97% (6.3K)
Top-rated campgrounds
97% (6.3K)
Top-rated campgrounds
Camper favorites near Vista
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Public campgrounds near Vista
Stories from the community
Brandon
6 days ago
17 ft campervan
Great view and lots of extras available for this site. The drive up the mountain was half the fun. Glad we got to check this spot out over the weekend.
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Michelle
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Our crew had such a great time and Vicki was a wonderful host. She was responsive, accommodating, and friendly. The land and campsite were gorgeous, and our kids especially loved being visited by the resident pigs!
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Katherine
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
Easy to find spot, instructions were clear and straightforward. No issues camping for the night!
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Sara
3 weeks ago
With pets
Had a great time. Tent was clean and comfortable. The kitchen had everything we would have ever needed. We made pizza, tea, and breakfast. The bathrooms were clean. My only complaint would be that the showers were cold. We tried morning and night and there was no hot water. Would come back again. My daughter loved pointing out all of the avocados on the property.
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Ronald
3 weeks ago
22 ft campervan
Group trip
My girlfriend and I had an amazing time at Harrison Serenity Ranch. From the moment we arrived, Vicki welcomed us with so much kindness and made us feel right at home. The property is absolutely beautiful — the views are unbelievable, especially at sunset, and the whole place has a peaceful, secluded vibe that’s perfect for getting away from everything.
We also loved meeting the resident pig, who was surprisingly friendly and made the stay even more memorable! The campground was clean, quiet, and thoughtfully set up, and you can tell the hosts genuinely care about the land and the experience they provide.
Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a relaxing, unique getaway. We’ll definitely be back!
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Parker
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Had a great time celebrating my 30th birthday here. Our hosts were very friendly and hospitable. I appreciated having a clean porta potty, running water and a well lit area already set up for us. Amazing views as well. Definitely would come back!
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Christine
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Camping on Jeff’s land was the perfect peaceful weekend getaway. Stargazing was exceptional (even w/ a bright moon). I think we caught the end of the Southern Taurid meteor showers—saw my first meteor fireball! In the past, I’ve always camped at campgrounds shared with others so the level of privacy provided by being the only campers on Jeff’s land is absolutely incredible. You take a small set of stairs down to the campsite, which is right off the main dirt road. The campsite is right alongside the road, but it’s at a lower level and never impacted our sense of privacy. I rarely noticed cars going by and when they did, they drove respectfully slow so it wasn’t very noticeable. We felt comfortable letting our dog roam freely and he had a blast exploring the grounds. The porta potty is a short ~1 min walk further down the same dirt road so it’s super close by (also the cleanest porta potty I’ve ever been in which was greatly appreciated). At the campsite itself, there is a table, a few chairs, two hammocks, a putting green (but we didn’t set it up), water tank, gas stove (we brought propane), and a gated pet pen. Note: 3 tents could fit but a large portion of the campsite is slightly sloped. We ended up moving our tent to the flat concrete slab the 2nd day which made for a much better night sleep. I also highly recommend hiking the Eagle Rock Trail that Jeff suggests. Six miles round trip but definitely worth it. We will definitely be coming back!
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Marc
3 weeks ago
With pets
My wife and I along with our two dogs had a wonderful time at the Nopalito farm. The entire setting from the communal outdoor kitchen to the shower and outdoor seating areas were great.
Jacob and his parents worked diligently to make all guests stay most comfortable.
We definitely plan to come back.
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Ben
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent
The tent and site were great! Lauri was communicative and friendly!
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Alexa
3 weeks ago
With pets
Wonderful lodging on a beautiful property! It was very comfortable and had everything we needed. Jacob is a kind and helpful host.
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Jessica
November 2025
1 night at Campo Nopalito
we had a great time! Everything was kept pretty clean in the shared bathroom/kitchen area. Jacob is very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be coming back!
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Elza
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Great stay —very private and peaceful, exactly what my girlfriend and I were looking for, rather than a standard campsite with a bunch of campers nearby. 10/10 would recommend.
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Brenda
November 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
I love the Oak Grove area because we had a group of women about 12 and we all fit really good with our motorhomes, trailers, tents, cars. It was a beautiful grove. The whole mountain is beautiful thank you so much for making this a beautiful place for everybody to camp and have fun.
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Shirley
November 2025
Tent
I have stayed in the communal area twice in the last 6 months with a large group of women and both times it was wonderful. Since my visit in June they have added two more flushing toilets to this area and a FANTASTIC outdoor shower with hot water. We hiked the campground and there is such a great variety of options for all kinds of camping. I would say if you are in a HUGE rig, you might be white knuckling it on the drive in, but once you are here, its simply glorious. Beautiful sunsets, fabulous views and the staff is FANTASTIC!! I can't wait to go back
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Teresa
November 2025
8 ft campervan
Went as part of a group at the Oak Grove which was set under large oak trees and was nice and shaded. Lots of land to take walks and explore. Met the goats a few times as they roam free through the property. Bathrooms with flush toilets are clean and unique hot showers also. My sty was beginning of November. Not too cold not too hot. Enjoyed the stay!
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Teri
November 2025
21 ft campervan
A little piece of paradise right outside of the city
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Julia
November 2025
Tent
Such a cool campsite! The views were spectacular and the site felt really private, while also being close enough to town that we got to enjoy Wildomar, Murrieta, and Temecula really easily. We loved hanging out in the shelter and watching the sunrise and sunset. We’d love to stay here again!
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Francesca
November 2025
Tent
With kids
What a magical place. The sunset and the sunrises don’t envy any other place in the world and getting greeted by kind goats in the morning was such a treat! Will absolutely come back
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Randy
November 2025
29 ft Class A
With kids
We loved our time spent here! Beautiful sites, adorable farm animals and extremely peaceful. We are planning to make this a regular stop!
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Doug
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Very cool property, beautiful San Diego Mountain scenery. I walked the property several times with my dog and she got to meet some goats and a nice Great Pyrenees. Checked out some other empty camp sites that I would want to rent next time for multiple days. The hilltop one looked awesome and there another hill too structure you can drive/walk to. Definitely will come back. Nice granite on the property. Makes it feel like Joshua tree with out the drive
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Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Other options near Vista
The best camping near Vista with wildlife watching 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.