98% (529) • 53 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Imperial Beach
Hideout Mountain Lodge
1. Hideout Mountain Lodge
95%
(358)
50mi from Imperial Beach · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hideout Mountain Lodge is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the hills of Santa Ysabel, just over an hour from San Diego and a couple of hours from Los Angeles. Spread across 40 acres, the property offers a variety of places to stay — from remodeled cabins with fireplaces and private decks, to vintage trailers, campsites, and RV spots with full hookups and views of Lake Henshaw.
This is the kind of place where you slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the landscape. Guests gather around the community firepit, take walks through the oaks, or just relax on a porch and listen to the birds.
On weekends, you can wander over to Josie’s Hideout Saloon, our on-site bar and restaurant, known for its live music and western character.
We’re just a few minutes from the towns of Santa Ysabel and Julian, easy to get to but far enough away to feel like an escape.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$24
/ night
Hidden Lake
2. Hidden Lake
100%
(26)
22mi from Imperial Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the perfect escape at this peaceful lakeside camping spot nestled under the shade of majestic oak trees. Located right beside a lake stocked with fish, this serene property offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, cast a line, or explore the surrounding wilderness, this beautiful location provides an ideal setting for a memorable outdoor experience. Bring your RV or pitch a tent, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of lakeside camping. Plus, enjoy kayaking, swimming, and more as you soak in everything this lakeside haven has to offer. Book your spot today!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$135
/ night
Stallion Oaks Ranch (Retreat)
3. Stallion Oaks Ranch (Retreat)
96%
(227)
35mi from Imperial Beach · 18 sites · Tents, Lodging
In 2003, the Grosvenor Family Foundation donated the 238-acre retreat property located in Descanso to The Unity Center. Much of the land, including more than 12 structures were destroyed during the Cedar Fires in October of 2003. In the years since the fire, members of our community have lovingly tended to the land and slowly nurtured the trees and flowers. The result is acres of pristine wilderness, with hiking trails, a small lake and even a hill of daffodils that bloom every Spring.Our vision is to create a world-class retreat center and campground that promotes spiritual renewal and personal growth in a natural setting, by providing a location for education, inner reflection, positive recreation and acceptance. The Ranch is owned by The Unity Center, a progressive spiritual community that emphasizes living consciously and making a positive difference in the world. This is a sacred and special place . So whether you're planning a retreat, a wedding or a special event, we hope you'll come away from the Ranch feeling renewed.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from
$35
/ night
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
436 sites · Descanso, California
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
5. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
89%
(47)
233 sites · Descanso, California
Summit peaks, visit waterfalls, and beat the SoCal heat at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Guardian Ranch
6. Guardian Ranch
44mi from Imperial Beach · 2 sites · Lodging
Escape to Guardian Ranch, a stunning 40-acre private estate in Escondido overlooking serene Lake Wohlford. This unparalleled sanctuary offers unique Airbnb lodging perfect for large groups, family reunions, or a tranquil luxury escape.
What makes us the ultimate Southern California getaway?
Our uniqueness lies in our scale and amenities. Choose from seven distinct vacation rental properties, including the spacious Casa Grande, charming cottages, and unique tiny homes with canyon views. We accommodate every traveler — from couples to large parties.
Guests can expect a five-star stay with:
• Private Pool Access: Sparkling pool amenity
• Estate-Sized Group Stays: Accommodations for large parties
On-Site Activities: Pickleball courts, scenic hiking trails, indoor games, and fire pit gatherings
• Event Hosting: Ideal for intimate weddings, corporate retreats, and large family gatherings (capacity up to 200)
• Stunning Views: Rolling hills, lush meadows, and breathtaking night skies for a true nature retreat
Book your San Diego vacation rental or luxury event venue today for an unforgettable experience.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$149
/ night
Champagne Lakes RV Resort
7. Champagne Lakes RV Resort
49mi from Imperial Beach · 2 sites · RVs
Quaint Comfort. Champagne Lakes 760.749.7572 is the most secluded and spacious RV Park in north San Diego County. Choose from a rustic tree covered site near the lake or a modern site with a large concrete pad that provides easy access and maximum flexibility for today's largest slide-out equipped rigs. Sites are ready with every modern amenity including septic, fresh water, cable television, 50 amp, 30 amp and/or 20 amp electrical service, and internet service is available (fees apply).
Natural Beauty. Champagne Lakes RV Resort is nestled in a valley and features huge trees, flowering plants and lots of green lush ground cover. The resort is 50 acres of nature and wildlife preserve, with 3 lakes that are fed by the local mountain streams. Wild ducks and geese have made these lakes their home for over 40 years.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry
8. Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry
99%
(141)
45mi from Imperial Beach · 6 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$113
/ night
Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
9. Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
100%
(5)
44mi from Imperial Beach · 3 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$140
/ night
Dixon Lake Recreation Area
10. Dixon Lake Recreation Area
41mi from Imperial Beach · 3 sites
Dixon Lake stands out as a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque hills above Escondido, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. This campground features a variety of campsites, ranging from private, shaded spots to open areas that provide stunning views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and the twinkling city lights at night.
Open year-round with 24-hour access, Dixon Lake is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The well-maintained roads and trails from the campground lead to excellent fishing opportunities along the shore, where anglers can catch trout, catfish, and bass. For those looking to explore the water, boats are available for rent at the park's concession stand, enhancing your experience on the lake.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, Dixon Lake offers a perfect balance of relaxation and recreation, making it a must-visit location for outdoor lovers.
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
11. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
20mi from Imperial Beach · 10 sites
Discover the charm of our award-winning campground, uniquely situated in the picturesque foothills of Santee, California. Just a short 20-minute drive from the vibrant attractions of San Diego, our campground offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and convenient access to city life.
With 300 full hook-up campsites, each equipped with complimentary WiFi and select sites featuring cable TV, we cater to all your camping needs. For those seeking a cozy retreat, we also provide ten charming cabins. Our campers enjoy exclusive access to fishing in the serene Lakes 6 and 7, making it a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts.
In addition to our beautiful surroundings, we host special events exclusively for campers, fostering a sense of community and adventure. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, our campground is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.
98% (529) • 53 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Imperial Beach
Hideout Mountain Lodge
1. Hideout Mountain Lodge
95%
(358)
50mi from Imperial Beach · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hideout Mountain Lodge is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the hills of Santa Ysabel, just over an hour from San Diego and a couple of hours from Los Angeles. Spread across 40 acres, the property offers a variety of places to stay — from remodeled cabins with fireplaces and private decks, to vintage trailers, campsites, and RV spots with full hookups and views of Lake Henshaw.
This is the kind of place where you slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the landscape. Guests gather around the community firepit, take walks through the oaks, or just relax on a porch and listen to the birds.
On weekends, you can wander over to Josie’s Hideout Saloon, our on-site bar and restaurant, known for its live music and western character.
We’re just a few minutes from the towns of Santa Ysabel and Julian, easy to get to but far enough away to feel like an escape.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$24
/ night
Hidden Lake
2. Hidden Lake
100%
(26)
22mi from Imperial Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the perfect escape at this peaceful lakeside camping spot nestled under the shade of majestic oak trees. Located right beside a lake stocked with fish, this serene property offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, cast a line, or explore the surrounding wilderness, this beautiful location provides an ideal setting for a memorable outdoor experience. Bring your RV or pitch a tent, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of lakeside camping. Plus, enjoy kayaking, swimming, and more as you soak in everything this lakeside haven has to offer. Book your spot today!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$135
/ night
Stallion Oaks Ranch (Retreat)
3. Stallion Oaks Ranch (Retreat)
96%
(227)
35mi from Imperial Beach · 18 sites · Tents, Lodging
In 2003, the Grosvenor Family Foundation donated the 238-acre retreat property located in Descanso to The Unity Center. Much of the land, including more than 12 structures were destroyed during the Cedar Fires in October of 2003. In the years since the fire, members of our community have lovingly tended to the land and slowly nurtured the trees and flowers. The result is acres of pristine wilderness, with hiking trails, a small lake and even a hill of daffodils that bloom every Spring.Our vision is to create a world-class retreat center and campground that promotes spiritual renewal and personal growth in a natural setting, by providing a location for education, inner reflection, positive recreation and acceptance. The Ranch is owned by The Unity Center, a progressive spiritual community that emphasizes living consciously and making a positive difference in the world. This is a sacred and special place . So whether you're planning a retreat, a wedding or a special event, we hope you'll come away from the Ranch feeling renewed.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from
$35
/ night
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
436 sites · Descanso, California
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
5. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
89%
(47)
233 sites · Descanso, California
Summit peaks, visit waterfalls, and beat the SoCal heat at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Guardian Ranch
6. Guardian Ranch
44mi from Imperial Beach · 2 sites · Lodging
Escape to Guardian Ranch, a stunning 40-acre private estate in Escondido overlooking serene Lake Wohlford. This unparalleled sanctuary offers unique Airbnb lodging perfect for large groups, family reunions, or a tranquil luxury escape.
What makes us the ultimate Southern California getaway?
Our uniqueness lies in our scale and amenities. Choose from seven distinct vacation rental properties, including the spacious Casa Grande, charming cottages, and unique tiny homes with canyon views. We accommodate every traveler — from couples to large parties.
Guests can expect a five-star stay with:
• Private Pool Access: Sparkling pool amenity
• Estate-Sized Group Stays: Accommodations for large parties
On-Site Activities: Pickleball courts, scenic hiking trails, indoor games, and fire pit gatherings
• Event Hosting: Ideal for intimate weddings, corporate retreats, and large family gatherings (capacity up to 200)
• Stunning Views: Rolling hills, lush meadows, and breathtaking night skies for a true nature retreat
Book your San Diego vacation rental or luxury event venue today for an unforgettable experience.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$149
/ night
Champagne Lakes RV Resort
7. Champagne Lakes RV Resort
49mi from Imperial Beach · 2 sites · RVs
Quaint Comfort. Champagne Lakes 760.749.7572 is the most secluded and spacious RV Park in north San Diego County. Choose from a rustic tree covered site near the lake or a modern site with a large concrete pad that provides easy access and maximum flexibility for today's largest slide-out equipped rigs. Sites are ready with every modern amenity including septic, fresh water, cable television, 50 amp, 30 amp and/or 20 amp electrical service, and internet service is available (fees apply).
Natural Beauty. Champagne Lakes RV Resort is nestled in a valley and features huge trees, flowering plants and lots of green lush ground cover. The resort is 50 acres of nature and wildlife preserve, with 3 lakes that are fed by the local mountain streams. Wild ducks and geese have made these lakes their home for over 40 years.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry
8. Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry
99%
(141)
45mi from Imperial Beach · 6 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$113
/ night
Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
9. Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
100%
(5)
44mi from Imperial Beach · 3 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$140
/ night
Dixon Lake Recreation Area
10. Dixon Lake Recreation Area
41mi from Imperial Beach · 3 sites
Dixon Lake stands out as a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque hills above Escondido, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. This campground features a variety of campsites, ranging from private, shaded spots to open areas that provide stunning views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and the twinkling city lights at night.
Open year-round with 24-hour access, Dixon Lake is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The well-maintained roads and trails from the campground lead to excellent fishing opportunities along the shore, where anglers can catch trout, catfish, and bass. For those looking to explore the water, boats are available for rent at the park's concession stand, enhancing your experience on the lake.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, Dixon Lake offers a perfect balance of relaxation and recreation, making it a must-visit location for outdoor lovers.
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
11. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
20mi from Imperial Beach · 10 sites
Discover the charm of our award-winning campground, uniquely situated in the picturesque foothills of Santee, California. Just a short 20-minute drive from the vibrant attractions of San Diego, our campground offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and convenient access to city life.
With 300 full hook-up campsites, each equipped with complimentary WiFi and select sites featuring cable TV, we cater to all your camping needs. For those seeking a cozy retreat, we also provide ten charming cabins. Our campers enjoy exclusive access to fishing in the serene Lakes 6 and 7, making it a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts.
In addition to our beautiful surroundings, we host special events exclusively for campers, fostering a sense of community and adventure. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, our campground is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Steven
December 2025
J
Joy
November 2025
Tent
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. :)
See more
B
Brandon
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Dante was great host who offered firewood and use of a canoe. This was a first tent camping trip for my two sons and when it was time to pack up, they both said they wish we had an extra night. We all caught a fish. The relaxing sound of the frogs and owls was perfect. Unzipping the tent door to the view of the lake in the morning was awesome. We saw ducks, turtles, egret, along with a few of Dante’s goats. Very peaceful and remote.
See more
M
Mohammad
November 2025
Tent
The area is nice. The cove#2 was shaded which made is pleasant. There are other areas with better views if that's something you care about.
There was a place to start a fire in each spot, which is ideal to have a camp fire and sit around it.
There are restrooms and also showers. Restrooms are clean
See more
N
Nicholas
October 2025
26 ft travel trailer
With kids
Great spot. Water and power hook up. Easy access. Short walk to the great bar at the bottom of the hill.
Only down point is it is located next to two windy roads. Sports cars and bikes use these roads over the weekend, so can sound at times like a F1 race!
See more
M
Maia
October 2025
Tent
This campground is an amazing site. Great view of the lake and sunset and sunrise. Very private.
See more
Olman
October 2025
19 ft campervan
Camping in front of a beautiful quaint small lake; it doesn’t get any better. Dante was so kind, caring and welcoming. Wish we could have stayed longer. Magical getaway!
See more
J
Jeremy
October 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
Great location. Very private and secluded. Dante the host was great to meet us and show us to the campsites. Kayaks are available to use. The whole setting is very quiet and relaxing. Perfect for two families.
Definitely worth visiting again.
See more
Joel
October 2025
Tent
Quiet and peaceful. It was good to have a hot shower.
See more
C
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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K
Kelly
October 2025
Tent
This campground is fantastic. Has clean facilities and beautiful surroundings.
See moreR
Ryan
October 2025
Tent
Lovely view and space. Hosts were great! Everything was orderly and the amenities were nice and polished.
See more
R
Robert
September 2025
24 ft Class B
With kids
The host was quickly responsive and informative to all my inquiries. He graciously met to guide us to the property, which was great! The fishing was fantastic for kids! They could fish close to the water’s edge and still catch loads of bluegills and even some largemouth bass - they had a blast! We’d certainly go back based on our experience.
See more
M
Monica
September 2025
Tent
With pets
What an amazing camping experience! The space was clean, the lake was beautiful, and I love that it was dog friendly! Dante is an amazing host and welcomed us with open arms and complete kindness.
Highly recommend, the perfect space to get away from the chaos of daily life.
See more
T
Thuan
September 2025
Tent
host was very nice and welcoming. beautiful property with lots of stars at night and turkeys in the morning 😎
See moreJ
James
September 2025
Tent
Campground was clean, had amenities needed, & was taken care of - although it felt cozy you didn't feel like you were scrunched next to other campers and had breathing room. This was a quick overnight for early morning fishing at Lake Henshaw and will easily be where I go when I'm in the are from now on.
See more
J
Joshua
September 2025
Tent
Blissful time. A bit of a mix up with someone else being in “my” spot on arrival but they sorted it out immediately and I was much happier with my revised spot (Lower Campground.) The view was breathtaking.
See moreK
Kelly
September 2025
Tent
Love this campground. Has everything you need and feels very safe for a solo female traveler.
See more
L
LeighAnna
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Amazing spot. The trees provided shade that made the heat bearable. The water felt phenomenal. The kayaks and canoe provided were so much fun! And we were given firewood for a campfire as well. Highly recommend!
See more
J
Jeanette
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great location, nice views and comfortable stay! Host was very communicative. Would stay again!
See more
