Desert camping near Chula Vista
Chula Vista has year-round beach camping, plus easy access to the desert, mountains, and San Diego.
87% (892 reviews)
- Chula Vista
87% (892 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Chula Vista
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12 top desert campgrounds near Chula Vista
100%
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Whiteside Mountain
1 site · Tent160 acres · Jamul, CA
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!"
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$115
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Mystic Canyon Inn
4 sites · Lodging1 acre · El Cajon, CA
Our home is eclectic, country, relaxed and homey.
We are conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego and popular tourist attractions like Comic-Con, Balboa Park, the beautiful beaches and the world famous San Diego Zoo. 35 minutes east you will find beautiful Mount Laguna, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Pacific Crest Trail access and the town of Julian. About an hour east brings you to the desert, where natural beauty and recreation abound. 13 miles away, Viejas Casino boasts a beautiful outlet center. 4 miles away, Sycuan has a casino with entertainment and the golf resort of Singing Hills. Come enjoy the slower pace of the San Diego backcountry.
If you are in the mood for a massage, Barbara is a therapist with amazing healing hands. (Please arrange in advance of your visit to ensure availability.) If you are a hiker and need a guide, Randy is an experienced Pacific Crest Trail hiker, who will be happy to assist with drop-off and pick-up in the local mountains, or whatever your hiking/backpacking needs are. Bikers of all kinds, frequently go by on Harbison Canyon Road, which is part of a larger biking loop.
So, hike, bike or drive yourself to our little haven and say goodbye to the hustle and bustle!
We enjoy talking to our guests, finding out about where they live and providing information on the local area. We do work during the week, but are usually around on the weekends.
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$69
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Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp
4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Jacumba Hot Spring, CA
Sagewinds Farm is the first certified organic white sage farm in the world. Located in the high desert of San Diego county, between 3500 feet and 3800 ft. this beautiful 40 acres features caves, massive boulders to climb, views, flat land and privacy. At night the stars are magnificent and the milky way is visible...there are meteor showers several times a year. Permanent residents in the barn are the 2 mini horses to visit and four wonderful dogs. The nights are always cool and usually below 60% so be prepared to sleep well . There are visiting animals that past thru and could include, coyotes, bobcats, Coatis, foxes, rabbits, quail, hawks and mountain lions. There are also some snake and lizards. We do have rattlesnakes. To make up for the rattlers we offer two flush toilets!
Camp on the healthy, beautiful and first Certified Organic White Sage Farm in the World.
The place to heal from pandemics.
Beautiful high desert,(3500') with boulders, boulder mountains, caves and views. Rolling southern California terrain, home to all kinds of birds and wild life. Camp on top of the mountain, or camp in a cave or anywhere in between. See the Milky way on most nights, all have incredible stars. 40 acres. Visit our the little town of Jacumba Hot springs down the road. Exciting things are happening there. The Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, really good food, organic produce, and of course the Water! Weekend music events at the Hotel or the The Old Bathhouse where you listen under the most incredible stars. Bazaar at the Bathouse the first Saturday of the month.
This is the prettiest property in east county! And the healthiest! It is a White Sage farm. This is the old west! Come in the spring for the wild flowers on the land.
Come for the dark skies.
Come for the very occasional snow.
Most definitely come for all the Meteor showers.. You can see the Milky way on most nights
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$45
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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
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Manzanita Trails
19 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Boulevard, CA
This property sits on the original interstate route which took you into San Diego by wagon.
Learn more about this land:
If you just want to lounge out, look at the stars and enjoy nature then this is the place for you. The surrounding area includes: an 8 minute drive to casinos, 15 minutes from Jacumba Hot Springs, and 1 hour drive to the sand dunes. Tons of hiking and biking trails scattered throughout the area within a 15-30 minute drive.
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$50
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94%
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DeAnza Springs Resort
65 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Jacumba Hot Springs, CA
DeAnza Springs is a family resort in North America. Situated on more than 500 acres of high desert (at 2600 feet) in Eastern San Diego County, it is ideal for year-round vacationing.
The Resort is comprised of 311 spacious RV sites, most with full hookups, & unlimited, spacious tent sites for camping. Luxurious rental units consist of fully furnished ‘park models’ and motel rooms as well as smaller RVs.
A 7500 square foot clubhouse is home to The Oasis Lounge/Bar and a computer area for public internet access.
No matter what activities you enjoy, you’ll probably find them available at DeAnza Springs. Surrounded on three sides by the fantastic hills of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the resort grounds include grassy lawns, shade trees and sparkling swimming pools as well as typical desert vegetation.
Other amenities include two heated pools (one enclosed for year-round swimming), a hot tub, tennis courts, shuffle-board courts, bocce ball, horseshoe pits, fitness center with sauna, and laundry room. There is also a large, safely enclosed pet park & WiFi broadband internet access throughout the park.
Within a short hiking distance, there are vestiges of ancient native encampments, abandoned mines and railroad camps to explore. The adjacent Anza- Borrego Desert State Park offers miles of nature trails for hiking and mountain biking.
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$63
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(30)
Earthbag Tiny House
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Ranchita, CA
Learn more about this land:The Earthbag Tiny House is situated on 5 acres of undeveloped land and includes an earthbag/stone outhouse, earthbag hot tub for two and an earthbag pool. The property has a large shaded area for folks to be together and gather during the heat of the day. We also have a large charcoal BBQ grill and gas grill available for guests to use. This property is off-grid, but fully equipped with solar power, running water, and wifi. You will be walking distance to an expansive area of BLM land, multiple hiking trails, horseback riding, and jeep/ATV trails. We are just 1 mile from the famous Pacific Crest Trail and a 10-minute drive to access Borrego Desert hiking. The owner/host will be staying on the south-western most part of the property.We can't wait for you to come stay with us!
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$95
/ night
Booked 6 times
Big Sky Eco Resort Ranch
5 sites · Lodging170 acres · Potrero, CA
170 acre eco/hotel ranch on sacred Indian Land a great place to get away from the city and hike, star gaze, write or do some art . Plenty of open space to do something or nothing Beautiful views and Sunsets. Tecate Mexico is 7 min away so bring your passport or Birth certificate for a fun day in Mexico or hike on our local trails, visit local Vineyards,Go to local Casinos BBQ, relax and read a book, (only 40 min from San Diego 3 hours from Los Angeles)Learn more about this land:1970's trailer on a 170 acre eco/hotel ranch on sacred Indian Land a great place to get away from the city and hike, star gaze, write or do some art . Plenty of open space to do something or nothing Beautiful views and Sunsets. Tecate Mexico is 7 min away so bring your passport or Birth certificate for a fun day in Mexico or hike on our local trails, visit local Vineyards,Go to local Casinos BBQ, relax and read a book, (only 40 min from San Diego 3 hours from Los Angeles)
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$100
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97%
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O'Shun's Orchard
3 sites · Lodging120 acres · Borrego Springs, CA
120 acres of raw California chaparrel.
Adjacent to Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
Serene and vast.
Stay on 120 beautiful acres with complete privacy, 360 panoramic mountain views, and easy access to
Anza-Borrego Desert State park.
This property is currently raw land working towards sustainable desert orchard, conservation, and apiary.
Guests love staying with us: "This campsite was, hands down, the coolest I have ever stayed at. SUCH amazing views! I couldn't imagine car camping in such a secluded place. Mike was such a great host and even lead us to our campsite personally. Would highly recommend to anyone whos looking for a break from busy campsites (especially during COVID-19). Great distance to Anza Borrego State Park as well."
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$100
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Sage Haven Ranch
4 sites · Lodging, Tents48 acres · Valley Center, CA
Nestled withing the picturesque landscapes of San Diego County, the Sage Haven Ranch offers a unique retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The expansive grounds are bordered by a pristine nature preserve, creating a serene haven for those seeking a harmonious blend of tranquility and adventure.
As you enter the campground, you are greeted by the warm embrace of the oak trees and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. The ranch, with it's rustic charm, provides a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The accommodation options range from traditional campsites to furnished tents, allowing guests to tailor their experience to their level of comfort.
The highlight of this campground is its adjacency to a nature preserve, presenting a haven for local flora and fauna. Hiking trails accessible from the campground wind their way through the preserve, inviting guests to explore the ecosystems that call this area home. The trails vary in difficulty, accommodating both a casual stroll or an avid hike, with each path revealing breathtaking views.
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$50
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Booked 2 times
JP Longstock Ranch
2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Campo, CA
This is a historical property in campo California. A great old west town with an interesting history behind it. This particular property was where the Buffalo soldiers kept their working horses close to 100 years ago in what is now the last standing original buffalo soldier barn. Old artifacts and handmade tack can still be found in the giant rustic barn. The barn is now used to breed unique crossbred horses that have gained Note-oriety, and have been featured on the cover of magazines, including the Boot Barn campaign (who intend to use the barn in in future photo shoots) as well as use famous spotted horse, Confettis American Warrior in the next ad campaign being shot in Hollywood next month. We tried to keep the barn with its original charm and added some world class beautiful horses that are available for riding around the property and/or photoshoots during your stay for an additional cost.
We have extra stalls available for people who would like to bring their own horses for a unique camping experience including riding your horse in Camp Locket and along the USA/America border wall. Lots of space for trailer and very secure stalls in the barn.
We are just starting out doing this, but have the options of staying in a brand new shed yet to be converted, in the barn inside an old stall to have a real authentic experience where the soldiers used to rest or a tent overlooking the old historical barn and the fabulous horses (right now we have babies!). We have multiple cross fences fenced areas including stalls and areas for your dog but will need to discuss details beforehand. We are very pet and people friendly.
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$125
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Jacumba heights
2 sites · RVs17 acres · Jacumba Hot Springs, CA
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy bird watching, hiking or relaxing at the mineral hot springs lake during the day or star gazing at night. Explore the beautiful land by foot, soaking up the fresh, nature air. Spectacular views!!
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$25
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Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Desert camping near Chula Vista guide
Overview
Sunny Chula Vista is about as far south as you can get in Southern California. Between San Diego and the US-Mexico Border, Chula Vista sits across the San Diego Bay from a seven-mile stretch of beach that connects to Coronado. You can swim, surf, and sunbathe yourself silly at sites like Silver Strand State Beach and Coronado Beach, or head inland from Chula Vista for another world of lakes, mountains, and desert trailheads. For fans of hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, wildflowers, and cacti, campers love the parks east of Chula Vista.
Where to go
Chula Vista Surrounds
Chula Vista’s Otay Valley Regional Park features eight miles of scenic hiking and biking trails right in town. There’s also a campground at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, while RV travelers will find an assortment of RV parks in and around Chula Vista with full hookups, free wifi, and other amenities. At the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Sanctuary, you can explore nature trails and birdwatching on a salt marsh.
Silver Strand State Beach
With 2.5 miles of ocean beach and a half-mile of bay beach, Silver Strand is a local go-to for surfing, swimming, and sunsets. The beachside campground is for self-contained vehicle camping only, meaning no tents.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
In the Peninsular Range east of Chula Vista, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is an excellent place to beat the SoCal heat in a mountain climate. Cuyamaca Rancho features Lake Cuyamaca, the Sweetwater River, and 100-plus miles of hiking and biking trails through forest and meadows. Campgrounds offer tent camping and RV camping sites with picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and showers.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a rugged preserve in the Colorado Desert about 1.5 hours east of Chula Vista. The park features hiking and OHV trails, a spring wildflower bloom, a palm-studded desert oasis, International Dark Sky Park status, and a number of popular camping options. Plan for intense desert conditions in summer and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
When to go
Chula Vista’s coastal location gives it temperate weather that makes for enjoyable camping year-round, but If headed to the mountains, check summer forecasts for high temperatures and adjust accordingly. Desert camping is best in winter and should be avoided in summer. The region’s wildflower bloom is variable but typically occurs in spring.
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