89% (85)
Top-rated campgrounds
89% (85)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
J
Jenny
2 weeks ago
With pets
One of the best sites my husband and I have stayed at to date. Romantic, private, safe and clean!! You can tell there was quite a bit of thought and care in the layout and construction which makes for a stress free and relaxing stay. Attention to detail....down to the little tin box with the picnic table covers...was much appreciated. Rain or shine this place is a five star all the way! Thank you Jason!!
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Ben
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent
The tent and site were great! Lauri was communicative and friendly!
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Jenna
November 2025
With pets
This was hands down the best “glamping” experience I’ve ever had (and I’ve been enjoying visiting an array of Hipcamp sites for the past 5 years).
The land is absolutely breathtaking - quiet, serene, natural. We saw beautiful birds, a tiny frog, and a few deer during our stay.
The location is sublime. Feels like you’re deep in a nature preserve (super quiet, no light pollution), but local shops are actually minutes away if you want to venture out.
The site itself is so well thought out! The spacious tent was beautifully decorated and the bed was so comfy and warm! The outdoor kitchen was literally nicer than my own indoor kitchen. Preparing and enjoying meals was the highlight of our stay.
Oh…and the bathroom? Blew me away. Pristine bathroom with a huge hot water shower.
I felt like royalty during my stay at Manzanita Cove and I can’t wait to go back!
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A
Andrea
October 2025
Group trip
We had a wounderful time. From the very start Diana was very responsive. Upon our arrival she got all checked in a familiar with supplies and amenities. I was very impressed by all the small details such as signage and provided materials. Even more so impressed by how much work Diana takes to make the experience comfortable and environmentally sustainable. We got to see some wild turkeys at night and enjoyed looking at her bee hive boxes. Compost toilet was a new one for me and like she promised it was easy, comfortable, and left no smell. It would be a pleasure to stay again!
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Juliet
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping
This was probably my favorite Hipcamp stay so far-- it's conveniently located a short drive outside of Julian, but still perfectly quiet and with gorgeous mountain views peeking out behind the trees. With the cozy bedding package and cooking set we felt we had everything we could possibly need out here. Must recommend the hot propane shower too! Our hosts live on the property (with their tiny pup) and were as sweet as can be + very accommodating. Perfect spot to spend a solo weekend with a book, or for a peaceful getaway for two. There's a cot for a third person, and room around the campfire for plenty more if friends camp at the other site.
Must, must recommend Manzanita Hill!
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M
Michele
August 2025
With pets
Love camping and sleeping in the great outdoors but hate hauling it all along and setting it all up? Manzanita Cove is for you! Jason and his wife have thought of every luxurious detail to elevate camping to a five star experience. Bring a long the food you wish to make your own gourmet meals in the well equiped outdoor kitchen or head into the quaint town of Julian (a short drive) for a bite and of course, pie for desert (or in my case breakfast, because vacation screams pie for breakfast!). Pack some clothes but feel good about leaving EVERYTHING else at home, except the pooch, they are welcome too! Unwind, laze around and read in a hammock, hike from your spot or explore the coast, whatever you want but make sure Manzanita Cove is your home base, you won't be sorry.
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G
Graham
August 2025
With kids
Lovely site with oak-shaded hang-outs and a private spacious safari tent. Diana was great, super responsive and helpful. Wonderful spot to stay close to Julian.
Great for 2 people, a little cramped for 4 maybe but works fine for a family!
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Keli
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove
We were overwhelmed by the attention to detail in this beautiful camping space. They have thought of everything to make your outdoor experience the best it can be. The property is beautiful, the indoor spaces are immaculately clean, and amenities are abundant.
This truly is a very special place. The location is close to Julian, Wynola and Santa Ysabel but far enough to feel like you are completely secluded from the noise and light pollution of the city.
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K
Karen
July 2025
3 nights at Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove
Manzanita Cove is an amazing site. Jason has anticipated every need for a luxurious time outdoors with many amenities that mimics a 5 star resort, but only more. Jason’s visions to detail is beyond expectations. From the indoor coffee bar to the outdoor shower my four days was exactly what I was hoping for. Luxurious sleeping accommodations, luxurious cooking kitchen, luxurious bathroom with full indoor shower and sink in addition to an outdoor shower, gas fire pit, dog leads, multi cords for charging, and hammocks to lounge in made my stay so comfortable. I will be returning with my husband within the year and look forward to Jason’s dedication to his campers.
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Darin
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent
We absolutely loved this spot. Every detail on the site made us feel like we were in our own oasis. So thoughtfully done and I can’t recommend this site enough!
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Adam
May 2025
With kids
Great property, and very comfortable safari tent setup in an ideal location in wynola. Diana was a very welcoming and helpful host. We had a lovely weekend staying there.
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Brenda
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Splitrock - Branch Out Glamping
We had a fantastic weekend at Split Rock! Despite the rain every day, we managed to relax and recharge.
Pros: The tent was spacious, the fire pit was a nice touch, and the area was wonderfully quiet. It was just a quick 20-second walk to the bathroom and shower, plus the views were stunning. We even had some fun encounters with farm animals (skip paying for the service, though). Everything we needed for cooking was available on-site, and the sound of rain on the canvas tent was soothing. The dirt paths were well-maintained and free of debris.
Cons: We did face some challenges with Branch Out Glamping regarding a late check-in (there's no key to pick up). We noticed mouse droppings on the bed pillows and under the bed, and even saw one scurry across the floor late at night. For more privacy, I recommend using the showers by the office, as the one closest to our site was poorly constructed. There was also a missing chair by the fire pit (the pictures showed two loungers), and the bed was quite firm (if you like extra support, you might appreciate it). The next campsite was about 20 yards away, so if it's occupied, be aware they can hear everything happening at your site. Lastly, there was no place to charge electronics; BOG mentioned a communal area for phone charging, but the office staff said that wasn't true.
I know this may sound like nitpicking, but don't let that fool you. We had an incredible time and plan to return soon.
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Paymon
April 2025
With kids
Stayed here for 3 nights and loved everything about our stay! Clean bathrooms, hot and cold outdoor showers, fire pits, and the tent was really well made with a comfortable bed. I would take a few extra blankets because the nights definitely get cold and would also recommend taking your own wood for the campfire. I'll definitely be back here in the future :)
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The best safari tents 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.