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Camping near Carlsbad with campfires

Wicked surfing and oceanside camping sum up adventures near Carlsbad, California.

94% (4050 reviews)
94% (4050 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Carlsbad with campfires

99%
(296)

Campo Nopalito

5 sites ¡ Lodging15 acres ¡ Valley Center, CA
Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on this beautiful property! In case you’re interested, here are a few interesting things about our farm. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits.
from 
$90
 / night
97%
(648)

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

34 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres ¡ Fallbrook, CA
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
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$32
 / night
99%
(200)

Reid Ranch

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents3 acres ¡ Vista, CA
Reid Ranch is located in North County less than 10 miles from the beach. You will have your own site with a private fire pit uniquely placed in the natural Granite rocks. Your experience will be one of a kind. So many activities near by. Close to numerous breweries and great wineries. I have lived in San Diego for over 30 years so I can give recommendations to the best of what San Diego has to offer. Downtown is a 45 minute drive or you have access to the train nearby. We have 2 hold tubs that can be added on that over look the coast. Located in the Mar Vista Valley only eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. We enjoy the best weather in the world. The ocean breeze along with gorgeous sunsets adds to the experience. Our private fire pit nestled in the granite boulders is truly one of a kind. We hope you come experience our slice of heaven for yourself soon.
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$55
 / night
94%
(936)

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
 / night
92%
(6)

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! 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
 / night
95%
(121)

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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$44
 / night
96%
(38)

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
 / night
97%
(37)

Faye Park

7 sites ¡ Tents2 acres ¡ Vista, CA
Hello beautiful humans! Welcome to Faye Park; an Integration Sanctuary. Come here to stop doing and start being. Slow down, connect with nature, lay under elder trees, or sit by the fire. We are located 10 miles inland from the coast, where the ocean breeze still kisses our trees. This neighborhood is pretty rural, where everyone has land and a host of wildlife to encounter. A few artists live on site and love to share live music jam sessions and projects. We also offer add-ons such as fire cupping/body work, meals, and integrative therapy. Just being here will reset your mind, body, and spirit. We and the land look forward to holding space for you.
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$22
 / night
97%
(125)

Pool Ranch

5 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Borrego Springs, CA
Pool Ranch is for everyone. It's a place for life. A place where humans and nature are supposed to remember they are interconnected. It's a place for creativity and adventure. Friends, it's also a place to play pool in the desert. Welcome to our 30-acre off-grid homestead, within an international dark sky community and hub for nature-based activities. Step directly from our backyard into Anza Borrego, the largest state park in California. The goal of our ranch is to function as an evolving testing ground for living. Building Pool Ranch prioritizes materials and collaborations that celebrate the abundance of Ranchita, and neighboring rural San Diego communities. We want to actualize the true benefits of community. Our vision is to be an example and invitation for rural communities to create income through environmentally passive, and community centric eco-tourism. Take a peek, and share with us what you discover: https://instagram.com/poolranch
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$45
 / night
100%
(29)

Las Palmas

3 sites ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Oceanside, CA
The oldest neighborhood in Oceanside, Plumosa Heights has ocean breezes with views of the Oceanside coast and mountains. In fact, the first house ever built in Oceanside is behind our property. A very walkable community with a Farmers Market located in downtown on Thursday mornings and a Sunset Market in the evening with tons of food vendors and music. If you are a lover of good food, microbrews and/or coffee, there are many amazing spots within a mile of our neighborhood that you can experience. Oceanside is between Los Angeles and San Diego which makes for a good jumping off point to these larger cities. Learn more about this land: Our neighborhood is the oldest in Oceanside and we live up against a canyon which makes it very private. This rare, very clean 1967 Boles Aero Vintage Trailer has been completely restored and placed into a large gated space with a private entrance for comfortable glamping that is within walking distance to Oceanside's best coastal restaurants, cafes, vintage stores, and the pier. The train station is located less than half a mile away for easy travel to downtown San Diego or Los Angeles. The Sprinter station, which is within blocks can take you West to East and runs every half hour. There is shade and views of the eastern corridor of North County San Diego. Towels and linens are provided as well as dishware. The kitchen is supplied with a 2 burner electric stove and cookware, utensils to make simple meals. The bathroom has a full shower and a clean composting toilet. Sustainability is front of mind so please be conscious of any waste. Hot water is included.
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$119
 / night
99%
(1759)

Down-to-Earth Ecoshire

248 sites ¡ RVs, Tents35 acres ¡ CA
Private 35 acre Private Land Restoration Project surrounded by rolling hills, mountain views and open sky. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular year round. Stars and open skies that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in southern California. Just 15 minutes from Temecula wineries, 40 minutes from the alpine, artsy town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, and just 15 minutes from the 215 in Menifee toward Hemet. Best to visit from early autumn to lush springtime where we have great wildflower blooms. Cooperative managers Jim and Dawn host visitors who want to enjoy nature, participate in regenerative gardening all while off-setting their travel footprint. Fees go to our not for profit land restoration which includes planting trees, improving aquifers and enriching the soil. The property is a owned by a restorative co-op (turning a former illegal dump into an oasis of hope) where we invite you to participate in creative local solutions to our larger global problems. * If your group is larger than six adults, pease visit our group listings page. If your group needs special privacy and sound requirements and you'd like to reserve the entirer property, you will need to contact us directly. * Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. * Our visitor support pricing is $20 for the first person and $15 for all additional adults. Kids 6 - 12 are $5 per night. We don't want to charge for kids 6 and under, so do not include them in your booking. Thanks! * Campfire rings are only in common clearing, designated and permitted areas. Please check for seasonal fire restrictions.
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$20
 / night
100%
(18)

Howe Ranch Petting Zoo Camp

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents4 acres ¡ Wildomar, CA
Come on up and spend some time with the sweet farm animals! Nestled on just under 4 foothill acres backing against the wilderness of the Santa Rosa Plateau, but only 2 minutes from shopping, coffee, and dining, our small, family and veteran owned petting zoo ranch provides a charming and picturesque setting that encompasses the essence of rustic hospitality. All proceeds from HipCamp directly support the feed and care for our farm animals, of which most are rescues (501c and private). Serving as a versatile special event venue, an engaging farm animal camp, and a small bed and breakfast, our homestead offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the neighborhood as you explore the many offerings of the area, connect with our friendly farm animals, or unwind with fellow guests. Our campers are self-sufficient and arrive with their own picnic and other supplies, as well as entertainment for their family members. Hosts may or may not be onsite and have no capacity to answer questions about information that is shared in the listing. If anything in the listing is unclear, please feel free to reach out during business hours. There are lots of fun things to do in the area. Please reference our VISITOR GUIDE on thehoweranch.com and linked to in the photo section here.
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$54
 / night

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Camping near Carlsbad with campfires guide

Overview

Lined by the Pacific Ocean, camping near Carlsbad offers opportunities to surf, swim, and dive. Agua Hedionda Lagoon has kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking trails, while both South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach offer RV sites with full hookups with urban amenities nearby, in case something didn’t make it in the suitcase. For lovers of wildlife-watching, the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center invites visitors to explore a 1,000-acre wetland ecological reserve, too. Whether you prefer glamping or setting up camp at an oceanside RV park, Carlsbad in San Diego County is a sunny destination for Hipcampers.

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.

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