96% (174)
Top-rated campgrounds near Chula Vista
96% (174)
Top-rated campgrounds near Chula Vista
Public campgrounds near Chula Vista
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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David
October 2025
23 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Responsive staff, and they helped with my broken trailer hitch.
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Jeff
October 2025
Weekend Trip to BaseCamp at Palomar
Great stay. The tent is very spacious and clean. She has a good sized refrigerator and microwave. There’s an A/C unit as well. Drip coffee machine is available upon request. Great location with Palomar Observatory, Harrahs Casino, and Julian within a short drive. It’s worth a return trip.
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Christy
October 2025
Group trip
We wanted to take our grand babies who are 2 and 9 months on a trial run to see how they liked it and this was the most amazing place to do that trial run. There was a total of 5 adults and 2 little ones and we had so much room to spread out and get comfy. The bathrooms were a little far of a walk for a toddler who potty trained recently but other than that the site had everything we needed and then some. Anything we weren’t sure of and Shantel was right on it helping us out. The first night we caught 46+mile an hour winds dropping the temps into the 30’s but we turned the propane heaters on and hunkered down in the yurts and were just fine. The tree hammocks were a hit for naps and playing with babies. Lots of chairs around the fire and kitchen supplies. We plan to make this a yearly tradition with our family. So pack your clothes and food and head up! Unplug from life and make some memories.
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Lynette
September 2025
Group trip
The Airstream was cute, clean and very comfortable. Bathrooms were clean. Definitely a great place for kids.
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Chelsea
August 2025
With kids
This campground was incredible. Every little detail was thought out, the host was so kind and welcoming, and the tents and hammocks were top notch. I HIGHLY recommend staying here, especially if you have kids. We will definitely be staying here again.
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Randy
August 2025
With kids
We were a group of 12 and we loved the campsite. Shantel showed us the site and she was a nice host.
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James
August 2025
With pets
Great spot . Clean pool. Trailer is spacious. Close enough to restock supplies .
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Katy
August 2025
Tent
We loved our stay here!! The property is great and perfect for a quiet night away. Tim was extremely accommodating and went above and beyond to help us out with everything we needed! It was such a nice bonus to be able to cook on the an actual stove and have access to a bathroom. Plus the views and the stars were beautiful!! We really enjoyed talking with Tim and so appreciated his clear dedication to making sure we had a great time. Can’t wait to stay again!
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Ky
July 2025
Group trip
Great spot and it was very nice having so many things already set up for you, Shantel checked in on us thru text and we just had to bring our clothes, food, firewood/ice. Some tips for future peeps, showers are near the front of the campground and you need at least 4-7 quarters each time, bring a headlamp the restroom takes a few minutes to walk to, grab some apple from Julian about ~30 min away, but pack up your food so the squirrels don’t get to it while you’re gone. Happy camping! :3
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Kyle
July 2025
17 ft travel trailer
Friendly host and perfect location at the base of Palomar with easy access to the Observatory and Hiking trails a short 15-20 minute drive away. The pool and recreation room were also wonderful surprise features that made this campground even more enjoyable!
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Noela
July 2025
Group trip
We had such a great experience at this campsite! 🏕️ It truly has everything you need — it's clean, well-organized, and thoughtfully set up to make your stay super comfortable. We especially appreciated the little details like the hammocks 🌿🛌 — perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The private hiking trail on the property was absolutely beautiful 🥾🌄 — it felt like our own little adventure without having to leave the site. We also loved how easy it was to access the bathrooms and hot showers 🚿🚻. Everything was spotless and well-maintained, which made a big difference.
If you're looking for a quiet, cozy spot with great amenities and natural beauty ✨🌲, this is the place. We would definitely come back! 🙌💚
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Anel
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Tim is the greatest. A Very Very accommodating host !
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PJ
July 2025
2 nights at BaseCamp at Palomar
Very clean inside the Airstream, a/c was pumping when we got there. The campground is great, they were prompt to respond to messages when we had an issue with a gate code, overall lovely experience.
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Holly
June 2025
Weekend Trip to BaseCamp at Palomar
Please tell Jenniffer she was an amazing host....very warm and welcoming and accommodating! The evenings/nights were peaceful here...the sounds of so many types of birds, the gentle wind blowing. It was hard to leave. I havent honestly felt so relaxed in years! Thank you!
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Abhishek
May 2025
With kids
The entire camp site setup and the facilities were great. The site was beautifully set up—spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed. The tent was cozy and well-equipped, with a comfy bed, warm blankets, and even string lights that made the nights feel magical. We had a private fire pit, a sitting area for stargazing, and enough privacy to feel like we had the forest to ourselves.
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Jessica
May 2025
Tent
I had the best experience! Diana is so welcoming and staying on the land was an absolute great start to my vacation. I would definitely be back.
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Chase
May 2025
With kids
Another fabulous stay at Shantel’s glamping oasis! Our whole family truly enjoyed the Fox Den and plan to return again and again 🙌
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Hemanth
March 2025
With kids
We had an amazing glamping experience for two nights with our kids (ages 15 and 11) and our small puppy. Shantel greeted us warmly upon arrival, ensuring we were settled in and had everything we needed. The tents and beds were incredibly comfortable, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The heaters were a lifesaver, especially with the chilly late March nights.
The kitchen was well-equipped with all the essential amenities, making meal preparation a breeze. Our kids loved the hammocks and tree tents, and thoroughly enjoyed the nearby hikes recommended by Shantel. The evening campfire was truly magical, with the hosts generously providing firewood to get us started.
We can't wait to return with a larger group of family and friends!
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LYNN
February 2025
3 nights at BaseCamp at Palomar
I really loved the retro trailer. Also got to stay in the tent. The campground is great, amenities are well maintained. Jen the host on site is there for any questions and is more than helpful. I would definitely recommend this place and I look forward to going back.
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Kayleigh
January 2025
3 nights at Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
The cabin was very cute and homely. it was perfect for my partner and I and we enjoyed the cozy feel. very close to the main area of julian but a decent drive to other sights like borrego springs, santa ysabel, etc! would stay here again!
See moreNearby public parks
Browse national and state parks near Chula Vista
The best camping near Chula Vista with snow sports guide
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.