The best big rig friendly campgrounds near Del Mar, California

Situated on Pacific-facing bluffs, bout a half-hour drive north of San Diego (without traffic), Del Mar is an upscale bedroom community and the gateway to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, just a 10-minute drive south of town. It's a good stopping-off point for those traveling between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south, and if you're heading from LA to the Cleveland National Forest, you might find yourself passing through Del Mar. While there aren't many spots to camp Del Mar, sites are available at San Elijo State Beach in nearby Encinitas.

97% (188) • 30 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Del Mar

Situated on Pacific-facing bluffs, bout a half-hour drive north of San Diego (without traffic), Del Mar is an upscale bedroom community and the gateway to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, just a 10-minute drive south of town. It's a good stopping-off point for those traveling between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south, and if you're heading from LA to the Cleveland National Forest, you might find yourself passing through Del Mar. While there aren't many spots to camp Del Mar, sites are available at San Elijo State Beach in nearby Encinitas.

97% (188) • 30 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Del Mar

1. Native Falls Campground

91%

(117)

45mi from Del Mar · 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!

2. Thompson Palms Campground

98%

(26)

24mi from Del Mar · 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.

3. Coastal Rancho Soledad

98%

(110)

28mi from Del Mar · 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).

4. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay

24mi from Del Mar · 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.

5. Stargazer

100%

(4)

46mi from Del Mar · 1 site · RV

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Lisa

6 days ago

30 ft toy hauler

11 nights at Thompson Palms Campground

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!

C

Clint

1 week ago

Tent

2 nights at Thompson Palms Campground

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!

Martin

2 weeks ago

24 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Coastal Rancho Soledad

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.

Michael

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Coastal Rancho Soledad

Great spot in nice quiet secluded neighborhood. We would certainly return here.

Chuck

December 2025

26 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Thompson Palms Campground

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.

J

Jessica

December 2025

40 ft Class A

20 nights at Thompson Palms Campground

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.

Lisa

December 2025

30 ft travel trailer

9 nights at Thompson Palms Campground

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!

K

Kirby

November 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Thompson Palms Campground

Beautiful property. Host Bernie was very kind and had a pleasant stay.

Francesco

October 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

3 nights at Stargazer

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.

M

Mallorie

October 2025

21 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Thompson Palms Campground

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!

S

Stephanie

October 2025

20 ft toy hauler

With pets

1 night at Coastal Rancho Soledad

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!

A

Airizon

September 2025

35 ft Class A

4 nights at Coastal Rancho Soledad

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!

D

Dylan

September 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Coastal Rancho Soledad

Joel is great the place is quiet and we enjoyed our stay.

A

Anthony

August 2025

50 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Coastal Rancho Soledad

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.

A

Adrian

August 2025

29 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Coastal Rancho Soledad

Joel’s place is convienently located and very private, plus Joel is a nice guy. 10/10 would stay again

G

George

August 2025

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Coastal Rancho Soledad

Very friendly Very clean and functional Can’t wait to go back Thanks Joel

Lyndsey

August 2025

22 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Coastal Rancho Soledad

I had a great stay at Joel's property. It had a very EcoVillage feel. The spots were close together with a communal shower area behind me. Everyone was very relaxed and one site had a dog who barked some, but not too bad and was quiet during late and early hours. Joel was very friendly and helpful. He was accommodating amdist my travel mishaps when I arrived and always with a smile for the entirety of my stay. I didn't spend as much time there as I thought I would and was a little sad about that. His directions were helpful as the turn would be easy to miss. I recommend using. Location was extremely convenient to the freeway and to Imperial Beach. I would definitely return.

Lot of room for our 27' class A and Ford Maverick

S

Shelleen

August 2025

27 ft Class A

With pets

5 nights at Thompson Palms Campground

Great communication from Bernie and Hoa! Not one issue with arrival, locating site and setting up with full hookups. Well laid out utilities with site 3. Very private, even with one additional RV on site. A lot of open space to walk our dog on a leash and explore the property with respect to all others. We didn't buy any fresh eggs or plants but they were well marked and easily accessible for self service. This property is right in the heart of a lot of farm stands and wineries! Grocery stores: Stater brothers and Albertson's all within driving distance.

J

Jaime

August 2025

38 ft Class A

With pets

28 nights at Thompson Palms Campground

Quiet, peaceful place with plenty of wildlife to enjoy. You won't see the owners much unless you need something. They are quick to respond to any messages or requests.

M

Michael

August 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Thompson Palms Campground

Our family needed somewhere to getaway for a weekend, and Bernie and Hoa’s campground was perfect. The kids loved the cows and chickens., and checking out all the plants. Though Bernie and Hoa couldn’t be there for our visit, they were still very helpful and responsive. Would definitely recommend and will plan on coming back!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best big rig friendly camping near Del Mar guide

Where to go

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Named for the torrey pine, a rare species of tree that grows in the park, this day-use-only reserve preserves around 1,500 acres of coastal land that’s laced with hiking trails and scenic overlooks. It abuts Torrey Pines State Beach, a popular spot for surfing and sunbathing, to the north, and clothing-optional Black’s Beach to the south.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

For a change of climate and scenery, head east to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is known for its late-winter wildflower blooms. The park is a fantastic place to hike, camp, and birdwatch throughout much of the year and as an International Dark Sky Park, it’s a must-visit for stargazers who want to take in the beauty of the night sky, sans light pollution.

Silver Strand State Beach

RV campers rejoice: this beachfront park just outside of San Diego has an RV campground that can accommodate up to 120 RVs. Most of the park is dedicated to day-use activities, however, and the 2.5-mile-long beach here offers San Diego residents and out-of-towners plenty of room to spread out along with ample fishing and swimming opportunities.

When to go

Del Mar is pleasant year-round, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The best time to visit is in September or October, when the temperatures are in the upper 70s or low 80s and there's usually little to no rain. Spring is another good alternative, though it’s not quite as warm as the fall. You can surf off the coast of Del Mar throughout the year, but you’ll need a wetsuit outside of the summer season.

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.