Discover the best waterfall campgrounds near Vista, California

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7 top waterfall campgrounds near Vista

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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PATTI OAKS

4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Bonsall, CA

Located in Bonsall, Ca. This 3 1/2 acres is nestled in a little canyon surrounded by a little bit of everything. 100+ year old oaks, little pond , waterfall , flowers and peace. Established in 1985 , Patti oaks was built for retirement and you'll feel that way when you experience it. Located centrally , about 30 minutes from oceanside, temecula, Escondido, , Carlsbad , San Diego wild animal park, wine country, legoland, etc. With coastal weather year long. You've got to see to believe. Neighbors say it feels like they're not even in Bonsall.

Hidden Falls Preserve

23 sites · Tents56 acres · Winchester, CA

This secret off-grid getaway on 56 acres gives stunning views at private tent sites with hiking, bird-watching, and wildflower-spotting. Relax in the shade of a eucalyptus grove, enjoy the sun shining over the sage scrub, and find the hidden waterfalls. A short drive to Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake, and Lake Skinner, our private, scenic campsites offer both serenity and nearby activities including wine tasting, restaurants, hot air balloons, and paragliding. We are 100% off-grid with no hookups or water sources (yet), no showers (yet). A significant portion of our proceeds goes directly to a local non-profit for habitat restoration efforts within the Conservation Area, and other bird study projects. We hope to attract campers that prefer an off-the-beaten-path type experience.

Organic Garden&Orchard Wolfdog Pond

1 site · RV3 acres · Escondido, CA

Our property is 2 1/2 acres. We recently built an extremely modern, very private place to park your RV. You can not see the home from where the RV is parked. It's tucked down in between a beautiful wall, a hill and an orchard. On the property is a very large five tiered garden you're welcome to harvest from as well for a small fee. The home sitting at top of property is extremely modern, built by a very well known &local architect. In between the RV site and the home is an incredible pool turned into a pond with a small marsh area and natural cascading waterfall, no chemicals whatsoever. Stay on deck all day with amenities, however no swimming as to not interrupt the eco-system. Four large breed dogs live in home, three are wolf hybrids, one is a pit/lab that thinks he's a wolf. Your RV will be on decorative rock and under shade. A very quiet neighborhood, homes are acres apart. Lights out by 10pm please. Take a bag of fruit from the Orchard when you leave. Very, very high end spot to stay.

Svatantria Retreat Center

8 sites · Lodging15 acres · Julian, CA

The retreat makes it home on 15 acres graced with meandering creeks, a pond, ancient oaks and native flora and fauna. Nestled into the natural landscape are four charming cabins and eight scenic camping areas available for day-use and extended stays. Amenities include BBQ grills, mini fridges and bathrooms with refreshingly hot showers. Depending upon the specific rental, amenities vary from private use to shared. During your stay with us, you’re welcome to explore an onsite labyrinth, hike the tranquil mountains, dip your toes in the creek and admire the wildlife. You’re also invited to join our yogis in practice on the meditation platform and relax into the calming ruffle of a nearby waterfall. Private and semi-private yoga sessions are available; please inquire further for session booking details. Svatantria is honored to acknowledge the First Peoples to this land, the Kumeyaay, who inhabited this region for more than 10,000 years. As the current stewards of this land on which Svatantria resides, we endeavor to maintain its sacred and nurturing aspects and invite you to join us in this journey.

Hogan House

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Wildomar, CA

We live in a mobile home on my property with a travel trailer that is off to the side. I would love to have people stay so that they can enjoy what our location has to offer and give you a comfortable stay! Bring your toys the property is gated. The travel trailer fits about 4 comfortably and we have boat parking or two car parking that’s in a gated property!

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Deer Valley Alpaca Farm Glamping

5 sites · Lodging9 acres · CA

Our working alpaca farm is the perfect place for a retreat from the city and some serenity. Our goal is to provide our guests with privacy and comfort to rejuvenate their souls. Spend your days relaxing, wandering through the gardens, meeting our farm animals, and visiting one of the many nearby locations to hike, bike, eat or shop! We have 3 experiences to choose from for your stay: #1 Bell Tent- Stay in our 16.5' Canvas Bell Tent complete with an outdoor bathroom, kitchen, and shaded dining area. #2 Cottage- Sleeping cottage with an outdoor (detached) bathroom, kitchen and shaded dining area. #3 Group Camp = bring your friends and rent out both camping areas to have the whole area to yourselves!

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Waterfall 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.