The best treehouse rentals near San Diego, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

100% (103)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Namaste Farms

99%

(140)

47mi from San Diego · 3 sites · Lodging · Temecula, CA

We purchased Namaste Farms in 1997 when I was showing reined cowhorses as well as raising thoroughbred racehorses. In 2005, I purchased my first wool sheep and fell in love. Today, Namaste Farms is recognized around the globe for raising high quality wool producing sheep. While sheep are the primary animals at Namaste Farms, there are countless other animals, both four legged and feathered!NOTE: Namaste Farms is a true working farm with copious amounts of sheep, goats, chickens, peafowl, and countless other animals. Along with those, we have free range squirrels, rabbits, flies, dust and yes, even free range spiders. If you're wanting a rustic experience that gives you a break from city life and you can handle dust, dirt, cobwebs (and these can happen over night inside your cottage and WILL be in the common areas), with sounds of animals vocalizing at all hours of the day and night, then Namaste Farms is a perfect fit for you. Know, you're supporting a 501c3 charity and all the revenue goes to support the animals.This booking is for the Treehouse, and while it's only 1/2 a mile from the city limits, it has a rural feel and is centrally located to all wineries and most of the major equestrian facilities including Galway Downs, Green Acres, and California Ranch Company. For those who are coming to Temecula for horse shows, we also have a large barn with bedded stalls and turnouts (for an additional fee). There are designated horse trails right outside our gates which will even take you to Galway Downs and California Ranch Company. If you're into golf, you can enjoy Temecula's 7 PGA golf courses or Pechanga Casino which are also within a short driving distance to the farm. If horses or golf isn't your thing, you can visit Temecula Valley wineries which are all ~ 1/2-3.8 miles of the cottage gates. The wineries are not within walking distance of each other, UBER is only too happy to come here and pick you up! If you're not interested in any activities and simply want a "staycation," you can hang out here where you're welcomed to walk around the farm and interact with the animals. At night, enjoy the sounds of serenity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

100% (103)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Namaste Farms

99%

(140)

47mi from San Diego · 3 sites · Lodging · Temecula, CA

We purchased Namaste Farms in 1997 when I was showing reined cowhorses as well as raising thoroughbred racehorses. In 2005, I purchased my first wool sheep and fell in love. Today, Namaste Farms is recognized around the globe for raising high quality wool producing sheep. While sheep are the primary animals at Namaste Farms, there are countless other animals, both four legged and feathered!NOTE: Namaste Farms is a true working farm with copious amounts of sheep, goats, chickens, peafowl, and countless other animals. Along with those, we have free range squirrels, rabbits, flies, dust and yes, even free range spiders. If you're wanting a rustic experience that gives you a break from city life and you can handle dust, dirt, cobwebs (and these can happen over night inside your cottage and WILL be in the common areas), with sounds of animals vocalizing at all hours of the day and night, then Namaste Farms is a perfect fit for you. Know, you're supporting a 501c3 charity and all the revenue goes to support the animals.This booking is for the Treehouse, and while it's only 1/2 a mile from the city limits, it has a rural feel and is centrally located to all wineries and most of the major equestrian facilities including Galway Downs, Green Acres, and California Ranch Company. For those who are coming to Temecula for horse shows, we also have a large barn with bedded stalls and turnouts (for an additional fee). There are designated horse trails right outside our gates which will even take you to Galway Downs and California Ranch Company. If you're into golf, you can enjoy Temecula's 7 PGA golf courses or Pechanga Casino which are also within a short driving distance to the farm. If horses or golf isn't your thing, you can visit Temecula Valley wineries which are all ~ 1/2-3.8 miles of the cottage gates. The wineries are not within walking distance of each other, UBER is only too happy to come here and pick you up! If you're not interested in any activities and simply want a "staycation," you can hang out here where you're welcomed to walk around the farm and interact with the animals. At night, enjoy the sounds of serenity.

Stories from the community

A

Alexis

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Namaste Farms

We loved staying at Namaste Farms! It was the perfect quick getaway. The tree house was awesome. Cozy, rustic and the animals were a added plus for my 11 year old daughter. She said it was the best place!! Wonderful quick farm visit. Sean was so kind and a wonderful host. Thank you!

C

Chance

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Namaste Farms

If you’re looking for a rustic and unique glamping experience surrounded by farm animals, you would love Namaste Farms. The treehouse is cozy, with thoughtful amenities like electricity, a heater, fan, tea kettle, instant coffee, utensils, mugs, and even wine glasses. We loved seeing the variety of animals on the property — sheep, ponies, a horse, peacocks, ducks, chickens, and a few friendly border collies. The location is convenient and close to plenty of restaurants and wineries, with flat, easy roads leading up to the property. The outdoor shower and toilet are private (not shared) and add to the glamping feel, while still offering modern comforts. Just keep in mind you’ll need to park outside the gate and carry your luggage in, and the space itself is best suited for smaller dogs (under 30 lbs). We stayed during mid-October and the overnight temperature was pleasant without needing to use the heater.

A

Allison

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Namaste Farms

What an incredible weekend at Namaste and we can not wait to come back for another stay! We came in from Palm Springs for a nice relaxing weekened surrounded by farm life! My husband and i just celebrated 21 years together, 18 years married, and it was just what the dr ordered! The tree house was so fun and a cute little cozy place to stay. The Ranch was rustic, so charming, and nicely kept. We loved petting allllll of the animals and feeding the horses. The pups (gaudians) around the farm were so fun and kept me from missing my own that stayed home. Sean was so nice and we had so many nice chats with him about the animals, farm life, and his family. He gave us AWESOME suggestions on places to eat near by and they did not disappoint! Overall 10/10 I recommend and hope to return soon 🫶🏼

R

Raina

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Namaste Farms

Namaste farms was a perfect little escape for a night. Sean was so helpful getting us set up and answering any questions we had. The tree house was so cozy and perfect for a little “glamping trip”. The animals are all so friendly and loved the carrots that we brought. Hope to be back soon!

N

Nancy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Namaste Farms

Sean was very welcoming and very attentive to any need we might have. The farm is a quiet place with plenty of animals. Sean does a great job taking care of the animals. Staying in his farm helps found money needed to maintain the animals including all the rescue animals. If you are not afraid of spider then it is worth visiting.

Z

Zena

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Namaste Farms

Super cute treehouse, atmospheric hang out porch. Owner was very nice and helpful. Loved it, perfect for a cozy little retreat.

A

Amel

July 2025

1 night at Namaste Farms

What a lovely space! The animals were incredible, hosts were equally great. The treehouse was very cozy and comfortable. Outhouse with a flushing toilet👌 outdoor shower with fresh, clean towels. I will be coming back here when I’m back in the area

T

Tiffani

July 2025

1 night at Namaste Farms

Space was lovely and comfortable. The sheep and goats were adorable, the tree house was clean, comfortable and well-appointed with everything I needed. Wonderful stay. Thank you!

S

Susan

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Namaste Farms

The treehouse was so cute and cozy! The back patio was great to hang out on after dark. They had towels and bathrobes and the shower had hot water. The dogs were very friendly and my daughter had a great time playing with a litter of farm puppies. Would definitely stay again.

M

Mindy

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Namaste Farms

The treehouse was everything we expected! So quaint and cute

N

Nicole

November 2024

Weekend Trip to Namaste Farms

We picked this place on a whim only a night prior and we are so glad we did. The treehouse is so unique. It’s small but had a cute little balcony attached that felt magical at night. Sean was such a great host and had some great recommendations for food, that we got to go and ate on the balcony. Had such a fun time exploring the farm and meeting all the animals in the morning . It was a great place to rest after a day of hiking at Anza Borrego state park, about an hour and a half away . Ps There are roosters, so don’t worry about setting an alarm :).

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best treehouses near San Diego guide

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.