Beach Camping Near Vista, California, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2024

93% (232 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Vista

5 top beach campgrounds near Vista

Dog-friendly getaways

86%

(137)

Beachin' Ranch Camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · San Diego, CA

Hello All Campers this is a self check in facility.... Camp host available from 7:30AM to 8:30AM and 3:00PM to 4:30PM only You can Call owner anytime (760)419-4839 Sorry we Don't have horse rentals but can offer guided rides through the area trails with pre arranged notice. So bring your horses and enjoy the ride D & J Stables is a family run facility created by Dick and Jenny Tynan in 2005. It is located on the Kimzey Family Ranch in San Diego. Since their passing, the Stables have been managed by their son Scott Tynan. Our stables offer a clean and quiet place for horse owners to board their precious companions - short or long term - or to serve as a weekend getaway for a person or group of friends/riders. Each Boarding Corral has walking space, shaded corners, automated water feeders, soft dirt, partially sheltered sides and is in close proximity to a round pen, a small arena (turnout) and is encompassed by a small walking track. No two corrals are close enough to each other for the horses to interact, reducing the likelyhood of mishap from a neighbor. Each Weekender Corral comes equipped with the same as the above, excepting only the partially sheltered side panels, and are right next to where you will be parking your trailer or camper. With access to all 38 miles of equestrian trails in the area and less than a 2 mile ride to the beautiful South San Diego beaches, D&J Stables is a prime location for horse men and women everywhere. We are excited to open up to the general public for the camping experience Horse ranch life style, Learn more about this land: Nestled against the mountains and beach of the San Diego/ Mexico border, open access to 38 miles of state beach trails and only 1.5 miles from the sands of Imperial Beach. We have pristine views and perfect weather San Diego is known for. D and J Stables is one of the last ranches with beach access to ride a horse on the beach. It's a rustic, one of a kind experience. Dogs are allowed but not in stable area thank you for your understanding.

Rancho Nopalito In San Diego!

1 site · RV1 acre · Bonita, CA

Discover our charming RV camping spot nestled in sunny San Diego. Our spot features a private, fully fenced lot with partial hookups and abundant outdoor space. Located in the picturesque Bonita neighborhood, we're just a short 15-minute drive from downtown and only 20 minutes away from the pristine beaches in the north and south. Additionally, we're conveniently situated just 15 minutes from the Mexico border crossing. Bonita is a delightful neighborhood with a nostalgic country feel, offering a plethora of activities right within the community. From golfing and horseback riding to scenic trails and charming eateries, there's something for everyone to enjoy. You can also explore the local library and even visit a museum during your stay. It's important to note that San Diego has strict RV parking regulations, including a ban on overnight parking on city streets. Given the high demand, RV campsites and lodges tend to book up quickly. If you're planning to visit San Diego with your RV, be sure to secure a suitable parking spot in advance. While our spot is not intended as a destination in itself, it provides a cozy retreat for your RV while you explore the vibrant city of San Diego. Our amenities include a private, landscaped yard with trees, 110V 15A electrical and water connections, outdoor furniture with a table, umbrella, and seating, as well as night lighting for added ambiance. For those looking for extra convenience, we offer optional outdoor packages for an additional fee. These include a 26' Minnie Winnie RV that sleeps up to 8 people, a Surfing Package with 2-4 surfboards and 2-4 body boards as needed, and a Bicycle Package with 2-4 bikes available upon request. For more details about these packages, please don't hesitate to contact us. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us. Please note that the maximum stay at our spot is 3 weeks.

Reid Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Vista, CA

Reid Ranch is located in North County less than 10 miles from the beach. You will have your own site with a private fire pit uniquely placed in the natural Granite rocks. Your experience will be one of a kind. So many activities near by. Close to numerous breweries and great wineries. I have lived in San Diego for over 30 years so I can give recommendations to the best of what San Diego has to offer. Downtown is a 45 minute drive or you have access to the train nearby. We have 2 hold tubs that can be added on that over look the coast. Located in the Mar Vista Valley only eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. We enjoy the best weather in the world. The ocean breeze along with gorgeous sunsets adds to the experience. Our private fire pit nestled in the granite boulders is truly one of a kind. We hope you come experience our slice of heaven for yourself soon.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

96%

(82)

San Elijo State Beach

Encinitas, California

96%

(80)

South Carlsbad State Beach

Carlsbad, California

Classic view from San Clemente Campground.

94%

(80)

San Clemente State Beach

San Clemente, California

The sunsets get better with time on this beach!

98%

(60)

Crystal Cove State Park

Newport Beach, California

95%

(48)

Doheny State Beach

Dana Point, California

89%

(98)

San Onofre State Beach

San Clemente, California

90%

(7)

Silver Strand State Beach

Coronado, California

79%

(12)

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Moreno Valley, California

Beach camping near Vista guide

Overview

In northern San Diego County, Vista is a peaceful agricultural hub with rolling hills, wineries, and the gorgeous Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Vista’s parks and preserves offer trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through oak groves and chaparral, while the town also sits just 15 minutes from Pacific Coast beaches with swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. (San Diego highlights like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and Mission Beach aren’t too far either.) To the east of Vista rise the Peninsular Range mountains, where cooler temperatures, forested trails, and swimming holes offer reprieves from the summer heat for Vista campers in tents and RVs.

Where to go

Vista Surrounds

One of Vista’s most popular attractions is the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, which features native California plants, a butterfly habitat, and nature paths. RV travelers will find a good selection of private campsites and RV parks with full hookups around Vista and nearby Encinitas. The closest beach park to Vista is Cardiff State Beach, a classic SoCal surf spot with swimming areas.

South Carlsbad State Beach

For the closest beach camping, head to South Carlsbad State Beach. The blufftop campground has tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus access to restrooms, showers, and a dump station.

San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach is another great beach camping option south of Vista in Encinitas. This 2-mile-long section of Pacific Ocean beach has a large campground and quick access to stores and restaurants in Cardiff.

Palomar Mountain State Park

For a break from the beach, head inland to Palomar Mountain State Park. This Peninsular Range park has multiple campgrounds and an average elevation of 5,000 feet, allowing for cooler weather and unique flora like cedar and Doug fir trees. Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails traverse the park, and the nearby Palomar Mountain Observatory offers public tours. Keep an eye out for mule deer, coyotes, and red-shouldered hawks when visiting.

When to go

Vista’s temperate climate makes it a good camping choice year-round. Beach campgrounds tend to book out well in advance during the summer season, so plan ahead. It’s also a good idea to monitor weather for summer heat waves around Vista and winter freezes in the mountains just outside of town. Whale watching season runs from late winter to early spring when gray whales pass through the area. Spring visitors may also witness wildflower blooms.