The best safari tents near Del Mar

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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.

91% (84)

Top-rated campgrounds

Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

2. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

100%
(13)
38mi from Del Mar · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Julian, CA
The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet. Manzanita Hill is just: - a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction. - 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town. - A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards. - 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more! Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
Interior of tent- Super comfortable King bed with cooling mattress for summer and electric blanket for winter.

3. Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

100%
(7)
38mi from Del Mar · 1 site · Lodging · Julian, CA
THE AREA: Tucked away under a grove of oak trees, and circled by manzanita trees, sits "Manzanita Cove". A secluded glamping site that contains everything you need, including a private (seasonal pond). This private site is provided with about 1/2 acre of seclusion and equipped with everything needed for an amazing outdoor experience. The total property is about 5 acres, but is shared with our AirBnB: "Julians Red Fox Retreat", which can be booked separately or together with our "Manzanita Cove" glamping site. Because of the shared space, we do limit the number of guests to two, and ask that you be respectful of the space and noise level when booking independently. There are several hammocks around the grounds to relax as well as a few short trails to walk. The property is about a 7 minute drive from downtown Julian. WINTER/ SPRING GUESTS: Access to the site is down a bit of a steep dirt road, so we suggest that winter and Spring campers (wet weather) have AWD/4WD or park at the top and walk down. Otherwise is it accessible by most vehicles other parts of the year. Please do not stop on the hill when leaving. You will spin your tires and damage the road.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$128
 / night
Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent

4. Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent

99%
(78)
21mi from Del Mar · 3 sites · Lodging · Vista, CA
After relocating from South Africa to Southern California we searched to find the perfect property to enjoy endless mountain, ocean and sunset views and a property that was fertile enough to be able to grow our own organic food. Now that we've found and enjoy our dream property we wanted to share it in a unique and exciting way by incorporating our African background and created this Safari Eco Tent so that passionate eco minded campers can also experience this stunning property. Unplug, Relax and Unwind in this Luxury African Safari Eco tent complete with solar hot water shower, rain water catchment, state of the art compost toilet, solar electric, full bathroom kitchen & Eco Heater. Experience a bit of Africa on this 2½ acre organic property surrounded by South African Protea flowers, native sages and fruit trees. Fall asleep in your luxury queen size bed with beautiful linens and awaken to the sounds of nature, enjoy nearby beaches, Temecula wineries, Safari Park & outstanding local Vista micro breweries.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$175
 / night

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.

91% (84)

Top-rated campgrounds

Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

2. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

100%
(13)
38mi from Del Mar · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Julian, CA
The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet. Manzanita Hill is just: - a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction. - 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town. - A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards. - 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more! Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
Interior of tent- Super comfortable King bed with cooling mattress for summer and electric blanket for winter.

3. Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

100%
(7)
38mi from Del Mar · 1 site · Lodging · Julian, CA
THE AREA: Tucked away under a grove of oak trees, and circled by manzanita trees, sits "Manzanita Cove". A secluded glamping site that contains everything you need, including a private (seasonal pond). This private site is provided with about 1/2 acre of seclusion and equipped with everything needed for an amazing outdoor experience. The total property is about 5 acres, but is shared with our AirBnB: "Julians Red Fox Retreat", which can be booked separately or together with our "Manzanita Cove" glamping site. Because of the shared space, we do limit the number of guests to two, and ask that you be respectful of the space and noise level when booking independently. There are several hammocks around the grounds to relax as well as a few short trails to walk. The property is about a 7 minute drive from downtown Julian. WINTER/ SPRING GUESTS: Access to the site is down a bit of a steep dirt road, so we suggest that winter and Spring campers (wet weather) have AWD/4WD or park at the top and walk down. Otherwise is it accessible by most vehicles other parts of the year. Please do not stop on the hill when leaving. You will spin your tires and damage the road.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$128
 / night
Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent

4. Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent

99%
(78)
21mi from Del Mar · 3 sites · Lodging · Vista, CA
After relocating from South Africa to Southern California we searched to find the perfect property to enjoy endless mountain, ocean and sunset views and a property that was fertile enough to be able to grow our own organic food. Now that we've found and enjoy our dream property we wanted to share it in a unique and exciting way by incorporating our African background and created this Safari Eco Tent so that passionate eco minded campers can also experience this stunning property. Unplug, Relax and Unwind in this Luxury African Safari Eco tent complete with solar hot water shower, rain water catchment, state of the art compost toilet, solar electric, full bathroom kitchen & Eco Heater. Experience a bit of Africa on this 2½ acre organic property surrounded by South African Protea flowers, native sages and fruit trees. Fall asleep in your luxury queen size bed with beautiful linens and awaken to the sounds of nature, enjoy nearby beaches, Temecula wineries, Safari Park & outstanding local Vista micro breweries.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$175
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents 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.