The best dog-friendly glamping near Lake San Marcos, California

96% (4008 reviews)

Looking for a camping experience near Lake San Marcos, California that allows pets and offers glamping accommodation? Hipcamp has over 1170 available options that fit your criteria. Among the top campsites near Lake San Marcos are Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch (518 reviews), and The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews). With popular amenities like potable water, trash, and toilets, and activities like fishing, whitewater paddling, and horseback riding, there's something for every pet-loving glamper. Average price per night is $100 with options as low as $18.

Popular camping styles for Lake San Marcos

Top-rated campgrounds

96% (4008 reviews)

Looking for a camping experience near Lake San Marcos, California that allows pets and offers glamping accommodation? Hipcamp has over 1170 available options that fit your criteria. Among the top campsites near Lake San Marcos are Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch (518 reviews), and The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews). With popular amenities like potable water, trash, and toilets, and activities like fishing, whitewater paddling, and horseback riding, there's something for every pet-loving glamper. Average price per night is $100 with options as low as $18.

Popular camping styles for Lake San Marcos

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Stargazers Retreat

94%

(18)

37mi from Lake San Marcos · 1 site · Lodging · Julian, CA

Come enjoy this beautiful glamping site with 180 degree panoramic views of the Volcan Mountains. Start your morning off with a beautiful hike followed by breakfast in downtown Julian just minutes away. Endless activities including cider, wine, mead and beer tasting. Gold mining, apple orchards, pumpkin farms, camel farm just to name a few. Wind down by enjoying a glass of wine sitting by a fit pit while gazing at the stars.

2. Olive Rock Ranch Glamping

99%

(100)

31mi from Lake San Marcos · 3 sites · Lodging · Aguanga, CA

Welcome to Olive Rock Ranch! Our unique property is nestled on 19.35 acres in Aguanga. This hilltop location has endless views of Dameron Valley and the Palomar Mountains. Come sit and relax on your patio overlooking the stars and sunsets. Our property features an olive grove farm with plenty of hiking trails. You can explore nature at its best with our natural habitat full of quails, white tail rabbits, and natural vegetation. We love animals as well and have horses, ducks, and chickens roaming onsite. We have many nearby points of interest including the Palomar Mountains where you can get outside to take a hike or explore. We are driving distance from Julian, CA where you can check out their famous pies! We are also close to Borrego Trails where you can run and recreate and we’re only 2 miles from Emerald Creek Winery where you can kick back afterwards. Lastly, we are only 18 miles from downtown Temecula and all food and activities they have to offer. Even though we are near to activities you can find great things to do on our property as well. You can explore our 20 acres and hike through the olive groves all afternoon. You can also feed the chickens, ducks, and horses or head out the gate where you can find miles of dirt roads to roam. You can expect some natural noises during your stay. At a distance sometimes you’ll hear coyotes, owls, and the wake-up call from the rooster. Occasionally you will hear a donkey call in the distance. Your hosts live on site and usually plan to meet and greet as needed. Once you are settled you will have plenty of privacy, but we are on-site in our private home and could be reached if needed! This listing is for our spectacular yurt tent set and an RV site called the stables up on 20 acres in a secure and safe olive grove with plenty of privacy. You can expect spectacular views of the valley below, the Palomar mountains and relaxing sunsets under a beautiful blanket of stars. Our main house is about 600 feet from the site, but you will enjoy your own outside shower, compost restroom, picnic table, propane BBQ, large cooler, and fire pit! The tent accommodates up to 4 people and an additional person could bring their tent and set up on the site as well. Amenities listed below: -Private fire pit -Private picnic table -Potable water via spigot -Propane BBQ -Washing sink -Large cooler -Private composting toilet with sink -Good cell service and reception to most cell carriers no Wi-Fi -Pets allowed -Trash bins available Additional details to note Quiet hours being at 10pm, please be mindful after this time. Check in is after 11am and check out is before 10:00AM. Early and late check in or check out are possible but please speak with us ahead of time.

3. Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

99%

(141)

47mi from Lake San Marcos · 6 sites · Lodging · 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.

4. Pool Ranch

41mi from Lake San Marcos · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ranchita, CA

🌌 Pool Ranch: Your 30-Acre Dark Sky Gateway to Anza-Borrego Escape to true high-desert solitude at Pool Ranch, a 30-acre private property in the unique mountain community of Ranchita, CA. Our property offers almost complete isolation, making it the perfect sanctuary to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. We share a direct border with the vast, untouched wilderness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, putting millions of acres of adventure right at your doorstep. ✨ Experience the Magic of the High Desert Pool Ranch is not just a place to camp; it's a place to experience the raw, dramatic beauty of the Colorado Desert in all its forms. Our elevation provides a stunning four-season climate. 🌌 World-Class Stargazing: As part of an official Dark Sky Community, our skies are free of light pollution. On a clear night, the Milky Way is breathtakingly bright. 🌸 Spring Wildflowers: Witness the desert floor explode in a riot of color during the annual superbloom. ❄️ Winter Snow: Experience the rare and magical sight of snow blanketing the desert landscape. 🏜️ Direct Park Access: Forget driving to a trailhead. Our property line directly borders Anza-Borrego State Park. Step off our land and directly into the wilderness for hiking, exploring, and mountain biking. Your Private Wilderness Sanctuary This 30-acre property is your playground. Find your perfect spot, set up camp, and enjoy the silence, the expansive views, and the feeling of having the wilderness all to yourself. If you are seeking profound quiet, unparalleled starry nights, and a direct gateway to one of California's largest state parks, Pool Ranch is waiting for you.

5. The "Camp-Sight"

95%

(10)

34mi from Lake San Marcos · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Aguanga, CA

"If you got the sight, we got the views." Our property sits on top of a hill on 10 acres of beautiful panoramic views of Cahuilla and, Palomar mountain along with rolling hills of large rock formation and colorful wildflowers in the spring. Nestled up to the wildlife preserve of the government bureau of land management which provides more of a quiet and private setting to enjoy what nature has to offer. You will see Jack rabbits and cotton tail bunnies, roadrunners, quail, owls, different type of birds, hawks, coyote, lizards, snakes and even some toads. On occasion you may see deer, Bob cats, mountain lion along with endangered kangaroo mice, The beautiful night sky is easy to see planets and shooting stars without the interruption of city lights. There are many trails to walk, hike, bike and horse back ride where you can discover large boulders in different shapes and sizes along with hidden caves. A variety of rocks and minerals can be found for those rock hound enthusiasts as well. At the camp site you will find a horseshoe pit ,indoor and outdoor games and treasure hunts for everyone to enjoy. If you want to bring your own set of golf clubs you can even hit some balls! Pets and horses are welcome. We provide Two horse corrals with feed buckets and access to water. There is a outdoor dog kennel. There are off road areas nearby. Bring your motor bike, quad or buggy and throw up some dirt. Not to far there is a Casino, small store and a restaurant and about 30 minutes away from the Temecula wineries. You don’t have to worry about packing up a bunch of camping equipment, our camp provides a 35 foot RV if you prefer a roof over your head and a place to sit down for a meal runs off a generator ( you will need to provide your own fuel. it is a 5 gallon capacity). and has indoor and outdoor lights and electrical outlets to plug in a fan or your phone We have a cooler for you to use bu you will need to provide your own ice. There are dishes and utensils and a toilet. and water in and outside (You will need to bring your own blankets, sleeping bags and towels). Also provided arepropane b.b.q, propane fire ring, outdoor bench, table and camp chairs. There is enough room on this property to bring your own camper, RV or tent or ? but it must be self contained. There is no electric, water or waste hook up. Please contact me if you may have any questions. We aim to please to make your stay enjoyable. Thank you and enjoy your day!

Stories from the community

This is Joan, she comes with the site. Don't let her fool you when she greets you, she's a huge cheater at cards.

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Karen

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The "Camp-Sight"

We enjoyed the solitude and the views of the desert. There are so many stars at night. Although there is an RV with plenty of space the kitchen is not functional and you have a run a generator for lights at night. As long as you’re prepared for an indoor camping and outdoor cooking experience you will be fine.

Julien

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Stargazers Retreat

The Tiny Home is actually very spacious for a couple! Sheena was very communicative and ensured we enjoyed every minute of our getaway. If you are into astronomy and have a telescope, this place provides a great opportunity to enjoy the dark sky right in front of the Tiny Home. No need to drive elsewhere, you can enjoy scoping in the privacy of this beautiful place and go to bed when you need to. Thank you for making this short getaway enjoyable!

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Christy

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

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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Micah

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Stargazers Retreat

Beautiful view. Loved watching the stars at night. Such a night little place to relax.

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Chelsea

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

This campground was incredible. Every little detail was thought out, the host was so kind and welcoming, and the tents and hammocks were top notch. I HIGHLY recommend staying here, especially if you have kids. We will definitely be staying here again.

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Randy

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

We were a group of 12 and we loved the campsite. Shantel showed us the site and she was a nice host.

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Ky

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

Great spot and it was very nice having so many things already set up for you, Shantel checked in on us thru text and we just had to bring our clothes, food, firewood/ice. Some tips for future peeps, showers are near the front of the campground and you need at least 4-7 quarters each time, bring a headlamp the restroom takes a few minutes to walk to, grab some apple from Julian about ~30 min away, but pack up your food so the squirrels don’t get to it while you’re gone. Happy camping! :3

Satomi

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Olive Rock Ranch Glamping

Our stay at Olive Rock Ranch was truly unforgettable. The view from the site was absolutely stunning and gave us exactly the relaxing getaway we had hoped for. Even the journey to get there felt like an adventure — we were genuinely moved by the experience. The privacy was perfect, and the breathtaking scenery and star-filled sky felt like they were ours alone. Eliseo was thoughtful, attentive, and incredibly kind — we’re truly grateful. We would absolutely love to come back and will definitely be recommending it to our friends. My husband, our dog, and I all hope to return to Olive Rock Ranch someday.

Noela

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

We had such a great experience at this campsite! 🏕️ It truly has everything you need — it's clean, well-organized, and thoughtfully set up to make your stay super comfortable. We especially appreciated the little details like the hammocks 🌿🛌 — perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The private hiking trail on the property was absolutely beautiful 🥾🌄 — it felt like our own little adventure without having to leave the site. We also loved how easy it was to access the bathrooms and hot showers 🚿🚻. Everything was spotless and well-maintained, which made a big difference. If you're looking for a quiet, cozy spot with great amenities and natural beauty ✨🌲, this is the place. We would definitely come back! 🙌💚

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Yuki

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Stargazers Retreat

Comfortable tiny house with all the amenities for a relaxing and fun time away. Sheena was very hospitable and checked in with us before we arrived to make sure we had what we needed and answered questions quickly when needed. Gorgeous views and the starry sky is worth coming out for!

Jen

June 2025

With pets

2 nights at The "Camp-Sight"

What a wonderful little slice of heaven. We came to star gaze for Father’s Day. My husband loved every minute of it. Thank you Cheri for being an incredible host. We can’t wait to come back!

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Steven

June 2025

With kids

2 nights at Olive Rock Ranch Glamping

Fantastic accommodations and great view. My wife and I had everything that we needed to have a great trip together with our baby. Would definitely book this again. Thank you Eliseo & Aracely!

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Abhishek

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

The entire camp site setup and the facilities were great. The site was beautifully set up—spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed. The tent was cozy and well-equipped, with a comfy bed, warm blankets, and even string lights that made the nights feel magical. We had a private fire pit, a sitting area for stargazing, and enough privacy to feel like we had the forest to ourselves.

Michael

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The "Camp-Sight"

Hidden gem 30 minutes from Temecula wineries. Cheri was amazing. She may want to advertise how great her location is. Clear night skies and plenty of space for our dogs. There was even a small outdoor kennel which was nice to have when we wanted to pack up and let the dogs chill. Cheri was there when we arrived and showed us how everything works. The RV is super clean. Couches were super comfortable. And the generator ensured we had lights and a radio. The radio has speakers inside and outside. This was a nice touch as we cooked on the bbq. There’s a generator. Being your own gas, but there was some when we arrived. It holds 5 gallons. We probably used 1.5 g per night. - heads up it’s not clamping. There are things in the RV that don’t worrk, fridge. But they are minor. To save water you must flip a switch outside before using. Again, not a big deal. We also pitched a second tent for our group. Plenty of space. In the morning we played frisbee and horseshoes. I hope to be back again soon.

Chase

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

Another fabulous stay at Shantel’s glamping oasis! Our whole family truly enjoyed the Fox Den and plan to return again and again 🙌

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Carlos

April 2025

With kids

2 nights at Olive Rock Ranch Glamping

Eli was such a great host! He would extend the extra mile to make sure his guests are comfortable. If you love the outdoors, stargazing by the fire pit and just taking in nature, definitely check this property out.

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jade

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Olive Rock Ranch Glamping

Our stay at Point View at Olive Rock Ranch was absolutely amazing! The site is beautiful, peaceful, and tucked away in nature — perfect for a relaxing getaway. The tent was super cool and really well set up. It had a comfy bed with very clean sheets, which made it feel extra cozy after a day of exploring. Having a shower and toilet was such a nice touch, and the grill and cooking supplies made it easy to whip up meals while enjoying the outdoors. The views were stunning — especially at sunrise and sunset — and the quiet atmosphere made the whole experience even better. The hosts were incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell they care about making your stay great. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking to disconnect and recharge in a beautiful setting!

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Jesse

April 2025

With kids

2 nights at Olive Rock Ranch Glamping

Great location with awesome views! The family loved spending time wandering around the massive property. Location was close to many hiking trails and an hour drive from Julian, CA. Host was very friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. Highly recommend!

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Hemanth

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

We had an amazing glamping experience for two nights with our kids (ages 15 and 11) and our small puppy. Shantel greeted us warmly upon arrival, ensuring we were settled in and had everything we needed. The tents and beds were incredibly comfortable, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The heaters were a lifesaver, especially with the chilly late March nights. The kitchen was well-equipped with all the essential amenities, making meal preparation a breeze. Our kids loved the hammocks and tree tents, and thoroughly enjoyed the nearby hikes recommended by Shantel. The evening campfire was truly magical, with the hosts generously providing firewood to get us started. We can't wait to return with a larger group of family and friends!

Clarisse

March 2025

Weekend Trip to The "Camp-Sight"

We had an amazing stay at this beautiful property! The scenery was gorgeous, and Cheri was such a kind and helpful host, always available to assist and explain how everything works. The amenities were great, including a fire pit ring for cozy nights and a BBQ grill for cooking meals. The spacious area gave us plenty of room to relax and enjoy nature. The data signal was reliable, which was a nice bonus. A few things to note: the water pressure in the bathroom was a bit spotty, and there was no running water in the kitchen sink. The microwave also wasn’t working, but since we booked last minute, it’s understandable that some things weren’t fully ready. That being said, once everything is properly managed and maintained, this glamping spot truly shines. It’s a beautiful and peaceful getaway, and we will definitely come again!