Lakeside camping near Escondido with fishing

Lakes, ranches, and rocky foothills—easygoing Escondido is a camper's dream.

93% (340 reviews)

United States
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California
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Escondido

93% (340 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Escondido

Available this weekend

Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

6 sites · Lodging1 acre · Mount Laguna, CA

Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors. Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA. Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California. Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment. We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping. Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8. There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite. Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.

Deer Valley Alpaca Farm Glamping

5 sites · Lodging9 acres · CA

Our working alpaca farm is the perfect place for a retreat from the city and some serenity. Our goal is to provide our guests with privacy and comfort to rejuvenate their souls. Spend your days relaxing, wandering through the gardens, meeting our farm animals, and visiting one of the many nearby locations to hike, bike, eat or shop! We have 3 experiences to choose from for your stay: #1 Bell Tent- Stay in our 16.5' Canvas Bell Tent complete with an outdoor bathroom, kitchen, and shaded dining area. #2 Cottage- Sleeping cottage with an outdoor (detached) bathroom, kitchen and shaded dining area. #3 Group Camp = bring your friends and rent out both camping areas to have the whole area to yourselves!

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!

Rancho Esquandolas

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Warner Springs, CA

Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country. We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock. Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.

7 top lakeside campgrounds near Escondido with fishing

Lakeshore Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴

Villa Macala

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Hemet, CA

Villa Macala is a 20-acre oasis of detailed landscape, orchards and Southern CA native planting while complimenting the natural rocks and gorgeous views. This master planned 20 acres is a great escape from city life. Come take in the views, enjoy the many hiking trails and rest in the peace, quiet and beauty of Villa Macala. *NOTE: Scroll down to RV/Tent sites to book for a larger tent camping party over 4 people or for a camper van under 14 feet. Overlooking the Hemet Valley with gorgeous panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Macala is reminiscent of an Italian Villa. The property landscape includes Olive Orchards throughout, a growing vineyard, fig trees, pomegranate trees and more set in the natural rock landscape. (NOTE: We have tent camp sites only and can accommodate camper vans and truck campers depending on size and which site selected, however we CANNOT accommodate pull behind trailers, pull behind campers or RVs of any kind). Villa Macala is 15 minutes from Diamond Valley Lake where you can enjoy a wildflower trail, fishing or mountain bike trails, museum and water park. It is 20-30 minutes to Pachea Trail and Simpson Park where you can enjoy more great hiking and mountain bike trails. It is also a 30-minute drive to Temecula Wine Country. Enjoy walking the grounds of the 20 acres and taking in the views. We have 2 outdoor bathrooms, one was most recently added one at our Elderberry Camp Site (site 1), closer to site 4 our Oaks Campsite as well. (Please note our 2nd bathroom is a good walk uphill from the campsites). Currently the bathroom closer to the sites has a toilet and sink and shower still to come. Our larger bathroom (a little walk uphill) campers can use with a shower and small fridge to store your food. We also have a playground with swing set for kids to enjoy. Please bring your own tents. OTHER SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING: Your own fire wood, cooking wood, starter material, lighters, utensils, etc. We offer firewood bundles for $7 you can choose to purchase at time of booking or bring cash. Your own cooler to store food close to your site and grill that you need on hand since the small fridge is a good walk from those 2 places. We sell bags of ice for $4. Bring cash if you would like to purchase. Your own camp chairs. Easy up shade. Sunblock, cool clothes. We are closed for the bulk of summer but at times daytime temperatures can reach 90+ even in late spring and early fall. Please bring your own towels for shower use. The towels provided in there are for orchard workers during the week. Thank you! PLEASE NOTE: Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Please make sure to select the site you wish to stay at. SITE AVAILABILITY AND OPTIONS: We have 4 Tent Sites available and A Teardrop Trailer Site. All sites have fire-pits and picnic tables. SITE 1: Elderberry Park. This site is for a large group up to 12 people. Chose site 1 for groups larger then 4 people and groups with children. There is shade cover over the picnic table. *This is the only site that can accommodate a camper van. SITE 2: Olive Orchard. This site is located on the perimeter of our olive orchards overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains. This site can fit up to 2 tents and we recommend a maximum of 4 people. SITE 3: Private Corner. This site is in a private far corner of the property. We recommend a maximum of 4 people and have determined that for safety reasons this site is for adults only. If Site 3 is chosen it would require a Polaris Shuttle from the Camp Host down to the site, a car will not be able to go direct. SITE 4: This site is under the Oak Trees and is a very small site suitable only for 1-2 people max. TEARDROP TRAILER SITE: See listing for details. Sleeps 2 comfortably if guests are under 6 feet. *All tent sites can be shown to camp guests for decision and viewing upon arrival unless multiple groups are booked. All sites have either a covered firepit or a wood burning stove and all a picnic table. *We do our best to keep our maximum capacity of 12 campers at one time. FIRES: No fires are to be lit by the campers without verbal consent from property owner and instruction. SEE property owner/camp host upon arrival about what you may use on the property. He will provide instructions. If you have questions prior to check-in, please message us. Bring your own fire wood, starter material, lighters, utensils, etc. TASTINGS: Macala Orchards Olive Oil, Various Jellies and Jams & Pomegranate Juice all made from what we grow are available for tasting upon request. Please let us know prior to arrival if you are interested in a scheduled tasting during your stay! We can provide a tasting only if we have the proper staff during your visit to accommodate. Our products are available for purchase, with or without a tasting. We recommend you bring cash if you are interested. We also take Venmo! Thank you.

Rancho Esquandolas

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Warner Springs, CA

Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country. We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock. Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!

Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

6 sites · Lodging1 acre · Mount Laguna, CA

Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors. Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA. Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California. Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment. We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping. Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8. There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite. Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.

Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Julian, CA

Built in the 50’s it is sitting on 2 parcels and is over ½ acre in size. We also have 2 other cabins for rent in Julian for larger groups. The outhouse that you see was used when it was first built and now is for storage. The original owner built the house himself and it was originally on piers alone with no other foundation! There is a folder in the bedroom closet of the house over the years. The decorations were here when we bought it so we kept them to preserve the house’s uniqueness. We treasure this house which is nestled amongst the trees and has so many beautiful birds that visit. Many turkeys love to stop by too! If you hear the deep cooing from the monster doves (who are very shy) you can try to spot one. They are amazing. We really hope you love it as much as we do.

Deer Valley Alpaca Farm Glamping

5 sites · Lodging9 acres · CA

Our working alpaca farm is the perfect place for a retreat from the city and some serenity. Our goal is to provide our guests with privacy and comfort to rejuvenate their souls. Spend your days relaxing, wandering through the gardens, meeting our farm animals, and visiting one of the many nearby locations to hike, bike, eat or shop! We have 3 experiences to choose from for your stay: #1 Bell Tent- Stay in our 16.5' Canvas Bell Tent complete with an outdoor bathroom, kitchen, and shaded dining area. #2 Cottage- Sleeping cottage with an outdoor (detached) bathroom, kitchen and shaded dining area. #3 Group Camp = bring your friends and rent out both camping areas to have the whole area to yourselves!

Cooking equipment

Star Hosts in Escondido

Villa Macala

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Hemet, CA

Villa Macala is a 20-acre oasis of detailed landscape, orchards and Southern CA native planting while complimenting the natural rocks and gorgeous views. This master planned 20 acres is a great escape from city life. Come take in the views, enjoy the many hiking trails and rest in the peace, quiet and beauty of Villa Macala. *NOTE: Scroll down to RV/Tent sites to book for a larger tent camping party over 4 people or for a camper van under 14 feet. Overlooking the Hemet Valley with gorgeous panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Macala is reminiscent of an Italian Villa. The property landscape includes Olive Orchards throughout, a growing vineyard, fig trees, pomegranate trees and more set in the natural rock landscape. (NOTE: We have tent camp sites only and can accommodate camper vans and truck campers depending on size and which site selected, however we CANNOT accommodate pull behind trailers, pull behind campers or RVs of any kind). Villa Macala is 15 minutes from Diamond Valley Lake where you can enjoy a wildflower trail, fishing or mountain bike trails, museum and water park. It is 20-30 minutes to Pachea Trail and Simpson Park where you can enjoy more great hiking and mountain bike trails. It is also a 30-minute drive to Temecula Wine Country. Enjoy walking the grounds of the 20 acres and taking in the views. We have 2 outdoor bathrooms, one was most recently added one at our Elderberry Camp Site (site 1), closer to site 4 our Oaks Campsite as well. (Please note our 2nd bathroom is a good walk uphill from the campsites). Currently the bathroom closer to the sites has a toilet and sink and shower still to come. Our larger bathroom (a little walk uphill) campers can use with a shower and small fridge to store your food. We also have a playground with swing set for kids to enjoy. Please bring your own tents. OTHER SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING: Your own fire wood, cooking wood, starter material, lighters, utensils, etc. We offer firewood bundles for $7 you can choose to purchase at time of booking or bring cash. Your own cooler to store food close to your site and grill that you need on hand since the small fridge is a good walk from those 2 places. We sell bags of ice for $4. Bring cash if you would like to purchase. Your own camp chairs. Easy up shade. Sunblock, cool clothes. We are closed for the bulk of summer but at times daytime temperatures can reach 90+ even in late spring and early fall. Please bring your own towels for shower use. The towels provided in there are for orchard workers during the week. Thank you! PLEASE NOTE: Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Please make sure to select the site you wish to stay at. SITE AVAILABILITY AND OPTIONS: We have 4 Tent Sites available and A Teardrop Trailer Site. All sites have fire-pits and picnic tables. SITE 1: Elderberry Park. This site is for a large group up to 12 people. Chose site 1 for groups larger then 4 people and groups with children. There is shade cover over the picnic table. *This is the only site that can accommodate a camper van. SITE 2: Olive Orchard. This site is located on the perimeter of our olive orchards overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains. This site can fit up to 2 tents and we recommend a maximum of 4 people. SITE 3: Private Corner. This site is in a private far corner of the property. We recommend a maximum of 4 people and have determined that for safety reasons this site is for adults only. If Site 3 is chosen it would require a Polaris Shuttle from the Camp Host down to the site, a car will not be able to go direct. SITE 4: This site is under the Oak Trees and is a very small site suitable only for 1-2 people max. TEARDROP TRAILER SITE: See listing for details. Sleeps 2 comfortably if guests are under 6 feet. *All tent sites can be shown to camp guests for decision and viewing upon arrival unless multiple groups are booked. All sites have either a covered firepit or a wood burning stove and all a picnic table. *We do our best to keep our maximum capacity of 12 campers at one time. FIRES: No fires are to be lit by the campers without verbal consent from property owner and instruction. SEE property owner/camp host upon arrival about what you may use on the property. He will provide instructions. If you have questions prior to check-in, please message us. Bring your own fire wood, starter material, lighters, utensils, etc. TASTINGS: Macala Orchards Olive Oil, Various Jellies and Jams & Pomegranate Juice all made from what we grow are available for tasting upon request. Please let us know prior to arrival if you are interested in a scheduled tasting during your stay! We can provide a tasting only if we have the proper staff during your visit to accommodate. Our products are available for purchase, with or without a tasting. We recommend you bring cash if you are interested. We also take Venmo! Thank you.

Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

6 sites · Lodging1 acre · Mount Laguna, CA

Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors. Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA. Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California. Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment. We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping. Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8. There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite. Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.

Rancho Esquandolas

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Warner Springs, CA

Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country. We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock. Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.

Dog-friendly getaways

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!

Lakeshore Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA

Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴

Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

6 sites · Lodging1 acre · Mount Laguna, CA

Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors. Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA. Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California. Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment. We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping. Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8. There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite. Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.

Rancho Esquandolas

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Warner Springs, CA

Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country. We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock. Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.

Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Julian, CA

Built in the 50’s it is sitting on 2 parcels and is over ½ acre in size. We also have 2 other cabins for rent in Julian for larger groups. The outhouse that you see was used when it was first built and now is for storage. The original owner built the house himself and it was originally on piers alone with no other foundation! There is a folder in the bedroom closet of the house over the years. The decorations were here when we bought it so we kept them to preserve the house’s uniqueness. We treasure this house which is nestled amongst the trees and has so many beautiful birds that visit. Many turkeys love to stop by too! If you hear the deep cooing from the monster doves (who are very shy) you can try to spot one. They are amazing. We really hope you love it as much as we do.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Descanso, California

Cleveland National Forest

Cleveland National Forest

Descanso, California

San Bernardino National Forest

San Bernardino National Forest

La Quinta, California

Value Prop

Value Prop

Lakeside camping near Escondido with fishing guide

Overview

You find an outdoor paradise hidden in the rolling foothills of North County—literally. Escondido (meaning "hidden" in Spanish) is a historic city 30 miles north of San Diego, California. Get ready to explore three lakes, 20 miles of hiking trails at Daley Ranch, and dozens of nearby beaches.

With its historic farmsteads and vast open spaces, camping near Escondido is never an issue. The area hosts a trove of RV parks, many with extra comforts such as pet-friendly areas, free WiFi, hot tubs, and swimming pools.

If you'd rather sleep under the stars, discover Dixon Lake, a charming reservoir in the rocky foothills. The lake-view campground offers RV and tent camping. When the sun rises, rent a boat to enjoy some fishing (no state license needed) or hike the easy shore trail. You might want to leave your bathing suit at home—swimming here is a no-go.

Drive due west from Escondido, and you hit the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful California state beaches line the coast, the perfect place for camping, surfing, or just soaking in that SoCal sun.

A 30-mile drive east brings you to Cleveland National Forest, a sprawling mountain wilderness. Set up camp in the backcountry, or hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Nearby Palomar Mountain State Park is a local treasure. At a 5,000-foot elevation, this park draws visitors with its fishing pond, hiking trails, and pleasantly cool evenings.

If you don't want to venture too far, there are plenty of things to do right in Escondido. Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, meander through the historic downtown, or go wine tasting at a local winery. Kit Carson Park is a family favorite in southern Escondido. The 285-acre space features hiking trails, ponds, picnic tables, and a disc golf course.

The area's Mediterranean climate makes for great camping weather year round. For summer travel, don't forget to bring a reusable water bottle—you don't want to get parched on the trails.

Popular Escondido trips

Rv parks & camping

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Top parks near Escondido

Joshua Tree National Park

Deep Creek Hot Springs

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Cleveland National Forest

Sequoia National Park

Death Valley National Park

Palomar Mountain State Park

Sequoia National Forest

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