- Lake San Marcos
The best big rig friendly camping near Lake San Marcos
97% (184)
Top-rated campgrounds near Lake San Marcos
97% (184)
Top-rated campgrounds near Lake San Marcos
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Chuck
2 weeks ago
26 ft campervan
If you read any review let it be this one. It was an absolutely gorgeous property very easily marked spots. Awesome hosts very good produce and maintained property. The spot is right in front of a cow enclosure they are very friendly. There is a beautiful koi pond. My only grievence is that we didn't stay longer. 10/10 property.
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Jessica
2 weeks ago
40 ft Class A
The property is beautiful. Bernie and Hoa were both super nice and social. Fresh eggs, fruit trees, palm, wild bunnies and cows. We were there for 3 weeks, and had plans been different we would have loved to stay longer. We will be back when we are in the area.
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Lisa
2 weeks ago
30 ft travel trailer
What a slice of paradise Bernard and Hoa share with the campers. They are friendly, generous, and accommodating. Their property is just a few blocks away from the cute town of Ramona, CA! Marinade on Main is a favorite restaurant nearby.
Their property is secluded, secure, and peaceful behind a coded gate.
There are three camping sites that are quite large, and several tent sites.
The grounds are well maintained.
We enjoyed the proximity to downtown San Diego, La Mesa, Santee, and our son’s home nearby.
We were able to stay at Thompson’s Palm Farm quite a few days as there is water, electric, and septic.
We will return again and again!
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Kirby
November 2025
17 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful property. Host Bernie was very kind and had a pleasant stay.
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Francesco
October 2025
35 ft fifth wheel
Nadiya- was extremely helpful and accomodating. The site was great, quiet. All the amenities were available as decribed. Location is great and near all the Wineries. Lake skinner is less than 20 minutes away.
We had a great time I would stay here again when visting Temecula.
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Mallorie
October 2025
21 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Thank you Bernie and Hoa for the hospitality to our family. We enjoyed the farm and all the animals you showed us. All the recommendations Bernie gave us were very delicious as well. We can’t wait to visit again very soon. Thanks again!
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Stephanie
October 2025
20 ft toy hauler
With pets
We followed Joel’s directions and easily found where to go. Keep an eye on your upper camper as you travel the long drive. The trees come close in spots. There’s plenty of room. Joel met us when we drove in. He directed us to our spot and gave us information about the area and getting around. It’s right in the middle of town, but you’d never know it. It’s pretty quiet and feels secluded. There are others that live on the property and off the long driveway, but everyone is pleasant and friendly. There’s no street noise. There’s working people around, so you’ll hear neighbors coming and going for work. The ground is all gravel and fairly level. We had water and electric hook-ups. Joel’s dog Gwen patrols the property. She’s friendly, but a little shy. We had our 2 dogs with us and they were allowed to roam the property. We also had our own fencing when we didn’t want them to roam. The property is safe and not gated. Joel warned us about skunks. We smelled them, but never saw them. There are trees around the outside of the property, so not much shade, but the weather is so nice, we didn’t need any. Lots of birds around. There is a bathroom and shower available. We didn’t need them, as we had our camper. Others were using them. We got ants in the camper-not unusually when camping. Joel was friendly and never bothered us. We never felt intruded upon or uncomfortable. Everything is close and lots to do within 25 minutes drive. We’ll come again!
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Airizon
September 2025
35 ft Class A
Depending on what you're doing in the SD area, it can be a great jumping off spot. 30min to most of the hot spots.
Joel was a very personable host. We are in a 35' DP and had no problem getting in/out. I don't know if I would try a 42'. The driveway is pretty tight. For us overall it was a great experience for our 1st Hipcamp adventure. Thanks Joel. Cheers!
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Dylan
September 2025
20 ft campervan
Joel is great the place is quiet and we enjoyed our stay.
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Anthony
August 2025
50 ft travel trailer
I like Joe’s place. It was very cozy quiet tucked away far deep in his property from the street. It was very nice. The gentleman was very kind to me. When I come back to Chula Vista, I will always get a spot from him. Thank you very much Joe from Tony. I will call you next year reserve. A spot with you again thank you for all your good work. You’ve done on your property next year. It might be better. Have a great one. Say hi to your family for me. Talk to you soon.
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Adrian
August 2025
29 ft Class C
Joel’s place is convienently located and very private, plus Joel is a nice guy. 10/10 would stay again
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George
August 2025
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
Very friendly
Very clean and functional
Can’t wait to go back
Thanks Joel
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Lyndsey
August 2025
22 ft travel trailer
I had a great stay at Joel's property. It had a very EcoVillage feel. The spots were close together with a communal shower area behind me. Everyone was very relaxed and one site had a dog who barked some, but not too bad and was quiet during late and early hours.
Joel was very friendly and helpful. He was accommodating amdist my travel mishaps when I arrived and always with a smile for the entirety of my stay. I didn't spend as much time there as I thought I would and was a little sad about that. His directions were helpful as the turn would be easy to miss. I recommend using. Location was extremely convenient to the freeway and to Imperial Beach. I would definitely return.
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Shelleen
August 2025
27 ft Class A
With pets
Great communication from Bernie and Hoa! Not one issue with arrival, locating site and setting up with full hookups. Well laid out utilities with site 3.
Very private, even with one additional RV on site. A lot of open space to walk our dog on a leash and explore the property with respect to all others.
We didn't buy any fresh eggs or plants but they were well marked and easily accessible for self service.
This property is right in the heart of a lot of farm stands and wineries! Grocery stores: Stater brothers and Albertson's all within driving distance.
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Jaime
August 2025
38 ft Class A
With pets
Quiet, peaceful place with plenty of wildlife to enjoy. You won't see the owners much unless you need something. They are quick to respond to any messages or requests.
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Michael
August 2025
19 ft travel trailer
With pets
Our family needed somewhere to getaway for a weekend, and Bernie and Hoa’s campground was perfect. The kids loved the cows and chickens., and checking out all the plants. Though Bernie and Hoa couldn’t be there for our visit, they were still very helpful and responsive. Would definitely recommend and will plan on coming back!
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Angelica
July 2025
26 ft travel trailer
With kids
Bernie and his family were wonderful hosts! The location was perfect for what we were looking for and had exactly what we needed.
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Amanda
July 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
My husband and I brought our four dogs in our RV. Joel was extremely accommodating. There was enough room for us to comfortably walk our dogs and have a descent amount of privacy.
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J P
July 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
This was a great hip camp. Joel was really cool with moving our camper so we could make a make shift fenced in area for our four dogs. There are definitely some active wild life in this urban area. Two of our dogs got skunked by the first skunk they have ever seen. They are ok just a little smelly for a bit we washed them up. Very close to downtown San Diego and Imperial Beach which were the main places we wanted to go on our trip.
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Robert
July 2025
32 ft Class A
A wonderful place, peaceful, clean, great plants and all the necessary hook ups.
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The best big rig friendly camping near Lake San Marcos guide
Where to go
Near Lake San Marcos
Near Escondido, Dixon Lake Recreation Area offers bass, catfish, and trout fishing, boat rentals, and a campground with tent and RV sites, plus a cabin. For sun, sand, and surf, head west to the coast and find camping options near the ocean at San Elijo State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach, San Onofre State Beach, and San Clemente State Beach.
San Diego Area
Head south to Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve to stay in a floating cabin or a lakeside tent or RV. Closer to San Diego, Silver Strand State Beach offers RV camping near Coronado, while private campgrounds can be found around Mission Bay and San Diego Bay, often with plenty of amenities. Closer to the border, Tijuana Valley Regional Park offers yurts and a campground.
Cleveland National Forest
Inland at the Cleveland National Forest, campers can find scenic drives, waterfalls, and mountain peaks. Several campgrounds with tent and RV sites sit near the base and on Palomar Mountain, also home to the Palomar Observatory. Palomar Mountain State Park, meanwhile, has one campground for tents and RVs.
When to go
Lake San Marcos is a year-round destination, though lake activities are the most popular over the summer, which is also the busiest time at the beaches and coastal campgrounds. Visit in spring and fall to escape the crowds, and know that some higher-elevation campgrounds in the Cleveland National Forest are only open seasonally.