90% (53 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cuyamaca adventure.
Summit peaks, visit waterfalls, and beat the SoCal heat at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
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Stay at a public campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Top-rated campgrounds near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
96%
(40)
Black Canyon Family Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents53 acres · Ramona, CA
A few acres of natural land. There is a seasonal creek running through the area. It's a very quiet area. It's primitive, natural and we love it that way. The creek runs into the Cleveland national forest and down to the Mesa Grande Indian reservation. There is hiking and exploring! Come throw a tent up in one of the two camp sites or a hammock in the trees.. Hike the nature preserves in Santa Ysabel. Go to Wynola enjoy craft beverages, Josie's live music off the 76. Or just enjoy the peacefulness of the forest here and hike and reset your mind.
The top 13 are residential, the bottom 40 will be open for exploring, camping, hiking and gardening! We are new homesteaders trying to do things more organically and real free range for our animals. We have a farm on the top 13 acres with cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. More animals will come soon. We will eventually like to offer food from our farm to our guests. That way they can actually see where the food comes from and how ours raised!
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$50
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96%
(139)
San Diego Canyon Creek
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA
As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space.
It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip.
The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher.
It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails.
If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature.
In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower.
Fun Fact:
Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer.
Today there are just a few bees in the area.
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$45
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98%
(200)
Stallion Oaks Ranch (Retreat)
18 sites · Lodging, Tents243 acres · Descanso, CA
In 2003, the Grosvenor Family Foundation donated the 238-acre retreat property located in Descanso to The Unity Center. Much of the land, including more than 12 structures were destroyed during the Cedar Fires in October of 2003. In the years since the fire, members of our community have lovingly tended to the land and slowly nurtured the trees and flowers. The result is acres of pristine wilderness, with hiking trails, a small lake and even a hill of daffodils that bloom every Spring.Our vision is to create a world-class retreat center and campground that promotes spiritual renewal and personal growth in a natural setting, by providing a location for education, inner reflection, positive recreation and acceptance. The Ranch is owned by The Unity Center, a progressive spiritual community that emphasizes living consciously and making a positive difference in the world. This is a sacred and special place . So whether you're planning a retreat, a wedding or a special event, we hope you'll come away from the Ranch feeling renewed.
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$35
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100%
(1)
Sunset Escape
5 sites · Tents5 acres · Julian, CA
Come enjoy 5 acres of beautiful trees and wildlife. Be one with nature in these peaceful and tranquil surroundings. You can walk, hike, bike, and admire everything Julian has to offer. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Cuymaca and 20 minutes from the quaint and historic town of Julian where you can enjoy shops, restaurants, and the famous Julian Apple Pie. There are some great nearby hiking trails and we are very close to Cleveland National forest. Plan a family stay, couples retreat, or solo camp out to relax and recharge your batteries.
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$75
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100%
(3)
GoodVibes Ranch & Farm
104 sites · RVs, Tents74 acres · Jamul, CA
Discover the Joy of Nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm: Your Ultimate Mountain Escape! At GoodVibes Ranch and Farm, we offer a variety of camping options to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional tent camping, glamping units, or eco-friendly trailers, we have something for everyone. We also have a stargazing deck, picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and commercial kitchen available for use while camping.
Our campground is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Jamul, California, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure.
In addition to camping accommodations, we offer a range of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the surrounding hiking trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf or unwind with a friendly game of billiards.
We pride ourselves on providing an affordable camping experience, making it the perfect choice for families or friends looking to gather and create lasting memories.
Come and discover the joy of nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, your ultimate mountain escape!
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$35
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94%
(944)
Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA
This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.
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$60
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92%
(155)
The Crest Co-Op
3 sites · RVs1 acre · Spring Valley, CA
Hi! We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you! Please make sure you read this entire section to ensure a mutual fit. Please also make sure that you message us the type and length of your vehicle/camper/RV when sending a booking request.
People that stay with us love our views. The view from our large driveway where you'll be parked faces north where you will see the 3 largest peaks in the region, and at the top of our driveway you can see the ocean and downtown San Diego. The sunsets are unreal! Our guests also love the recommendations. As avid travelers that fell in love with San Diego, we can offer recommendations for the best restaurants for any dietary situation, beaches, breweries, bars, surf spots, distilleries, coffee shops, hikes, or whatever you are into.
When you submit a request or message, please let us know what kind of vehicle you have, especially the length. Please note that if the total length of your vehicle (for those with trailers that includes the length of the truck nad hitch) should be under 33 ft. This is a general guideline since we've found some people with larger vehicles struggle to turn around in our driveway. Also please let us know if you plan to use electricity or water, and add on the electricity since this costs us a lot of money. San Diego Gas and Energy charges the most for energy than anywhere else in the country (our average electricity bill is over $700 per month) so we unfortunately have to pass on some of these costs if you decide to plug in. Wifi and water are free. Last, if you tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking to do in San Diego we can try to make your stay more enjoyable with conversation and recommendations.
A little about us: After spending a few years traveling around the world (mostly in a 20ft converted sprinter campervan) and working remotely, we chose San Diego to settle down and start a family. Our house is a fixer-upper with about an acre of land. We recently added a garden, citrus trees, grill, patio, and plan to add more amenities for campers. We love our home and the land around it, and we hope you do too! We are open to both short-term and long-term stays. We thank you for sharing our space that we call the Crest Co-op, and we thank you for contributing to our never-ending-projects-fund.
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$40
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Booked 1 time
Sunsets Lane
1 site · RV2 acres · Julian, CA
Experience the serenity of the mountains at Sunset Lane, aptly named for its stunning sunsets. Located just two miles from Lake Cuyamaca and Julian's main street, this peaceful and quiet retreat invites you to bask in the beauty of nature. Hablo español.
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$25
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94%
(9)
Native Falls Campground
61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Temecula, CA
The reimagined Native Falls Campground is conveniently located only minutes from Temecula Valley wine country, yet offers a totally unique and serene lodging experience unlike anything in the area!
Our hours are from 9am to 6pm everyday. Check in time starts at noon.
Accommodations include fully furnished cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. The campground includes a lake with a waterfall, a sandy beach, lake toys, and catch & release fishing. Additional amenities include a Pickleball Court, shuffleboard, Pool Table, fire pits, picnic tables, hiking trails, and more!
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$25
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95%
(115)
San Diego Mountain Lodge
40 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Julian, CA
San Diego Mountain Lodge is a beautiful escape to nature sprawled out over 40 acres of land on Hideout Mountain, a breathtaking spot in Santa Ysabel, CA. With a combination of offerings ranging from glamping in our vintage camper trailers, RV sites with full hookups, and campsites, to a luxury experience in our remodeled cabins each with a fireplace. Gather and share ideas with fellow guests at our community firepit and picnic tables.
What makes Hideout Mountain a magical place? The stunning views of Lake Henshaw and the valley and surrounding mountains, stretching as far as the eye can see. We also have a one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar on the property, Josie's Hideout Saloon. We are located just a few minutes drive away from downtown Santa Ysabel and Julian, with easy access off Hwy 76.
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$59
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96%
(39)
Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat
1 site · Tent10 acres · Julian, CA
Disconnect at this quiet campsite (zero neighbors) that is located in a dark sky zone. Gaze at the Milky Way at night as you relax while listening to the sounds of nature. Come here to disconnect from city life and recharge while enjoying the smell of wild lilac and sage.
Private mountain camp site at 3200 feet. Enough space to pitch 3 tents. Water tank on site for dish washing and showers. Small propane bbq for cooking.
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$46
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98%
(20)
A taste of nature/wildlife.
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Julian, CA
You will enjoy 6 acres where you'll be able to hang a hammock, read a book, or watch our daily visitors, deer and/or wild turkeys. There's no city noise around here, you'll fall asleep to the sound of crickets and bullfrogs. Lastly, it's a short distance over the hill for you to enjoy the small town of Julian and their famous apple pie.
We offer 2 guest at 150.00 a night, each additional guest is 25 nightly. KIDS ARE FREE.
Learn more about this land:
Hip-campers will enjoy wide open space where they can hang a hammock or feed cat fish in the pond. There are hiking trails and beautiful sunsets. Deer and turkey visit regularly. There are no city sounds, you will fall asleep to crickets and bullfrogs. The old town of Julian is within reach. 150.00 night for 2 people, each addition person is 25 dollars. KIDS UNDER 18 FREE. Contact Frank 6198842044
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The best camping near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park guide
Overview
About
Strap on those hiking boots—four peaks over 5,000 feet await in San Diego's backyard at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. With granite hills, oak woodland forests, waterfalls, and lovely meadows, this 24,700-acre park offers a nice alpine break from SoCal’s deserts and beaches. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can explore over 100 miles of trails, including a summit trail to the 6,512-foot Cuyamaca Peak. Boating and fishing on Lake Cuyamaca are other popular pastimes at Cuyamaca, a popular camping destination offering sites for tents, RVs, and cabin campers. Part of the greater Cleveland National Forest, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park borders Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for lake trips: Paso Picacho Campground is just two miles from Lake Cuyamaca.
- Best for waterfalls: Green Valley Campground is right next to the Green Valley Falls.
- Best for cabin camping: Paso Picacho Campground also has rustic cabin options.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- All Cuyamaca Rancho campsites are reservable 6 months in advance online or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
- Sites may book out on weekends during spring, summer, and fall, so reserve ahead.
- If you have trouble finding a site, expand your search into the surrounding Cleveland National Forest.
When to go
Thanks to its elevation, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park’s mild summers offer a reprieve from sweltering SoCal temps. Summer highs are generally in the mid-80s, while winter lows in the 30s can bring snow and locals for sledding and snowshoeing. Spring is the best time to come for waterfall viewing.
Know before you go
- Lake Cuyamaca has a restaurant, store, and tackle shop. Boat and kayak rentals are available.
- Wildlife watching is popular—keep an eye peeled for woodpeckers, red tail hawks, Pacific tree frogs, rattlesnakes, foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions.
- Although Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has cooler temps than other SoCal areas in lower elevations, the sun is strong and it’s important to bring sun protection and hydrate.
- Most park campsites are pet-friendly and feature picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and shower access. Individual campsites do not have RV hookups, but dump stations are available.
- Double-check road and trail conditions before winter trips, as snowfall is possible. The park’s rangers can be reached at (760) 765-3020.
Top cities near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
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