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The best dog-friendly RV sites near Carlsbad
95% (4.9K) • 265 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carlsbad
Lakeshore Retreat
1. Lakeshore Retreat
95%
(170)
38mi from Carlsbad · 1 site · Tent, RV
Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴
Toilets
Campfires
Water hookup
from
$72
/ night
Coastal Rancho Soledad
2. 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Please note 3D view from space on most mapping services is outdated (zombie-land-like landscape is no longer).
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Hidden Lake
3. Hidden Lake
100%
(30)
40mi from Carlsbad · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the perfect escape at this peaceful lakeside camping spot nestled under the shade of majestic oak trees. Located right beside a lake stocked with fish, this serene property offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, cast a line, or explore the surrounding wilderness, this beautiful location provides an ideal setting for a memorable outdoor experience. Bring your RV or pitch a tent, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of lakeside camping. Plus, enjoy kayaking, swimming, and more as you soak in everything this lakeside haven has to offer. Book your spot today!
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$135
/ night
The Ranch
4. The Ranch
100%
(10)
41mi from Carlsbad · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
The property is located near Rancho Santa Margarita, Holy Jim Canyon, O’Neill Park, and Rose Canyon. The campsite is in an oak grove over one acre in size. This is a beautiful, peaceful site for your motor home, RV or tent. You will have hiking access to over 100 acres on our property. Trabuco Creek which runs through the property is usually flowing during the winter months. The campsite can accommodate up to 50 people. I have hosted family parties with 500+ people.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Water hookup
from
$360
/ night
Old well ranch
5. Old well ranch
99%
(45)
41mi from Carlsbad · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
I’m at 2300’ on north side of Lyons peak I have sweet tasting water very quiet and at the end of the road about an 1/8 mi off Lyons valley road there’s is a nice country store since 1940 many people visit store as a destination on any weekends bicycles,Harley’s classic cars I’m a cook I serve bbq Mex food American food or you can cook over open fire store has everything thing you desire there’s Julian for pie , lake cuyamaca , hiking best area for camping or extended stay to see all of San Diego and Mexico Baja theres a shower bath room and very clean area super quiet you will love your stay firewood for campfires is included so you will make great memories of your stay campsites are improving as time goes on to make you camping experience great
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$60
/ night
95% (4.9K) • 265 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carlsbad
Lakeshore Retreat
1. Lakeshore Retreat
95%
(170)
38mi from Carlsbad · 1 site · Tent, RV
Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴
Toilets
Campfires
Water hookup
from
$72
/ night
Coastal Rancho Soledad
2. 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).
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Hidden Lake
3. Hidden Lake
100%
(30)
40mi from Carlsbad · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the perfect escape at this peaceful lakeside camping spot nestled under the shade of majestic oak trees. Located right beside a lake stocked with fish, this serene property offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, cast a line, or explore the surrounding wilderness, this beautiful location provides an ideal setting for a memorable outdoor experience. Bring your RV or pitch a tent, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of lakeside camping. Plus, enjoy kayaking, swimming, and more as you soak in everything this lakeside haven has to offer. Book your spot today!
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$135
/ night
The Ranch
4. The Ranch
100%
(10)
41mi from Carlsbad · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
The property is located near Rancho Santa Margarita, Holy Jim Canyon, O’Neill Park, and Rose Canyon. The campsite is in an oak grove over one acre in size. This is a beautiful, peaceful site for your motor home, RV or tent. You will have hiking access to over 100 acres on our property. Trabuco Creek which runs through the property is usually flowing during the winter months. The campsite can accommodate up to 50 people. I have hosted family parties with 500+ people.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Water hookup
from
$360
/ night
Old well ranch
5. Old well ranch
99%
(45)
41mi from Carlsbad · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
I’m at 2300’ on north side of Lyons peak I have sweet tasting water very quiet and at the end of the road about an 1/8 mi off Lyons valley road there’s is a nice country store since 1940 many people visit store as a destination on any weekends bicycles,Harley’s classic cars I’m a cook I serve bbq Mex food American food or you can cook over open fire store has everything thing you desire there’s Julian for pie , lake cuyamaca , hiking best area for camping or extended stay to see all of San Diego and Mexico Baja theres a shower bath room and very clean area super quiet you will love your stay firewood for campfires is included so you will make great memories of your stay campsites are improving as time goes on to make you camping experience great
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$60
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Jemma May
3 weeks ago
16 ft pop-up camper
With pets
We loved car camping with our RTT at Ed's land! We decided to camp on the spacious area above the shoreline but it was nice being able to wake up and take a stroll down to the lake. We were aware of the spot being close to the street but didn't realize how close it ended up being. As avid boondockers, we were surprised by how close the street was to the site; however, the traffic noises ultimately became white noise throughout the weekend. It definitely didn't affect my sleep (and I'm absolutely a light sleeper) and putting on earplugs had me sleeping like a baby. It was especially nice being able to wake up so early and walk out onto the shore with a nice cup of coffee. It's also always nice knowing you're just a few minutes away from the city if you've forgotten anything for camp. I highly recommend this spot to first-timers or just anyone looking to get away from city chaos!
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K
Kiara
January 2026
Tent
With pets
My experience at Dante’s lake was awesome. I booked super last minute (day before) due to being unaware of how many people were interested in camping over the MLK weekend. Dante responded in less than an hour of me booking. He texted me the direction and a meet up spot where he would help us navigate directly to the camp site. I texted him what we’d be driving in. We met him on camping day and he was super nice and helpful. He offered fire wood, told us about his lake, the canoe, his dog, goats, neighbors, and let us know he lived right by the lake. So if we needed anything we could come to him and just ask.
We unloaded. Tied our dog up on a stump. Went out on the lake in the canoe. Cooked burgers. Started the fire right before dark and passed out asleep around 8pm.
Going to bed listening to crickets, chickens, and owls was so surreal. My daughter slept all night.
The next working was awesome! Waking up to the lake, rooster, and birds chirping reminded me of a Folgers coffee commercial.
Definitely coming back some timethis year.
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Adrian
January 2026
20 ft campervan
Dante was extremely helpful and communicative before we even arrived. He met us on time on the main road to guide us to the site. He gave us a quick tour and different options such as fishing or canoeing on the lake. He also brought us a fire pit to use during our visit. The neighboring site was a little closer than we expected, but was still a great place to camp. Would definitely stay there again.
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A
Alynne
January 2026
Tent
With pets
Was amazing get away! Ed had amazing communication. Will book again.
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Alex
January 2026
Tent
Group trip
Lake was nice porta potty was clean was a great spot to camp
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Taylor
January 2026
Tent
With pets
Dante was so sweet and helpful. The goats are hilarious. Only went for a one night get away, but it was the perfect reset.
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M
Matthew
January 2026
Tent
With pets
I loved camping here! Dante was an amazing host. The location and view is wonderful any type of camping you plan to do, with lake and boats to use, fishing was fun and easy. The whole area is a picture worthy and the near by animals added to the outdoor experience you may have had to drive several hours away to get, rather your passing through town looking for a good campsite or want to do a weekend family get away. This place is awesome, will be booking again in the future.
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lin
December 2025
13 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Beautiful views, had a great time camping on Ed's land. Private dock was a plus
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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 moreC
Christian
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Once again, we had an awesome stay. Thanks again for everything Ed.
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Jeanette
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Stayed here during Thanksgiving and truly had the most relaxing time. We loved it so much we booked for the spring. Thanks Ed!
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B
Berkay
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
We had an amazing time camping at Ed’s place near Lake Elsinore!
The site was clean, peaceful, and easy to find. The sunset view over the lake was absolutely beautiful, and the stars at night were incredible.
Ed was a great host—he gave clear directions and even checked in to make sure we had everything we needed.
Highly recommend this spot for families or anyone who wants a quiet getaway close to nature.
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Ariel
November 2025
Tent
Nice property near the lake clean porta potty. Ed is very responsive and a good host.
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Michael
November 2025
20 ft Class B
With pets
Great spot lake front. The view is fantastic. Like other reviews, it is close to the road. The lights on pergola was a nice touch. I would stay again.
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B
Brandon
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Dante was great host who offered firewood and use of a canoe. This was a first tent camping trip for my two sons and when it was time to pack up, they both said they wish we had an extra night. We all caught a fish. The relaxing sound of the frogs and owls was perfect. Unzipping the tent door to the view of the lake in the morning was awesome. We saw ducks, turtles, egret, along with a few of Dante’s goats. Very peaceful and remote.
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Imee
October 2025
20 ft Class B
Group trip
We’re a group of RV campers - 5 rigs and 1 tent, totaling 13 people and we fit comfortably with room to spare. The camp site is private, clean, and incredibly relaxing. There are plenty of shaded areas to chill during the day, and a beautifully lit dinner space. The Ranch is perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. Every detail feels thoughtfully maintained, making it one of the most enjoyable camping experiences we’ve had. It’s clear this place was designed with comfort and community in mind.
And then there’s Steven. He’s a great camp host. Very responsive, kind, and incredibly accommodating. Steven goes above and beyond to make sure guests feel welcome and cared for.
We’re already planning our next visit. This place is a keeper!
See moreS
Saud
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
The Place is absolutely gorgeous.
Very clean and private with great parking spots for non 4X4 vehicles.
Port potty was clean.
You can park your vehicle on the shore although I wouldn’t advise it for non 4X4 vehicles.
The only con I would say is that it’s so close to the street that you can hear the cars go by but it was okay.
There is everything you need in 5 minute drive radius, so don’t worry if you forget anything.
The host is super friendly and responsive.
Definitely coming back 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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