The best bell tents near Vista

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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.

99% (526)

Top-rated campgrounds

Thundering Hawk Retreat

2. Thundering Hawk Retreat

96%
(143)
13mi from Vista · 10 sites · Lodging · Valley Center, CA
Welcome to our Hipcamp located on a 40-acre flower farm in the heart of Valley Center. As soon as you arrive, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of the creek flowing nearby will immediately put you at ease. Our serene setting is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Our property is bursting with color and nature, thanks to the many types of flowers and plants that we cultivate here. You'll love wandering through the fields and taking in the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful getaway, our Hipcamp is the perfect place to disconnect and recharge. At night, the stars shine bright overhead, and the peaceful sounds of the creek and wildlife create a calming atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're camping in a tent, staying in a camper, or enjoying one of our glamping bell tents, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our farm. We can't wait to share our little slice of paradise with you! Follow us on Instagram @thunderinghawkretreat
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$108
 / night
Portal Garden

5. Portal Garden

12mi from Vista · 1 site · Lodging · Fallbrook, CA
Portal Garden – A Gateway to Destiny Portal Garden is a place we have all manifested — where integrity and intention are at the forefront of everything we do and every decision we make. Step into a world where nature, community, and creativity come together in harmony. At Portal Garden’s one-acre paradise, your dreams can grow as you take control of your own journey. Whether you’re here to plant roots, explore new ideas, or simply recharge, this is a space to connect deeply — with yourself, with others, with plants, with animals, and with the land. Experience a unique blend of connection and learning. From sound healing sessions and organic gardening workshops, to live house DJ events, we invite you to celebrate, create, and contribute to a thriving culture of authenticity, abundance, and growth. At Portal Garden, you’re not just a visitor — you’re a co-creator. Plant your own garden, immerse yourself in monthly gatherings, or enjoy a peaceful retreat in one of our glamping tents or van-life spots. Together, we’ll cultivate a community built on love, gratitude, integrity, and purpose. Join us as we manifest a new reality — one of abundance, harmony, and shared growth. This is your space, your community, your Portal Garden.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$88
 / night

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.

99% (526)

Top-rated campgrounds

Thundering Hawk Retreat

2. Thundering Hawk Retreat

96%
(143)
13mi from Vista · 10 sites · Lodging · Valley Center, CA
Welcome to our Hipcamp located on a 40-acre flower farm in the heart of Valley Center. As soon as you arrive, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of the creek flowing nearby will immediately put you at ease. Our serene setting is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Our property is bursting with color and nature, thanks to the many types of flowers and plants that we cultivate here. You'll love wandering through the fields and taking in the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful getaway, our Hipcamp is the perfect place to disconnect and recharge. At night, the stars shine bright overhead, and the peaceful sounds of the creek and wildlife create a calming atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're camping in a tent, staying in a camper, or enjoying one of our glamping bell tents, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our farm. We can't wait to share our little slice of paradise with you! Follow us on Instagram @thunderinghawkretreat
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$108
 / night
Portal Garden

5. Portal Garden

12mi from Vista · 1 site · Lodging · Fallbrook, CA
Portal Garden – A Gateway to Destiny Portal Garden is a place we have all manifested — where integrity and intention are at the forefront of everything we do and every decision we make. Step into a world where nature, community, and creativity come together in harmony. At Portal Garden’s one-acre paradise, your dreams can grow as you take control of your own journey. Whether you’re here to plant roots, explore new ideas, or simply recharge, this is a space to connect deeply — with yourself, with others, with plants, with animals, and with the land. Experience a unique blend of connection and learning. From sound healing sessions and organic gardening workshops, to live house DJ events, we invite you to celebrate, create, and contribute to a thriving culture of authenticity, abundance, and growth. At Portal Garden, you’re not just a visitor — you’re a co-creator. Plant your own garden, immerse yourself in monthly gatherings, or enjoy a peaceful retreat in one of our glamping tents or van-life spots. Together, we’ll cultivate a community built on love, gratitude, integrity, and purpose. Join us as we manifest a new reality — one of abundance, harmony, and shared growth. This is your space, your community, your Portal Garden.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$88
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best bell tents near Vista guide

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.