Where can I tent camp on the beach in San Diego?

While you cannot directly camp on the sand in San Diego , there are beach campgrounds nearby that offer tent camping with ocean views. Some popular options include: San Elijo State Beach - Located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, this campground offers tent camping on a bluff overlooking the ocean. South Carlsbad State Beach - Another bluff-top campground, South Carlsbad State Beach provides tent camping with beautiful ocean views. Keep in mind that these campgrounds are very popular, so it's essential to reserve your spot in advance. Visit the San Diego beach camping page for more information and options.

Camping near San Diego, California

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

United States
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California
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San Diego

Camping near San Diego

Enjoy year-round beach camping with sun, sand, and surf in America's Finest City.

Top-rated stays

97%

(19)

Hideout Mountain Glampsites

38 sites · Lodging, RVs40 acres · Julian, CASan Diego Mountain Lodge, presented by Hideout Mountain, is a beautiful escape to nature, sprawled out over 40 acres of land in Santa Ysabel, CA. With a combination of offerings ranging from glamping in our vintage RVs, 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 in our community areas which include hammocks, picnic tables, and firepits. What makes Hideout Moutain a magical place? The breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding wildlife preserve 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.

Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

6 sites · Lodging1 acre · Mount Laguna, CAAlter 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.

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Warner Springs, CATitle: 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!

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CAAbout Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.

8 sites · Lodging100 acres · Aguanga, CAMultiple Stages and Chill areas between Redshank forest trails, Giant Boulders & Majestic 360 degree views make this place Magic! Rent a fully setup VIP Glamping tent with a memory foam bed for two people with a blanket. (Please bring your own blankets in the winter) A sanctuary in a living desert, tucked in between rolling hills with majestic views of Mount Palomar & 360 degree views of rolling hills. Come and walk the land to see its natural treasures; wildlife, flora, massive boulders, cacti, white sage, oak trees, thousands of redshank trees, willows and some manzanita. A sweet energy and you will feel a sense of home. Night sky lights up, clear and lovely. Beautiful starry nights in our serene secret hideaway. This space is maintained in its natural raw landscape as much as possible. This is what the land has looked like for thousands of years. Our goal is to offer a space for our guests to connect with themselves in a private space. Suitable for families & couples who wish to experience a truly unique space. 30 minutes away is The Temecula Wine Country where you can visit beautiful wineries for lunch and a tasting. 30 minutes to Pachanga Casino 30 minutes to Cahuilla Casino 20 minutes from Elim Hot Springs Resort Anza Borrego Mount Palomar Multiple Hiking Entertainment: Calendar of Activities and Entertainment such as; Secret Dinner Shows, Musicians, Art, Cooking classes, Sound Baths and more! Wellness Services: Body, Mind, and Spiritual Fine tuning through Muli-Modalities and herbal remedies. Enhance your stay with one of our immersive experiences, available as add-ons. If you are interested, please inquire! We are located in a beautiful raw landscape and because of this we want to produce minimal environmental impact. This means that the glamping tents do not have electricity. As well, we are located in a desert climate so depending on weather conditions it can get cold outside in the evenings and early mornings. Please pack accordingly Pets are not suitable for this property.

14 sites · RVs12 acres · Temecula, CALike stepping back in time with mature growth oaks and many trees on this gentle rolling 12 acres. Close to town, close to nature and perfect for layovers or a few nights of getting out of the city. City water available. up to 27 foot full pull around multiple sites with Santa Rosa Plateau like feel.

Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CAThis 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.

9 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Aguanga, CAWelcome to The Preserve at Aguanga Ranchos, voted as one of the best Hipcamp properties in California 2023! Come enjoy our adventure club property that we set up specifically to create an amazing gathering place for members and guests to come enjoy nature and decompress. Here you will be set at over 3000ft elevation surrounded by hills and boulders. Each guest area has panoramic views across Aguanga Valley directly into the Palomar Mountains and Cleveland National Forest. We love this land because it is very remote, yet still accessible and connected. Central location between San Diego, LA and Palm Springs you will be a short distance away from stores, restaurants, wineries, hiking trails, fishing lakes, entertainment venues and so much more. Visit our website preservecamping.com for aerial videos of each site, our adventure guide, and guest welcome packet.

16 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Perris, CAIt's so nice to "meet you" Rock & Tree was created by a young and newly married couple, Taryn and and Anson. Anson Krekeler is a folk and blues musician and has traveled all around the U.S. playing his music and I was an aspiring Voice-Over actress. One day, we decided that we wanted to live the rest of our lives hosting live music, and plays and that's how Rock & Tree began. As the idea grew, we wanted to create an Open Canvas so that the guest could dream up what they wanted on our stage. We moved to the Inland Empire from Santa Monica, in 2017 with the dream of building an open canvas event space out of sustainable, re purposed and natural materials. Our mission is help enrich the culture of Perris, CA by providing a unique venue that takes you away from the hustle and bustle and takes you to a wonderland of nature surrounded by rocks and eucalyptus trees.A true passion project, Anson and I are building everything ourselves with the help of our friends and family every now and again. Our process is that we source as much lumber using the dead Eucalyptus trees we have here on the 36 acre property and we are constantly trying to come up with innovative ways to use recycled and donated materials in the venue. We now live on the property in a 24ft camper and we feel so lucky that our dream is slowly becoming a reality. You can follow our journey on our Instagram.

55 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Sky Valley, CAThe Oasis Senter is a lovely 40-acre desert property with a natural mineral hot springs & cooling pond, kitchen, dining areas, multiple bathrooms & showers. We have something for everyone, with different levels of amenities depending on the listing. The yurt and glamping tents provide beds with sheets and towels. The Tipi tent and shift pod provide simple cots without any linens. Our Dry camping sites require you to bring your own tent/bedding/sleeping bags etc. There is a kitchen onsite with dishes, pans, cutlery, coffee maker, electric kettle, propane grills and fridge space for guests’ use. There are grocery stores nearby.

Panoramic Desert Views

24 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Morongo Valley, CAMorongo Valley is nestled between Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. Situated about 2,000 feet higher than the valley floor, it's typically 10-15 degrees cooler here, so we can enjoy the beauty of the high desert plants, wildlife, and views without the oppressive heat. Only 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and only 10 from the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, this property offers a vast assortment of native desert plants, wildlife and GIANT boulders sprawling over 10 well-kept acres. With an amazing view of all of Mount San Jacinto's glory, your own private chunk of land and unbelievable star lit nights, our campsite will not disappoint. The property is a great jumping off point for any of the many things to do in surrounding area. Bring your bikes, boots, binoculars and books to reconnect with nature, your friends and with us (if you so choose). Let us know what you're into and we'll try to give you some inspiration on where to go and what to do. Super laid back atmosphere with a central communal area if you're feeling social, and plenty of space to keep to yourself too. We've got a shaded pool table, cornhole boards, a stereo, a cooler and more. Need something? Let us know. Want something? We might have that too. As for us, we've been living in the desert for 30+ years and purchased this property just over a decade ago. We've done countless upgrades over the years and adding campsites to share with you is our latest venture. Let us know how we can make it even better! All that we ask is that you respect the environment, our few neighbors and your fellow campers. *Note: There is about 1/4 mile of dirt road that is 100% passable. Just be aware that it is considerably easier to navigate larger vehicles with a little daylight. Plan accordingly.

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Desert Hot Dprings, CALovelight Ranch is our 5-acre hippie paradise, centrally located in the Coachella Valley. We are near the amazing 1000 Palms Oasis and Coachella Valley Preserve for great day hikes and wildlife viewing, and also near the splendors of Joshua Tree and the high desert. We are within a half hours drive of Palm Springs, recently voted the hippest mid-sized city in the country and Coachella, home of the Coachella and StageCoach Festivals. We are also very near Sam's Hot Water Spa, a chemical free hot springs soaking experience which is the perfect ending to a day of hiking, climbing or just sight-seeing. We offer accommodations ranging from tiny cabins, to camping - please read our listings for amenity information. Guests love staying here "We had the most amazing time at Mikey’s place. Spiritual, reflective, and beautiful. The dogs and Rocky were the best! Mountain Views didn’t hurt (; we will definitely be back…Mikey was a welcoming and generous host. We stayed in Desert Isle and had a mystical time. You won’t regret staying here!"

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Outdoor stays for every style

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Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Cleveland National Forest

Descanso, California

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Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Descanso, California

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San Bernardino National Forest

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Mount San Jacinto State Park

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Palomar Mountain State Park

Aguanga, California

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San Clemente State Beach

San Clemente, California

Hiking through Split Mountain to Elephants Knees, a 10mi hike to some geologic features I had no idea existed in California.

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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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Salton Sea State Recreation Area

North Shore, California

The sunsets get better with time on this beach!

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Crystal Cove State Park

Newport Beach, California

It's easy to enjoy the best of the southern California lifestyle in sunny San Diego, just 30 minutes north of the California-Mexico border. A multicultural metropolis, it’s also blessed with a rich history, natural beauty, and more than 60 beaches and 70 miles of coastline. Mild temperatures and sunny weather makes it ideal for year-round camping and outdoor recreation. Numerous camping options within San Diego county and nearby make it easy for campers to spend the night under the stars, fall asleep to the soothing sound of the surf, or wake up under a canopy of trees.

Where to Go

San Diego and Coronado

Stay close to downtown San Diego at a private camping, glamping, or RV park, like the family-friendly Campland at Mission Bay. Across San Diego Bay, Silver Strand State Beach offers RV sites near Coronado, and further inland, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park has campsites with hookups and an aquatic playground. Stay in a floating cabin, or lakeside tent or RV site at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, or head near the border, where the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park offers campground, yurts, and a diverse ecosystem. For a unique experience, camp overnight in the San Diego Zoo.

Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Clemente

Head north along the coast for endless waves, sandy stretches, and the ultimate beach camping experience, with several public oceanfront camping options. Many beach campgrounds are situated on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and offer great ocean views and water access, along with picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and camp stores. Options include the popular San Elijo State Beach near Cardiff, South Carlsbad State Beach, San Onofre State State Beach, and San Clemente State Beach. In Oceanside, camp with your RV at Harbor Beach.

Julian

For a camping trip getaway in the mountains, head inland to the gold rush town of Julian. Go hiking and biking along the extensive trail network at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, or play in Lake Cuyamaca, with spacious camping spots at Green Valley and Paso Picacho. William Heise County Park offers tent camping, RV camping, and cabins, while you can enjoy a high desert camping experience at Vallecito County Park. Nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers hundreds of miles of trails, great stargazing, and developed, primitive, and dispersed campsites. For forests and wilderness camping, head north into the Cleveland National Forest.

When to go

San Diego's mild weather and many sunny days make it a year-round destination. It's especially busy over the summer when everyone flocks to the ocean and beaches, and the city hosts numerous festivals. Visit in spring and fall to escape the crowds, but still enjoy nice weather. Spring is also a great time for wildflowers in nearby Coronado, Carlsbad, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Expect some rain showers and cold ocean water in winter.

Know before you go

Although San Diego has a public bus and trolley system, you'll want a car to get around easily, especially to venture further up the coast or inland.
Beach campgrounds are very popular, especially in summer, so book campsites well in advance.
Be aware of fire restrictions and bans. Some beaches do not allow campfires.
Bring or rent a wetsuit if you plan on being in the water in winter.
Pets are prohibited at many San Diego beaches and park trails.

Frequently asked questions about camping near San Diego

Can you camp overnight on the beach in San Diego?

Yes, you can go beach camping in San Diego in certain areas, but camping in the sand is pretty much forbidden on public land. Still, bluff-top beach campsites and RV spots can be booked at South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach, while Silver Strand State Beach offers only RV camping with water and electric hookups. It is illegal to sleep overnight at Mission Beach. Find more beach camping near San Diego.

Where can you camp for free in San Diego?

Most dispersed BLM camping near San Diego is free, but some campsites do require a fee, and Leave No Trace principles always apply. Cleveland National Forest allows permitted, dispersed camping, and within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near Julian (a 2-hour drive from the city), Fish Creek and Blair Valley Campground are popular primitive camping spots.

Are San Diego County Parks open for camping?

San Diego County Parks are open for camping, as are California state parks near San Diego like Cuyamaca Canyon State Park and Palomar Mountain State Park. Within San Diego County, you can go camping at nearly a dozen regional parks, including William Heise County Park, Agua Caliente County Park, and Guajome Regional Park, all of which have either camping cabins or tent campsites.

Where can I buy camping gear in San Diego?

San Diego is home to a number of camping goods stores, where you can buy camping supplies, backpacking gear, and RV essentials. Big names include REI in Clairemont, Walmart, 5.11 Tactical off of I-8 in Mission Valley, and Big 5 Sporting Goods (near Old Town), all in addition to the locally owned Nomad Ventures in Escondido. TopoTerra is a downtown San Diego outpost for camping gear rentals.

Is car camping legal in San Diego?

Car camping is illegal on San Diego city streets. Different from temporary camping, the city has a "vehicle habitation ban," meaning it is illegal to sleep overnight or live in a car in San Diego. It’s also illegal to park an oversized vehicle or RV overnight (between 2 and 6am) on public San Diego streets without a permit. Your safest bet for car camping in San Diego is in designated camping areas, like a private Hipcamp campsite just outside of town.

Can you camp anywhere in San Diego?

No, you cannot camp anywhere in San Diego County (even if car camping or backpacking), but camping is allowed in San Diego in some state parks, on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and on some private lands where you can find professional campgrounds, RV parks, or Hipcamps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Car camping is illegal on San Diego city streets. Different from temporary camping, the city has a "vehicle habitation ban," meaning it is illegal to sleep overnight or live in a car in San Diego. It's also illegal to park an oversized vehicle or RV overnight (between 2 and 6am) on public San Diego streets without a permit. Your safest bet for car camping in San Diego is in designated camping areas, like a private Hipcamp campsite just outside of town.

While you cannot directly camp on the sand in San Diego, there are beach campgrounds nearby that offer tent camping with ocean views. Some popular options include:

San Elijo State Beach - Located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, this campground offers tent camping on a bluff overlooking the ocean.
South Carlsbad State Beach - Another bluff-top campground, South Carlsbad State Beach provides tent camping with beautiful ocean views.

Keep in mind that these campgrounds are very popular, so it's essential to reserve your spot in advance. Visit the San Diego beach camping page for more information and options.