookup
Ask about TV hookup
Ask about generators
What to expect
RV/tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy:
Minimum nights: 3 nights
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 3 vehicles
4WD required
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Select a site

RV/tent sites

1 site

Whiteside Mountain

100%
(410)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6
A single camp spot on the top of a mountain surrounded by 160 acres of no one else! Requires 4WD/high clearance AWD road to camp spot. Plenty of shade at spot with picnic area that is covered. Drinking water, sink and outdoor cold water shower. Bouldering (climbing), fire pit (seasonal), covered deck, hiking and VIEWS! Plenty of room and separate camp spots- lock the gate and you will have no visitors or on lookers. Single outdoor flush toilet with sink.  We provide a Propane stove - 2 burner, propane, toilet paper, dish soap and hand soap.  No COTS.
4WD required
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup

Reviews

100%· 412 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    Whiteside Mountain offers a secluded and scenic camping experience, where campers have exclusive access to an entire mountaintop with breathtaking views. The site is well-equipped, featuring an outdoor kitchen, a flush toilet, and convenient amenities to enhance comfort while maintaining a sense of adventure. Guests frequently praise Steve, the host, for his responsiveness and the thoughtful design of the campsite. However, visitors should be cautious of the challenging access road requiring a high-clearance vehicle and be aware of potential encounters with wildlife such as snakes and hornets.

  • Justin G.

    Camped in a 19 ft truck camper, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    This is definitely a unique experience!

  • Kathy L.

    Tent camped with pets, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    This is the overall best Hipcamp that we’ve stayed. Majestic views and lots of creative nooks to explore, notably the trail leading to the boulder cave. Great large, clean shade structure with string lights, deck, and picnic table. Steve was very helpful and prompt in his communications. I would take every provided instruction with weight (4WD or keeping momentum, caution for snakes etc.) We made it up the hill in a truck with “mud” tires without 4WD but Steve’s instructions were essential. Upon late arrival at night, we encountered a rattle snake passing towards the main deck (and saw it again the next day), but without incident. During meal prep time during the day, there were several hornets (not bees) — not sure what can be done, other than to hasten the removal of whatever scent is attracting them. (I was stung on the leg during meal prep.) Despite these, we’d love to return.

  • Angelo Gabriel S.

    Tent camped, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    As a solo camper with a rooftop tent, this was easily one of the best Hipcamp experiences I’ve had. The privacy is unmatched—you truly have the entire mountaintop to yourself, making it the perfect place to disconnect, relax, and take in the incredible views. Steve has done an amazing job creating a campsite that feels both adventurous and comfortable. The outdoor kitchen was a huge plus. Having the propane stove and sink made cooking and cleanup effortless, and everything was clean and thoughtfully laid out. The flush bathroom was another standout feature—it’s well maintained and honestly has one of the best views you’ll ever have from a campsite! Steve’s communication was excellent from start to finish. He was responsive, helpful, and made sure I had everything I needed before arriving. It’s clear he genuinely cares about his guests and takes pride in maintaining this special place. If you’re looking for a unique, private camping experience and have a high-clearance 4WD/AWD vehicle, I can’t recommend Whiteside Mountain enough. I’ll definitely be back.

Show more

Amenities

  • Fire pitsPrivate fire pit
  • Flush toilets
  • ShowersCold water only
  • Picnic tables
  • Wifi
  • No potable water
  • No electricity hookup
  • No water hookup
  • No laundry
  • No trash disposal
  • No cooking equipment
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • 4WD requiredPark at your site.
  • Pet-friendlyOff leash.
  • Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
  • Check-in processYou'll head straight to your site upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policy50% refund up until 1 week before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.
  • Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead. Stay at least 3 nights.

Location

Jamul, San Diego, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Steve W.Joined July 2017100% response rateResponds within 9 hours

Frequently asked questions