The best safari tents in La Jolla

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For an unforgettable camping trip in southern California, take a drive to La Jolla in San Diego County. Sandy shores and coastal adventures await at La Jolla Underwater Park in its underwater caverns. Or, relax at Silver Strand State Beach, which features beachside RV and tent camping, as well as showers and picnic tables. Surfing and kiteboarding are also popular here. Further inland, ascend the peak of Palomar Mountain State Park, go inner tubing down San Luis Rey River, or take a zipline tour at La Jolla Adventure Park. Then, settle back in at nearby campgrounds that are dog-friendly.

89% (85)

Top-rated campgrounds

Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

1. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

100%
(13)
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%
(8)
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)
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

For an unforgettable camping trip in southern California, take a drive to La Jolla in San Diego County. Sandy shores and coastal adventures await at La Jolla Underwater Park in its underwater caverns. Or, relax at Silver Strand State Beach, which features beachside RV and tent camping, as well as showers and picnic tables. Surfing and kiteboarding are also popular here. Further inland, ascend the peak of Palomar Mountain State Park, go inner tubing down San Luis Rey River, or take a zipline tour at La Jolla Adventure Park. Then, settle back in at nearby campgrounds that are dog-friendly.

89% (85)

Top-rated campgrounds

Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

1. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

100%
(13)
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%
(8)
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)
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 in La Jolla guide

Where to go

Palomar Mountain State Park

Northeast of La Jolla, Palomar Mountain State Park spans over 1,800-acres of pine, fir, and cedar forest. At the southern foothills of Palomar Mountain, La Jolla Indian Campground run by the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians boasts fun river tubing access and exciting zipline tours through Pauma Valley. Or reserve a dog-friendly campsite with flush toilets and pay showers. It fits motorhomes and trailers up to 24 feet in length. Nearby, Lake Henshaw also offers boating, kayaking, and waterfront camping for fishing and boating enthusiasts, including RV sites with full hookups.

Silver Strand State Beach

On a slim sandbar between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Silver Strand State Beach offers both cooler ocean and warmer bay beaches. Swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing are popular here, as are beach volleyball, surfing, and boogie boarding. The on-site RV campground offers full hookups for motorhomes and travel trailers up to 40 feet in length. Facilities include fire rings for summer cookouts, beach restrooms, and cold showers.

La Jolla Underwater Park

Swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers will want to visit La Jolla Underwater Park for day use after they check into a nearby RV park. Swimming through the crystal clear waters, underwater explorers will encounter an abundance of marine life, including leopard sharks and colorful fish among kelp forests. The underwater park extends about three miles up the coast along La Jolla Bay from La Jolla Cove to Scripps Pier.

When to go

With warmer weather up to the mid-80s and longer daylight hours, summertime is popular for camping near La Jolla. Snorkelers and divers who want to swim with leopard sharks may want to visit when the population peaks in July and August. Milder weather in spring and fall can be equally pleasant and less busy for ziplining, tubing, and hiking. Campsites typically offer greater availability during the cooler months as well.