The best cave campgrounds near La Jolla, California

La Jolla is packed with over 330 camping options for cave enthusiasts. You’ll find campsites tucked into coastal bluffs and just a short drive from the famous sea caves. The average night comes in at $55, but you can snag a spot for as little as $16. Most sites allow campfires, welcome pets, and provide showers—handy after a long hike or a swim. Hiking trails crisscross the area, with wildlife-watching right outside your tent. For a local favorite, Splitrock Farm and Retreat (840 reviews) is the one campers keep talking about. Or try Detour n De Luz Fallbrook San Diego (6 reviews) and MT SOMEWHERE (6 reviews) if you want something quieter. Bring a torch, sturdy shoes, and get ready to explore—these caves aren’t just for looking at; they’re for crawling, watching the tide, and spotting sea lions in the dusk.

91% (1.1K) • 28 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near La Jolla

La Jolla is packed with over 330 camping options for cave enthusiasts. You’ll find campsites tucked into coastal bluffs and just a short drive from the famous sea caves. The average night comes in at $55, but you can snag a spot for as little as $16. Most sites allow campfires, welcome pets, and provide showers—handy after a long hike or a swim. Hiking trails crisscross the area, with wildlife-watching right outside your tent. For a local favorite, Splitrock Farm and Retreat (840 reviews) is the one campers keep talking about. Or try Detour n De Luz Fallbrook San Diego (6 reviews) and MT SOMEWHERE (6 reviews) if you want something quieter. Bring a torch, sturdy shoes, and get ready to explore—these caves aren’t just for looking at; they’re for crawling, watching the tide, and spotting sea lions in the dusk.

91% (1.1K) • 28 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near La Jolla

1. Splitrock Farm and Retreat

96%

(1544)

41mi from La Jolla · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 150+ foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.

2. Detour n De Luz Fallbrook San Diego

90%

(15)

40mi from La Jolla · 13 sites · Tents

Adults only. A natural hideaway for You and Your's. No curfews or quiet hours.. Check in at noon. Extended check out, automatically granted until 4:00pm, so relax and enjoy. Detour N De Luz, offers camping experiences that are unique and outside the status quo. Campers are given freedom of choice. Within a 10 acre range of sloping hillside, majestic rock formations and lush exotic landscape, you can find your own ideal camp spot or choose one of our leveled spots, already cleared of dry brush and ready for above ground standard tent camping. Dogs allowed on leash only and be familiar with Southern California's indigenous wildlife proper protocol, when accompanied by your canine. The camping area resides on the North side of the Via Cordoniz access road, starting at Deadwood Dome site and the Detour N De Luz sign at top of staircase, ranging North West 3/4 of the mountain up, and 10 acres left. Please be mindful of the property markers, and respect our neighboring property lines. You are responsible for your own fitness in hiking the inclining trails and staircases. Hiking or walking sticks are highly recommended. A shared cooking area, has been cleared, a small fire extinguisher provided, burn kit, and carved crater seating. Nearby, a shared pit toilet pallet stall with a small 5 gallon solar shower bag, shower and pouring bottle-for minor freshening, vanity mirror and 5 gallon water jug, refilled as needed. Two small sleeping tents are available for rent. Cost is an additional $5 per night, per sleeping tent. If you would like the tent set up and taken down for you, we charge a $5 flat, per tent, set up/breakdown fee. One single person, military style, fold out, sleeping cot, is also available for rent, at $5 per night. Please message us in advance to reserve sleeping amenities, as they are available first come, first serve. A welcome fruit tray of chiramoyas, guava or avacado, or bouquet of fresh cut Protea or leucidendrom flower bouquet, (all grown on property), is available, upon request, for special occasions. Please message us in your reservation, with advanced notice.

3. Cleveland National Forest

93%

(84)

436 sites · Descanso, California

Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Dana

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Beautiful land and well kept. Love the big doggos and livestock roaming around. Thank you for an awesome time.

L

Lucy

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

1 night at Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Ben provided clear instructions for arrival and camp site usage. Facility is clean and easy to access! Nice view in the site, highly recommend!

E

Erica

2 weeks ago

Tent

5 nights at Splitrock Farm and Retreat

The place is wonderful. Lots of little spots to call your own. The sunset and sunrises are amazing. And lots of free lawn service (pack of goats and a lama).

K

Kurt

2 weeks ago

21 ft Class B

2 nights at Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Great spot! Very private and peaceful. Amazing views too! I will definitely be back.

E

Emily

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

So beautiful!! Will be coming back for sure. We loved the goats roaming around.

L

Laura

3 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Stunningly beautiful place with wonderful peaceful vibes, absolutely love it!

C

Cooper

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Second visit to this year at this campground and I have to say it’s absolutely one of the best private campgrounds in the San Diego area. Stunning views from nearly every location. With hot showers and clean restrooms (flushable toilets !!), a on site store with most camping needs, what more could a camper need. It honestly feels like stepping into a movie, from the fee range goats (and llama) that share the space, to the sunrises above the clouds that appear endless I cannot recommend this place enough. And not to mention the extremely accesible prices for tent/rv camping. Overall 11/10 so awesome will be returning frequently!!!

C

Casey

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Split Rock is a magical place. My kids and I had a wonderful time, between climbing on rocks, watching the goats, and taking in the views. Highly recommend this place!

M

Madeline

December 2025

3 nights at Splitrock Farm and Retreat

The view was stunning, the bus was comfy and was an added part of the experience for sure. Every morning I was woken up by the running of the goats lol. They would stop sometimes and hang out as well. Had a lovely solo camping trip here and would definitely return again!

J

Janille

December 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

This place is so great. I want gatekeep but also tell everyone about it. This campsite in particular was very secluded, but still within walking distance of toilet. Granite Tabernacle had two campfires and the space it was in was so big there was so much room for activities. The animals walking around were so cute and the views were beautiful. The bathroom/showers were much cleaner than expected. The shower didn’t get warm but I got used to it eventually. The road leading up to each of the campsites did feel a little scary driving up, but I’m sure most cars can get there. Interacted with just a few people that worked there, but everyone was nice. The loop around the grounds was about 30 minutes walking and was nice to scope out potential next stays, which I definitely will be doing next year!

D

Dominic

December 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Got there at night didn’t really know where to go. Great spot had a good time.

A

Alyssa

December 2025

24 ft Class C

Group trip

4 nights at Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Had an amazing time!! The property is so beautiful and absolutely loved all the goats roaming around the sites. Outdoor shower?!? Yes please! Had great water pressure too :) Very quick communication with Ben regarding any and all questions. Only issue with our specific site was very little level ground for tents but we made it work!

A

Andrea

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Such a beautiful campground! We’ve never been to one quite like it. Lush green and trees everywhere. Exploring different sites was an adventure, each one with a unique setup. It was an incredible experience being there with all the beautiful goats too! Really looking forward to our next visit!

B

Brittany

November 2025

3 nights at Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Magical! Great response from host when I had questions before & after booking about what to bring. The VW bus was nice and warm at the end of November. Absolutely adored the goats: super sweet. I loved seeing ALL the animals there. There was not one thing I didn’t love about this campsite: private, lovely views, bathroom within close walking distance, literally all the things. 5/5 stars, 100% would do again.

K

Kimberly

November 2025

12 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Great camping place. Its a beautiful piece of property, amazing sunsets, very peaceful, facilities were clean and in good order. We were at the Granite Gulch site and it was awesome, plenty of space, private, convenient to toilet. The goats were cute, a plus if you love animals. We will definitely be back.

C

Courtney

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

What an awesome weekend with family and friends! Splitrock Farm and Retreat was a joy! Remote, but not too far from others campers and Fallbrook, it was a great escape for tent camping. Host was communicative and the team on site was lovely.

R

Rachel

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Amazing place! We loved it. Easy to find and easy to find a spot. Peaceful and adventurous

K

Kenneth

November 2025

20 ft Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

Great views. Well kept. Family friendly. I will come back in the future.

N

Nina

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Splitrock Farm and Retreat

We only stayed one night, but plan to come back again! It felt peaceful and safe. We saw goats roaming around too!

Fernanda

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Splitrock Farm and Retreat

We visited during Thanksgiving and it was even better than I expected: truly fantastic! The place is peaceful, relaxing, and surrounded by nature, wildlife, and beautiful views. I’m already looking forward to coming back!