The best mountainous campgrounds near Descanso, California

Looking to go camping near Descanso, California? Look no further than Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource. With over 1050 options available in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. And with an average price per night of just $55, camping has never been more affordable. Want to save even more? There are options available for as low as $10 per night. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews from fellow campers: Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews), and Splitrock Farm and Retreat (320 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, showers, and campfire pits. And if you're into snow sports or climbing, you'll find plenty of opportunities for adventure. So, grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (3.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Descanso

100%

(5)

46mi from Descanso · 1 site · Tent, RV

Private quarter acre campsite with a large fire pit, paved road to the entrance and access to Truckhaven and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area directly from the property. Surrounded by picturesque beach sand dunes, mountains, canyons and some of the state’s best off-roading, you can park your vehicle around the fire ring and set up a group camp with friends or book for some peaceful family time under the stars of the lower Colorado Desert. If you are in the area to see the Salton Sea, this site is 7 miles to the water.

16. Pool Ranch

100%

(1)

24mi from Descanso · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

🌌 Pool Ranch: Your 30-Acre Dark Sky Gateway to Anza-Borrego Escape to true high-desert solitude at Pool Ranch, a 30-acre private property in the unique mountain community of Ranchita, CA. Our property offers almost complete isolation, making it the perfect sanctuary to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. We share a direct border with the vast, untouched wilderness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, putting millions of acres of adventure right at your doorstep. ✨ Experience the Magic of the High Desert Pool Ranch is not just a place to camp; it's a place to experience the raw, dramatic beauty of the Colorado Desert in all its forms. Our elevation provides a stunning four-season climate. 🌌 World-Class Stargazing: As part of an official Dark Sky Community, our skies are free of light pollution. On a clear night, the Milky Way is breathtakingly bright. 🌸 Spring Wildflowers: Witness the desert floor explode in a riot of color during the annual superbloom. ❄️ Winter Snow: Experience the rare and magical sight of snow blanketing the desert landscape. 🏜️ Direct Park Access: Forget driving to a trailhead. Our property line directly borders Anza-Borrego State Park. Step off our land and directly into the wilderness for hiking, exploring, and mountain biking. Your Private Wilderness Sanctuary This 30-acre property is your playground. Find your perfect spot, set up camp, and enjoy the silence, the expansive views, and the feeling of having the wilderness all to yourself. If you are seeking profound quiet, unparalleled starry nights, and a direct gateway to one of California's largest state parks, Pool Ranch is waiting for you.

17. Stagecoach Trails RV Resort

100%

(3)

18mi from Descanso · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Located Just East of Historic Julian, CA We are your base camp for Julian and Anza Borrego Isn’t it time to get away? Sometimes you just need to slow life down and breathe in good country air, take a walk in the high desert and enjoy the night sky. City-life seems about as far away as the moon at Stagecoach Trails Campground and RV Park near San Diego CA. Whether you are camping, bringing your RV or enjoying one of our many rental cabins and shelters, you’ll feel connected once again to our beautiful desert and limitless skies. Bring your horses and your friends. A beautiful sunrise over Stagecoach Trails Campground and RV Park is best when shared in the peaceful quiet! Stagecoach Trails Campground and RV Park is the best-kept secret among San Diego RV Parks! Life is just better at Stagecoach Trails.

18. Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

100%

(58)

24mi from Descanso · 1 site · Lodging

This beautiful high desert retreat is a working artist's property with several stone and steel sculptures of the late artist,  Norm Hines,  available for viewing on the property. The guest cabin sits secluded on the southern ridge of Montezuma Valley, with spectacular views of Earthquake Valley and the distant mountains of Baja California and a short hike to Anza Borrego State Park. A gas fireplace in the cabin will keep you warm on those chilly winter evenings. Ideal for 1-2 people looking for solitude, stargazing and high-desert nature.  Cozy guest cabin with propane fireplace on 30 acre artist's retreat at 4000 feet elevation.  One mi. hike to NW boundary of Anza Borrego SP. Four mi. to PCT. Hiking trails to large plutonic rocks, breathtaking view south into Mexico. Private portable toilet, outdoor cold water sink, outdoor grill, small camping stove, teapot, full size bed,  Norm Hines sculptures on property for guest viewing. Great for bird watching, stargazing, desert solitude. 13 miles to Borrego Springs. 28 miles to Julian. Guests love staying here: "Tom’s cabin was the perfect weekend getaway to decompress and detach. The site offers all the amenities you need. There are multiple trails located around the property if you’re looking to get a little activity in. Otherwise just sitting and hanging out is about as peaceful as it gets. A great place to go if you don’t want to venture out too far. This place just might be my monthly weekend hideout. Thanks Tom for sharing such a beautiful place."

19. Anzabella

95%

(43)

47mi from Descanso · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Experience the serenity of open spaces and breathtaking 360-degree views of mountains and natural landscapes at our peaceful location. Situated just 2 miles away from the renowned Pacific Crest Trail at Table Mountain Truck Trail, this area offers some of the most picturesque scenery in Southern California. Bring your furry friends or horses along to enjoy the freedom of the open space. Embark on exhilarating mountain biking adventures or engage in other outdoor activities to make the most of this beautiful setting. Rest assured knowing that the owners reside nearby, ensuring support is readily available if needed. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of this location as you create unforgettable memories surrounded by nature's splendor. Please know: Strict fire ban during windy conditions

20. San Diego Canyon Creek

95%

(373)

12mi from Descanso · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Try out camping without having to rough-it! You can rent the Honeycomb Cabin! Or swing through for a safe place to spend the night in your van, or tent, while taking advantage of San Diego and all it has to offer! So much to be seen or done within 30 miles! You can plan a visit to the World Famous San Diego Zoo, Museums, Sea World, Birch Aquarium, Safari Park, Lego Land and more! San Diego county has wine tasting, breweries, theaters and eateries of all kinds. There are several beaches, mountain lakes, and even the deserts! You can skydive, or scuba dive, go deep sea fishing, or lake fishing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, or walking the boardwalk! SAN DIEGO CANYON CREEK is a SMALL PATCH of WOODS, NEAR a ROAD, in a NEIGHBORHOOD. In the midst of the trees we have a great view of the stars at night. Harbison Canyon is surrounded by rocky peaks, with a CREEK! We have multiple species of song birds, owls, hawks, and other wildlife that live in this Riparian Habitat. There is a chorus of frogs throughout the spring nights, and crickets year round! It's a very short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with several types of playground equipment and public creek access, or a five minute drive to a Crestridge Ecological Reserve containing multiple trails. We have three campsites and a cabin on about an acre of land. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. There are also a couple of hammocks available. In addition, our SHARED amenities include an outdoor kitchen that includes a sink with hot water, 2 mini fridges,(full at times, extra coolers available) coffee maker, a two burner stove, a griddle, a toaster oven, blender, tea kettle, and a few pans, plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. Also here to SHARE is a Propane fire pit and BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. We are continuously making improvements. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the world's largest honey producer! Today there are just a few bees in the area.

Camper favorites near Descanso

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Xiyue

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

We truly loved our stay at Tom's cabin. It's perfect for stargazing with stunning non-blocking views, a dark sky, cozy outdoor chairs, and a warm cabin.

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Steven

1 week ago

Tent

12 nights at Hideout Mountain Lodge

Awesome! Quiet! Relaxing! Thank you!

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Michelle

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to King Creek Campground

Beautiful location and friendly host, we’d definitely stay here again! There were nice trails and it was so quiet and private. The drive on the dirt road to the campsites is a bit steep and uneven in places, which was fine for our SUVs, but we had friends with smaller cars (Prius, Mazda 3) who couldn’t comfortably make it due to their low clearance so we just shuttled them in our SUVs. We’d recommend making sure you bring a car with higher clearance.

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Zoe

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

Vicki and her daughter were so sweet and welcoming! We had the most peaceful time and the weather was pretty great for going in December. The drive up the mountain was a bit tricky because we didn’t know what to expect, but it was much faster and easier on the way down (I have a ford fusion and my car did great!). There are restrooms and showers but they are a bit far from most of the sites, there was a porta potty close by tho:)

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Matt

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

It was a beautiful place with nice bathrooms. We were surprised, pleasantly, about the free roaming pigs.

Erin

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

Always a magical time! Thanks Tom for making it so special!

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Devon

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to King Creek Campground

The space was peaceful and secluded; exactly what I wanted from an escape from the modern world. Carlotta was very kind and helpful. There is so much land to explore that I will have to return to explore the rest.

Leo

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Banner Ranch Julian

Loved this area! Super friendly people and the little general store sold fire wood as well! Highly recommend and will definitely be returning! Bathrooms were clean and at night they had their orchard lit up with Christmas lights!

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John

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

Quiet and relaxing area with beautiful view. Check in was easy. Vicki really went the extra mile to arrange rental of some camping gear for us when ours failed.

Sarah

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

My gf and I had the best time on Vicki’s land for thanksgiving weekend. It was such a treat to have amenities like a sink with warm water and flushing toilets. the land is stunning with views from every corner and fun hiking trails throughout the mountain. vicki has such great energy and made sure to welcome everyone. pumba the pig is so friendly and WILL eat anything left unguarded at night 🤭 so make sure to treat your trash just like any bear camping setting. thanks again vicki, we hope to come back some day!

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Brita

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Granite Mountain

We had an amazing time! Ken was so accommodating with all our requests. It couldn't have been better or more beautiful. I loved the views and the mini getaway. We will definitely be back again to rent out the other places as well! Thanks!

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Morgan

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Granite Mountain

Great location. Our visit was nice and peaceful. We were initially concerned with the tiny heater that was provided but we found that it worked great, we even had to turn it off halfway through the night. The Eagle Nest has a great view while still being secluded in the rocks and Manzanita.

supernovala@yahoo.com

3 weeks ago

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Pool Ranch

We had a great stay! It was wide open, dark skies and impossibly quiet. Andy was SO kind and very helpful. He even met us out at the spot and helped us arrange our tiny camper perfectly with his 4x4 ranger. We would highly recommend this spot to anyone who loves desert camping 🩵

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Robert

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Coyote Moon Camping

Amazing experience great views and atmosphere. Also saw a coyote.

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Victoria

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Loomerland Ranch and Retreat

Loomerland is a great spot for kids and adults alike. The hosts are very accommodating, the amenities make camping easy, and the farm is beautiful. This trip was our family’s second time here and hopefully won’t be the last. I’d recommend it to anyone!

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Joy

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Loomerland Ranch and Retreat

This is our first Hipcamp experience and it was a pleasantly unique one. We were greeted by the sweetest pack of dogs and our sites were clean and easy to find. Our group of 12 booked sites 3 & 4 to be close together. The hot shower & toilets were just a few mins away fr our sites. The camp hosts, Joel & Jessica, were very helpful and showed us around. The owner, Sean, communicated thru the website and answered all my questions in a timely manner. The kids (ages 6-17) loved visiting all the animals: feeding the goats, holding the kitties in the cathouse, petting the calm big dogs, hiking on the trails, playing at the obstacle course, & they really loved the zip line. There are trails on the property ranging fr easy to difficult. On our night walk to stargaze, there is a beautiful view fr the Hilltop site. Having the dogs around left a big impression as we’ve never had guard dogs at a campsite before. Even though there were times (late in the night) where there was a stretch of barking at something in the hills, it felt very comforting to know they were out there doing their job. It was interesting to hear them communicating to each other from end to end of the property and it was actually not a bother for any of us. It became almost like white noise to fall asleep to. We felt honored to have most of them hang out with us and at the end of the trip we were all saying “We miss the dogs!” So we definitely look forward to coming back and we recommend this place for families.

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Joy

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Loomerland Ranch and Retreat

This is our first Hipcamp experience and it was a pleasantly unique one. We were greeted by the sweetest pack of dogs and our site was clean and easy to find. The camp hosts, Joel & Jessica, were very helpful and showed us around. The owner, Sean, was out of town but communicated with us on how to reach Loomerland and answered all my questions in a timely manner. The kids loved visiting all the animals (feeding the goats acorns, holding the kitties in the cathouse, petting the awesome big dogs), playing at the obstacle course, and they especially loved the zip line. There were several trails on the property that had a good range of easy to difficult to choose from. We went on a night walk to star gaze & there was a beautiful view at the Hilltop site. The hot shower & toilets were convenient. Having the dogs around left a big impression on us as we’ve never had guard dogs at a campsite before. Even though there were times (late in the night) where there was a stretch of barking at something in the hills around us, it felt very comforting to know they were out there doing their job. It was interesting to hear them communicating to each other from end to end of the property and it was actually not a bother for any of us. It became almost like white noise to fall asleep to. We felt honored to have most of them hang out with us and at the end of the trip we were all saying “We miss the dogs!” So we definitely look forward to coming back and we recommend this place for families.

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mike

3 weeks ago

23 ft travel trailer

5 nights at Montezuma Valley Campground

this place is a great getaway—peaceful, quiet, and a billion stars.

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Joy

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Hideout Mountain Lodge

Cove #1 and 2 are quite spacious and tucked under the shade of large Oak trees, great for staying cool on hot days, maybe not so great if you need to recharge batteries with solar. Showers and toilets are a short walk away. All of the campsites aren't far from the main road so there is considerable road noise during the day, but it quiets down to almost none at night. There are so many stars visible after dark, it's magical. I didn't have the opportunity to meet the property manager, but I did notice him assisting other guests and the housekeeper, Janice watched out for me as a solo female camper, even bringing me leftovers from her Thanksgiving dinner. :)