Camping near Mount Laguna with campfires

Head to the hills for a hike, a bike ride, or even a sledding adventure.

92% (2967 reviews)
92% (2967 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Mount Laguna with campfires

96%
(142)

San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA
As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space. It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip. The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher. It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer. Today there are just a few bees in the area.
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$45
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94%
(946)

Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA
This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.
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$60
 / night
100%
(120)

Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

6 sites · Lodging1 acre · 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.
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$150
 / night
96%
(41)

Black Canyon Family Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents53 acres · Ramona, CA
A few acres of natural land. There is a seasonal creek running through the area. It's a very quiet area. It's primitive, natural and we love it that way. The creek runs into the Cleveland national forest and down to the Mesa Grande Indian reservation. There is hiking and exploring! Come throw a tent up in one of the two camp sites or a hammock in the trees.. Hike the nature preserves in Santa Ysabel. Go to Wynola enjoy craft beverages, Josie's live music off the 76. Or just enjoy the peacefulness of the forest here and hike and reset your mind. The top 13 are residential, the bottom 40 will be open for exploring, camping, hiking and gardening! We are new homesteaders trying to do things more organically and real free range for our animals. We have a farm on the top 13 acres with cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. More animals will come soon. We will eventually like to offer food from our farm to our guests. That way they can actually see where the food comes from and how ours raised!
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$50
 / night
95%
(117)

San Diego Mountain Lodge

40 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Julian, CA
San Diego Mountain Lodge is a beautiful escape to nature sprawled out over 40 acres of land on Hideout Mountain, a breathtaking spot in Santa Ysabel, CA. With a combination of offerings ranging from glamping in our vintage camper trailers, RV sites with full hookups, and campsites, to a luxury experience in our remodeled cabins each with a fireplace. Gather and share ideas with fellow guests at our community firepit and picnic tables. What makes Hideout Mountain a magical place? The stunning views of Lake Henshaw and the valley and surrounding mountains, stretching as far as the eye can see. We also have a one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar on the property, Josie's Hideout Saloon. We are located just a few minutes drive away from downtown Santa Ysabel and Julian, with easy access off Hwy 76.
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$59
 / night
100%
(352)

Whiteside Mountain

1 site · Tent160 acres · Jamul, CA
160 acres of wild and private land at the top of a mountain. Bouldering, exploring, outdoor cold water shower, well drinking water, and pergola! 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and beaches but a whole different world!A single camp spot on the top of a mountain surrounded by 160 acres of no one else! Requires 4WD/high clearance AWD road to camp spot. Plenty of shade at spot with picnic area that is covered. Drinking water, sink and outdoor cold water shower. Bouldering (climbing), fire pit (seasonal), covered deck, hiking and VIEWS! Plenty of room and separate camp spots- lock the gate and you will have no visitors or onlookers. Single outdoor flush toilet with sink.  We provide a Propane stove - 2 burner, propane, toilet paper, dish soap and hand soap.  No COTS.Guests love it here "This was finally checked off of my saved list—my partner and I rented a 4x4 to get up there since our 2WD car wouldn't have made it in one piece. It was only a short drive from downtown San Diego and was super easy to navigate. Once we arrived the experience was TRULY MAGICAL. We had such an awesome experience exploring the property, birdwatching, hiking and some light climbing. Don't forget to check out the cave! The facilities were beyond expectations and we had a seamless experience. Steve was super accommodating and was great at communicating—he even gave us a small tour of the property! The sunsets and sunrises here were something out of a dream, we wish we could wake up every morning here. We will definitely be coming back soon!"
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$115
 / night
100%
(30)

Manzanita Ridge

1 site · Lodging9 acres · Descanso, CA
WE love where we live! And we think you'd like to visit! WE mostly enjoy our views, one of the benefits of living on a hill, there is nothing to obstruct the view! Come and hike, or just sit!
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$75
 / night
98%
(20)

A taste of nature/wildlife.

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Julian, CA
You will enjoy 6 acres where you'll be able to hang a hammock, read a book, or watch our daily visitors, deer and/or wild turkeys. There's no city noise around here, you'll fall asleep to the sound of crickets and bullfrogs. Lastly, it's a short distance over the hill for you to enjoy the small town of Julian and their famous apple pie. We offer 2 guest at 150.00 a night, each additional guest is 25 nightly. KIDS ARE FREE. Learn more about this land: Hip-campers will enjoy wide open space where they can hang a hammock or feed cat fish in the pond. There are hiking trails and beautiful sunsets. Deer and turkey visit regularly. There are no city sounds, you will fall asleep to crickets and bullfrogs. The old town of Julian is within reach. 150.00 night for 2 people, each addition person is 25 dollars. KIDS UNDER 18 FREE.  Contact Frank  6198842044
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$150
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GoodVibes Ranch & Farm

104 sites · RVs, Tents74 acres · Jamul, CA
Discover the Joy of Nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm: Your Ultimate Mountain Escape! At GoodVibes Ranch and Farm, we offer a variety of camping options to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional tent camping, glamping units, or eco-friendly trailers, we have something for everyone. We also have a stargazing deck, picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and commercial kitchen available for use while camping. Our campground is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Jamul, California, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure. In addition to camping accommodations, we offer a range of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the surrounding hiking trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf or unwind with a friendly game of billiards. We pride ourselves on providing an affordable camping experience, making it the perfect choice for families or friends looking to gather and create lasting memories. Come and discover the joy of nature at GoodVibes Ranch & Farm, your ultimate mountain escape!
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$35
 / night
99%
(327)

Campo Nopalito

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Valley Center, CA
Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on this beautiful property! In case you’re interested, here are a few interesting things about our farm. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits.
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$100
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98%
(152)

Loomerland

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Warner Springs, CA
Title: Loomerland: Secluded Camping, RV Park, and Trailer with Stunning Scenic Views & Holistic Activities Description: Welcome to Loomerland, a unique 41-acre retreat nestled in the backcountry of San Diego, California, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our property offers a serene camping experience with a touch of luxury, and the opportunity to reconnect with nature, yourself, and like-minded individuals. We have 5 friendly livestock guardian dogs that protect the property from predators. Accommodation Options: • Camper / RV • Campsite • Yurt / Teepee Amenities: • High speed Starlink wifi • Hot Outdoor Showers • Outdoor Kitchen • Flushable Compost Toilet • 2 Outhouses • Outdoor outlets • Hammocks What We Offer: • Multiple glamping locations on our expansive 41-acre property • Four mild seasons for year-round enjoyment • A variety of outdoor activities, including hiking (10 minutes from the Pacific Crest Trail), meditation, yoga, mountain biking, stargazing, and campfires • Interaction with friendly animals like bunnies, goats, and sheep • Holistic management and permaculture principles to ensure a sustainable experience • Hosts with over 20 years of experience in gut health, plant medicine, and entrepreneurship Why Choose Loomerland? Our property offers a unique blend of seclusion and adventure, with breathtaking views, pristine air, and clean water. Whether you're seeking relaxation or an adrenaline rush, our land has something for everyone. Spend your days exploring trails, bonding with our resident animals, or finding inner peace through meditation and yoga. In the evenings, gather around the campfire for meaningful conversations, stargaze, or simply unwind with your favorite drink. Book Now: Don't miss the opportunity to experience the hidden gem of San Diego. Book your stay at Loomerland today and start making unforgettable memories under the stars. Your adventure awaits!
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$49
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Manzanita Trails

19 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Boulevard, CA
This property sits on the original interstate route which took you into San Diego by wagon. Learn more about this land: If you just want to lounge out, look at the stars and enjoy nature then this is the place for you. The surrounding area includes: an 8 minute drive to casinos, 15 minutes from Jacumba Hot Springs, and 1 hour drive to the sand dunes.  Tons of hiking and biking trails scattered throughout the area within a 15-30 minute drive.
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$50
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Camping near Mount Laguna with campfires guide

Overview

In the mountains east of San Diego, the community of Mount Laguna and its surrounding area is a popular hiking and mountain-biking destination among San Diegans in the know. While plenty of people come up just for the day, either to cool off from the summer heat or play in the white powdery snow that often makes an appearance in the wintertime, it's worth spending a few days camping in the area to use it as a base for exploring the surrounding Cleveland National Forest and desert beyond.

Where to go

The Southern California Desert

Mount Laguna puts you in easy reach of the Southern California Desert, and Anza Borrego Desert State Park is less than an hour away by car. Drive just a little further and you'll hit the Salton Sea, a popular birdwatching spot.

The Southern California Coast

If you want to trade in hiking trails for sandy shores, you need only head down to the Southern California coast, a short drive from Mount Laguna. Here you'll find a mix of big cities and small coastal communities plus miles and miles of sandy beaches, some of which have their own campgrounds.

The Southern California Mountains

There's plenty more to explore in Southern California's Peninsular Range, from the Cleveland National Forest to the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. A little further away, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument offers miles of hiking trails and great views over the Coachella Valley.

When to go

While Mount Laguna is at its most popular with campers in the hot summer months, it’s not a bad spot for shoulder-season camping, and many of the campgrounds in the surrounding Cleveland National Forest are open year-round. Come in April or October for cool, but sunny, weather sans crowds. Winter snow days in the region draw throngs of San Diegans, who come to the surrounding forest for sledding.

Nearby attractions

  • Experience the wonders of camping at William Heise County Park, a hidden gem nestled in nature's embrace. Set up camp amidst towering trees and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings. 

  • Escape to Agua Caliente County Park for a rejuvenating camping experience. Camp amidst tranquil surroundings, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy stargazing under clear night skies. 

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