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The best big rig friendly camping near Carlsbad
97% (193) • 30 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carlsbad
Thompson Palms Campground
1. Thompson Palms Campground
98%
(32)
24mi from Carlsbad · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a palm grower on 12 acres with many fruit trees, flowers, gardens, and animals.
45 minutes to the ocean. 1 hour from Mexico, 10 miles to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 45 minutes to Sea World, 45 minutes to Legoland. We have about 30+ vineyards in our community for wine tasting. Many hiking trails including the MT Woodson trail to the famous Potato Chip Rock. Many other entertainment sites nearby, for info just ask.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$26
/ night
Native Falls Campground
2. Native Falls Campground
91%
(117)
35mi from Carlsbad · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are very glad you found us!
Our hours are from 9am to 5pm 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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Coastal Rancho Soledad
3. Coastal Rancho Soledad
98%
(112)
39mi from Carlsbad · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Your perfect base camp to relax, "work" remotely, and explore San Diego from a coastal micro-climate. Designed to welcome RVing guests in a "city-close but just far enough away" ranch-style setting. A must-stop refuge whether returning from your Baja expedition or starting a new one!
******************Conveniently located :-)
3 miles from bay marina/boat ramp
4 miles from Pacific Ocean beaches and State Park
15 miles (30 minutes) from San Diego Zoo
5 miles from US/Mexico border
Convenience and grocery stores within walking distance
Public transportation and trolley line accessible
*******************What to expect:
County residential estate at the end of a private gravel road in a tree-lined valley through "rural looking" properties.
Ample turn-around on site suitable for trailers and larger vehicles.
Neighboring residential subdivision 200 feet away separated by hillside.
A screened area with "classic" trucks and "legacy" equipment next to two shipping containers.
Pet friendly place where Gwen (canine camp host assistant roaming the property) will announce your arrival. Please let me know if anyone in your group is sensitive to dogs and I can assign her to temporary office duties inside the house.
An ambitious landscape design with planting in progress.
******************What we hope you find:
A glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and a coastal breeze to greet you on arrival. Spaces for solitude and reflection. Spaces for conversation. Space for celebration.
Please note 3D view from space on most mapping services is outdated (zombie-land-like landscape is no longer).
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay
4. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay
35mi from Carlsbad · 246 sites · RVs, Lodging
Escape to the epitome of upscale coastal living at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, Southern California's newest oasis of relaxation and recreation. Nestled just outside of San Diego, California, our resort offers an array of accommodation options, including vacation rentals and RV sites, for you to choose from.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$99
/ night
Stargazer
5. Stargazer
100%
(4)
36mi from Carlsbad · 1 site
Quiet RV spot located on private 5 acres surrounded by small farms and dozens of wineries. Water hookup, 50 amp hookup, and septic tank available.
Enjoy hot air balloons first thing in the morning from the comfort of the site. (weather dependent)
Minutes away from the wineries but far enough away from the city lights and noise. Great place for quiet evenings, warm fires, secluded ambience and star gazing.
Right around the corner from Lake Skinner which has various festivals and events, boating rental, fishing activities allowed, hiking, and lots of nature watching.
Open to discounted long term stays. Please message with any questions or dates needed.
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
97% (193) • 30 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carlsbad
Thompson Palms Campground
1. Thompson Palms Campground
98%
(32)
24mi from Carlsbad · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a palm grower on 12 acres with many fruit trees, flowers, gardens, and animals.
45 minutes to the ocean. 1 hour from Mexico, 10 miles to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 45 minutes to Sea World, 45 minutes to Legoland. We have about 30+ vineyards in our community for wine tasting. Many hiking trails including the MT Woodson trail to the famous Potato Chip Rock. Many other entertainment sites nearby, for info just ask.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$26
/ night
Native Falls Campground
2. Native Falls Campground
91%
(117)
35mi from Carlsbad · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are very glad you found us!
Our hours are from 9am to 5pm 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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Coastal Rancho Soledad
3. Coastal Rancho Soledad
98%
(112)
39mi from Carlsbad · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Your perfect base camp to relax, "work" remotely, and explore San Diego from a coastal micro-climate. Designed to welcome RVing guests in a "city-close but just far enough away" ranch-style setting. A must-stop refuge whether returning from your Baja expedition or starting a new one!
******************Conveniently located :-)
3 miles from bay marina/boat ramp
4 miles from Pacific Ocean beaches and State Park
15 miles (30 minutes) from San Diego Zoo
5 miles from US/Mexico border
Convenience and grocery stores within walking distance
Public transportation and trolley line accessible
*******************What to expect:
County residential estate at the end of a private gravel road in a tree-lined valley through "rural looking" properties.
Ample turn-around on site suitable for trailers and larger vehicles.
Neighboring residential subdivision 200 feet away separated by hillside.
A screened area with "classic" trucks and "legacy" equipment next to two shipping containers.
Pet friendly place where Gwen (canine camp host assistant roaming the property) will announce your arrival. Please let me know if anyone in your group is sensitive to dogs and I can assign her to temporary office duties inside the house.
An ambitious landscape design with planting in progress.
******************What we hope you find:
A glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and a coastal breeze to greet you on arrival. Spaces for solitude and reflection. Spaces for conversation. Space for celebration.
Please note 3D view from space on most mapping services is outdated (zombie-land-like landscape is no longer).
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay
4. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay
35mi from Carlsbad · 246 sites · RVs, Lodging
Escape to the epitome of upscale coastal living at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, Southern California's newest oasis of relaxation and recreation. Nestled just outside of San Diego, California, our resort offers an array of accommodation options, including vacation rentals and RV sites, for you to choose from.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$99
/ night
Stargazer
5. Stargazer
100%
(4)
36mi from Carlsbad · 1 site
Quiet RV spot located on private 5 acres surrounded by small farms and dozens of wineries. Water hookup, 50 amp hookup, and septic tank available.
Enjoy hot air balloons first thing in the morning from the comfort of the site. (weather dependent)
Minutes away from the wineries but far enough away from the city lights and noise. Great place for quiet evenings, warm fires, secluded ambience and star gazing.
Right around the corner from Lake Skinner which has various festivals and events, boating rental, fishing activities allowed, hiking, and lots of nature watching.
Open to discounted long term stays. Please message with any questions or dates needed.
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Lisa
1 week ago
30 ft travel trailer
A relaxed farm setting with steers lowing, chickens cackling, roosters crowing, and Hosts Bernie and Hoa cultivating gardens, moving soil with a tractor, sharing eggs and homemade beef jerky, also inviting us to sit by their fire.
Wonderful hosts and a great place to stay. The sites are level, private and offer hook ups. Return visitors!
See more
C
Clint
2 weeks ago
Tent
2nd time on Bernie's and Hoa's property. It was just as peaceful as the first time. Lots of space (there were at least 2 other campers there) and being surrounded by palm trees is pretty cool too. And it is tough to beat the hospitality. Bernie responds to any requests and tries to make sure you feel welcome. I will definitely be back when I am in the area again.
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A
Ann
3 weeks ago
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
Perfect place to stay if you want to camp close to the San Diego Safari. Very welcoming hosts, will definitely be back :)
See moreM
Mary
January 2026
22 ft Class C
Bernie was an attentive, convivial host. The RV sites were level and full hookups with nice foliage privacy inbetween. The farm was interesting and lively with naturally beatiful views and a peaceful quiet place at night. The only regret was we were not able to stay longer and enjoy more great conversation with Bernie.
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Kelsey
January 2026
Tent
Group trip
We really enjoyed camping on Bernie and Hoa’s property, tucked among the palms. They were very friendly and we loved chatting with them. Would highly recommend.
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Lisa
January 2026
30 ft toy hauler
Once again Thompson’s Palm Farm proved to be a wonderful place to stay. Secluded, secure, and peaceful. Hosts Bernie and Hoa are kind, interesting to talk with, and generous. This is definitely a favorite place to visit. We’ll be back soon!
See moreC
Clint
December 2025
Tent
Bernie is an awesome host. He communicated very well throughout. He gave me a little bit of the history and future plans for the "Thompson Palms Campground". It is definitely a unique place to camp. There are 3 RV spots (full hook-ups) and a ton of space for tent campers. You can choose to tuck yourself right into a cluster (or a row) of palms to set up camp if you want. Or, you can pick a spot right out in the open. The property also had a stand alone bathroom/shower available as well. It felt very secluded and offered a ton of peace and quiet. Great Hipcamp!
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K
Katia
December 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
Loved camping at Joel's. Very accessible to major freeway but secluded enough that it didn't feel like we were in the middle of town.
The emergency shower could use some coverage from the emergency toilet but other than that we enjoyed our stay.
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Martin
December 2025
24 ft Class B
At Joel's place in Chula Vista! Easy access. Welcoming and responsive host. Plenty of space to turn around and quiet for being right in the city. Also, it's very convenient for seeing the sites of San Diego.
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Michael
December 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Great spot in nice quiet secluded neighborhood. We would certainly return here.
See more
Chuck
December 2025
26 ft campervan
If you read any review let it be this one. It was an absolutely gorgeous property very easily marked spots. Awesome hosts very good produce and maintained property. The spot is right in front of a cow enclosure they are very friendly. There is a beautiful koi pond. My only grievence is that we didn't stay longer. 10/10 property.
See moreJ
Jessica
December 2025
40 ft Class A
The property is beautiful. Bernie and Hoa were both super nice and social. Fresh eggs, fruit trees, palm, wild bunnies and cows. We were there for 3 weeks, and had plans been different we would have loved to stay longer. We will be back when we are in the area.
See moreLisa
December 2025
30 ft travel trailer
What a slice of paradise Bernard and Hoa share with the campers. They are friendly, generous, and accommodating. Their property is just a few blocks away from the cute town of Ramona, CA! Marinade on Main is a favorite restaurant nearby.
Their property is secluded, secure, and peaceful behind a coded gate.
There are three camping sites that are quite large, and several tent sites.
The grounds are well maintained.
We enjoyed the proximity to downtown San Diego, La Mesa, Santee, and our son’s home nearby.
We were able to stay at Thompson’s Palm Farm quite a few days as there is water, electric, and septic.
We will return again and again!
See moreK
Kirby
November 2025
17 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful property. Host Bernie was very kind and had a pleasant stay.
See more
Francesco
October 2025
35 ft fifth wheel
Nadiya- was extremely helpful and accomodating. The site was great, quiet. All the amenities were available as decribed. Location is great and near all the Wineries. Lake skinner is less than 20 minutes away.
We had a great time I would stay here again when visting Temecula.
See moreM
Mallorie
October 2025
21 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Thank you Bernie and Hoa for the hospitality to our family. We enjoyed the farm and all the animals you showed us. All the recommendations Bernie gave us were very delicious as well. We can’t wait to visit again very soon. Thanks again!
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S
Stephanie
October 2025
20 ft toy hauler
With pets
We followed Joel’s directions and easily found where to go. Keep an eye on your upper camper as you travel the long drive. The trees come close in spots. There’s plenty of room. Joel met us when we drove in. He directed us to our spot and gave us information about the area and getting around. It’s right in the middle of town, but you’d never know it. It’s pretty quiet and feels secluded. There are others that live on the property and off the long driveway, but everyone is pleasant and friendly. There’s no street noise. There’s working people around, so you’ll hear neighbors coming and going for work. The ground is all gravel and fairly level. We had water and electric hook-ups. Joel’s dog Gwen patrols the property. She’s friendly, but a little shy. We had our 2 dogs with us and they were allowed to roam the property. We also had our own fencing when we didn’t want them to roam. The property is safe and not gated. Joel warned us about skunks. We smelled them, but never saw them. There are trees around the outside of the property, so not much shade, but the weather is so nice, we didn’t need any. Lots of birds around. There is a bathroom and shower available. We didn’t need them, as we had our camper. Others were using them. We got ants in the camper-not unusually when camping. Joel was friendly and never bothered us. We never felt intruded upon or uncomfortable. Everything is close and lots to do within 25 minutes drive. We’ll come again!
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A
Airizon
September 2025
35 ft Class A
Depending on what you're doing in the SD area, it can be a great jumping off spot. 30min to most of the hot spots.
Joel was a very personable host. We are in a 35' DP and had no problem getting in/out. I don't know if I would try a 42'. The driveway is pretty tight. For us overall it was a great experience for our 1st Hipcamp adventure. Thanks Joel. Cheers!
See moreD
Dylan
September 2025
20 ft campervan
Joel is great the place is quiet and we enjoyed our stay.
See moreA
Anthony
August 2025
50 ft travel trailer
I like Joe’s place. It was very cozy quiet tucked away far deep in his property from the street. It was very nice. The gentleman was very kind to me. When I come back to Chula Vista, I will always get a spot from him. Thank you very much Joe from Tony. I will call you next year reserve. A spot with you again thank you for all your good work. You’ve done on your property next year. It might be better. Have a great one. Say hi to your family for me. Talk to you soon.
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The best big rig friendly camping near Carlsbad guide
Where to go
South Carlsbad State Beach
Drive about three miles south, past LEGOLAND California, to arrive at (the appropriately named) South Carlsbad State Beach campground. Choose between tent camping or reveling in an oceanside RV park, including RV sites with full hookups—over 200 campsites dot the coastal bluffs. Offering some of the best beach camping in California, South Carlsbad State Beach is a hot spot for swimming, surfing, skin diving, bodyboarding, scuba diving, and other watersports. Near the entrance to the site is the camp store for basic supplies, plus a pizza restaurant.
San Elijo State Beach
Soak in that California sunshine and hang ten—Encinitas in San Diego County, particularly Cardiff-by-the-Sea, is renowned for its gnarly surfing scene. And San Elijo State Beach is right in the heart of it all. One of the most popular breaks is Pipes, particularly great for longboarding. Hit the waves during low to mid-tide for the best experience. Stairs from the cliffside RV park, which allows trailers and motorhomes up to 35 feet, lead straight to the beach. The beach camping site offers showers, bathrooms, electricity, and water but no wifi.
Palomar Mountain State Park
For Hipcampers who prefer tent camping in the woods over beachfront camping by the Pacific Ocean, Palomar Mountain State Park boasts nearly 2,000 acres of hiking trails and mountain vistas surrounded by white fir, canyon live oak, and ponderosa pine trees. The higher elevations average 5,000 feet above sea level, making for a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere in San Diego County. Family-friendly campsites and RV sites include access to bathrooms and showers.
When to go
The best time of year to visit Carlsbad for camping is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. The summer months can be quite hot and crowded, while winter can be rainy and chilly. Fall, when the crowds thin out, is also a great time to go surfing. September and October mix the southwest, west, and northwest swells for a variety of beach breaks. That said, the weather near Carlsbad is generally mild year-round, so camping is possible at any time of the year.
Nearby attractions
Escape to Guajome Regional Park for a delightful camping adventure. Set up camp amidst picturesque landscapes, hike scenic trails, and enjoy peaceful moments by the lake. Engage in birdwatching, explore historic sites, and create lasting memories in this serene park.