- Camping with Snow sport
The best camping near Winter Gardens with snow sports
96% (216) • 41 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Winter Gardens
Old well ranch
1. Old well ranch
99%
(45)
13mi from Winter Gardens · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
I’m at 2300’ on north side of Lyons peak I have sweet tasting water very quiet and at the end of the road about an 1/8 mi off Lyons valley road there’s is a nice country store since 1940 many people visit store as a destination on any weekends bicycles,Harley’s classic cars I’m a cook I serve bbq Mex food American food or you can cook over open fire store has everything thing you desire there’s Julian for pie , lake cuyamaca , hiking best area for camping or extended stay to see all of San Diego and Mexico Baja theres a shower bath room and very clean area super quiet you will love your stay firewood for campfires is included so you will make great memories of your stay campsites are improving as time goes on to make you camping experience great
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$60
/ night
Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping
2. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping
93%
(14)
25mi from Winter Gardens · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet.
Manzanita Hill is just:
- a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction.
- 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town.
- A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards.
- 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more!
Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.
Toilets
Showers
from
$45
/ night
Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry
3. Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry
99%
(141)
28mi from Winter Gardens · 4 sites
Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors.
Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA.
Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California.
Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment.
We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping.
Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8.
There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite.
Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$120
/ night
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
National forest 15mi from Winter Gardens · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rancho Esquandolas
5. Rancho Esquandolas
95%
(22)
36mi from Winter Gardens · 1 site · Tent, RV
Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country.
We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock.
Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.
Pets
Potable water
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
The "Camp-Sight"
6. The "Camp-Sight"
92%
(12)
47mi from Winter Gardens · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
"If you got the sight, we got the views." Our property sits on top of a hill on 10 acres of beautiful panoramic views of Cahuilla and, Palomar mountain along with rolling hills of large rock formation and colorful wildflowers in the spring. Nestled up to the wildlife preserve of the government bureau of land management which provides more of a quiet and private setting to enjoy what nature has to offer.
You will see Jack rabbits and cotton tail bunnies, roadrunners, quail, owls, different type of birds, hawks, coyote, lizards, snakes and even some toads. On occasion you may see deer, Bob cats, mountain lion along with endangered kangaroo mice, The beautiful night sky is easy to see planets and shooting stars without the interruption of city lights.
There are many trails to walk, hike, bike and horse back ride where you can discover large boulders in different shapes and sizes along with hidden caves. A variety of rocks and minerals can be found for those rock hound enthusiasts as well.
At the camp site you will find a horseshoe pit ,indoor and outdoor games and treasure hunts for everyone to enjoy. If you want to bring your own set of golf clubs you can even hit some balls!
We allow pets for a $10 per pet/per booking. If you want to bring a pet, please add the pet fee listed as an extra during the booking process.
There are off road areas nearby. Bring your motor bike, quad or buggy and throw up some dirt.
Not too far there is a Casino, a store open 24 hrs. and a restaurant call for hours. 20-30 minutes away from the Temecula stores and wineries.
You don’t have to worry about packing up a bunch of camping equipment, our camp provides a 35 foot RV if you prefer a roof over your head and a place to sit down for a meal. The power runs off a generator ( you will need to provide your own fuel. it is a 5 gallon capacity). has indoor and outdoor lights, a radio, outlets to plug in a fan or heater or a phone/computer. There are dishes and utensils,pots/pans and a toilet. Outside water is provided to wash up and clean the dishes. There is a propane b.b.q, propane fire ring, outdoor bench, table and camp chairs. included in the cost.
Please contact me if you may have any questions. We aim to please to make your stay enjoyable. Thank you and enjoy your day!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
7. Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
100%
(5)
23mi from Winter Gardens · 3 sites
Built in the 50’s it is sitting on 2 parcels and is over ½ acre in size. We also have 2 other cabins for rent in Julian for larger groups.
The outhouse that you see was used when it was first built and now is for storage.
The original owner built the house himself and it was originally on piers alone with no other foundation!
There is a folder in the bedroom closet of the house over the years.
The decorations were here when we bought it so we kept them to preserve the house’s uniqueness.
We treasure this house which is nestled amongst the trees and has so many beautiful birds that visit.
Many turkeys love to stop by too!
If you hear the deep cooing from the monster doves (who are very shy) you can try to spot one. They are amazing.
We really hope you love it as much as we do.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$140
/ night
BaseCamp at Palomar
8. BaseCamp at Palomar
89%
(46)
32mi from Winter Gardens · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Experience excellence at BASE CAMP PALOMAR Campground. Whether you seek a cozy campsite or desire to rent our cabins, retro airstreams, or glamping tents, we have precisely what you're looking for. Our amenities include a newly retrofitted game room, a playground for the little ones, a WIFI Hot Spot, and well-stocked vending machines for ice and firewood.
Choose to relax in one of our rental cabins, enjoy a spacious RV site, or pitch your tent amidst our Oak Groves. Our campground offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Milky Way or keep an eye out for UFOs. In fact, our location is world-famous for being the site of the first documented UFO encounter, Check out the George Adamski Foundation.
This Campground was first opened in the early 1930"s as the Base Camp for the Contruction crew to build Route S6 "Road to the Stars" top of Palomar Mountain. The Road needed to be built wide and smooth in order to transport the Hale Telescope. The construction had to stop due to the start of WW2. Once WW2 had ended the work was completed 1948.
The Base Camp first name was Palamar Gardens, Then Oak Knoll Camp and is now being rebranded back to its Original Name Base Camp Palamar.
The property is rustic, a little dusty and very old school. If you're looking for a new type of camping with 5-star amenities we recommend Pala or Pechanga Resort RV Park Casino RV Park.
We are just plain and simple.
Note: the property has two sections one is for Kamping / RVing and the other is Seasonal / fulltime RVers
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Serene Mountain Valley Ranch
9. Serene Mountain Valley Ranch
100%
(5)
40mi from Winter Gardens · 1 site · Tent, RV
* Beautiful 40-acre Family-Friendly Ranch - a peaceful, private place to unwind and enjoy the serenity of nature. We are popular with families with small children, family reunion campouts and club gatherings. We are not compatible with guests who wish to play loud music or who wish to use noisy motorized vehicles.
We are an especially popular with self-sustaining RV's, Air Streams, Class A Motorhomes and Class C Luxury campers. As guests driving or pulling large camper units enjoy our easy, flat surface, drive-through gates. However, this is NOT a camp ground, and we pride ourselves on providing peaceful privacy for our guests. For that reason we do not host more than one group at a time...unless otherwise specifically requested by groups such as: family reunions and/or wilderness weddings.
* Your well-socialized, family-member dogs are welcome, also. But please be aware that this is a remote wilderness area with many wild animals, so plan to secure your pets safely at night.
* The most popular location is our main field has large shady oak trees on front of property. From there you can see the horses grazing under the shady oak trees.
* Some adventuresome 4-wd campers enjoy the camping among boulders with views of BLM, on the upper elevations of the property.
* This is also a good location to park your horse trailer(s) while you hike or ride the nearby Pacific Crest Trail or California Riding Hiking Trail.
* There are several boutique wineries offering weekend wine tastings and live music within a few miles.
* There is a taco shop within a few miles - open only on weekends.
* There is a convenience store within a few miles - open 7 days a week.
Pets
Potable water
from
$65
/ night
Starry Night at Rancho Moto
10. Starry Night at Rancho Moto
100%
(9)
41mi from Winter Gardens · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Discover a secluded escape surrounded by natural beauty and endless adventure! Our property borders the 1,000-acre Dr. Bronner Preserve, which connects to the Cooper Cienega Truck Trail—one of Southern California’s rare OHV-legal dirt roads. This location is surrounded by national forest, BLM land, and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering some of the best dual-sport motorcycling, mountain biking, 4x4 trails, and outdoor activities anywhere.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and nearby horse trails wind through the valley, providing unique opportunities for hikers and equestrians. Just a mile away, you’ll find the Lieu Quan Meditation Center, home to the largest reclining Buddha in the Americas.
Unwind with breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear starry skies—perfect for stargazing or telescoping. With a peaceful atmosphere that feels like you have the whole campground to yourself, it’s hard to believe you’re just 30 miles from Old Town Temecula.
Come experience the best of nature, adventure, and serenity in this one-of-a-kind location!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
11. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
4.6mi from Winter Gardens
Discover the charm of our award-winning campground, uniquely situated in the picturesque foothills of Santee, California. Just a short 20-minute drive from the vibrant attractions of San Diego, our campground offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and convenient access to city life.
With 300 full hook-up campsites, each equipped with complimentary WiFi and select sites featuring cable TV, we cater to all your camping needs. For those seeking a cozy retreat, we also provide ten charming cabins. Our campers enjoy exclusive access to fishing in the serene Lakes 6 and 7, making it a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts.
In addition to our beautiful surroundings, we host special events exclusively for campers, fostering a sense of community and adventure. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, our campground is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.
96% (216) • 41 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Winter Gardens
Old well ranch
1. Old well ranch
99%
(45)
13mi from Winter Gardens · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
I’m at 2300’ on north side of Lyons peak I have sweet tasting water very quiet and at the end of the road about an 1/8 mi off Lyons valley road there’s is a nice country store since 1940 many people visit store as a destination on any weekends bicycles,Harley’s classic cars I’m a cook I serve bbq Mex food American food or you can cook over open fire store has everything thing you desire there’s Julian for pie , lake cuyamaca , hiking best area for camping or extended stay to see all of San Diego and Mexico Baja theres a shower bath room and very clean area super quiet you will love your stay firewood for campfires is included so you will make great memories of your stay campsites are improving as time goes on to make you camping experience great
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$60
/ night
Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping
2. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping
93%
(14)
25mi from Winter Gardens · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet.
Manzanita Hill is just:
- a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction.
- 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town.
- A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards.
- 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more!
Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.
Toilets
Showers
from
$45
/ night
Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry
3. Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry
99%
(141)
28mi from Winter Gardens · 4 sites
Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors.
Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA.
Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California.
Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment.
We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping.
Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8.
There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite.
Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$120
/ night
Cleveland National Forest
4. Cleveland National Forest
93%
(85)
National forest 15mi from Winter Gardens · 436 sites
Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rancho Esquandolas
5. Rancho Esquandolas
95%
(22)
36mi from Winter Gardens · 1 site · Tent, RV
Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country.
We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock.
Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.
Pets
Potable water
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
The "Camp-Sight"
6. The "Camp-Sight"
92%
(12)
47mi from Winter Gardens · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
"If you got the sight, we got the views." Our property sits on top of a hill on 10 acres of beautiful panoramic views of Cahuilla and, Palomar mountain along with rolling hills of large rock formation and colorful wildflowers in the spring. Nestled up to the wildlife preserve of the government bureau of land management which provides more of a quiet and private setting to enjoy what nature has to offer.
You will see Jack rabbits and cotton tail bunnies, roadrunners, quail, owls, different type of birds, hawks, coyote, lizards, snakes and even some toads. On occasion you may see deer, Bob cats, mountain lion along with endangered kangaroo mice, The beautiful night sky is easy to see planets and shooting stars without the interruption of city lights.
There are many trails to walk, hike, bike and horse back ride where you can discover large boulders in different shapes and sizes along with hidden caves. A variety of rocks and minerals can be found for those rock hound enthusiasts as well.
At the camp site you will find a horseshoe pit ,indoor and outdoor games and treasure hunts for everyone to enjoy. If you want to bring your own set of golf clubs you can even hit some balls!
We allow pets for a $10 per pet/per booking. If you want to bring a pet, please add the pet fee listed as an extra during the booking process.
There are off road areas nearby. Bring your motor bike, quad or buggy and throw up some dirt.
Not too far there is a Casino, a store open 24 hrs. and a restaurant call for hours. 20-30 minutes away from the Temecula stores and wineries.
You don’t have to worry about packing up a bunch of camping equipment, our camp provides a 35 foot RV if you prefer a roof over your head and a place to sit down for a meal. The power runs off a generator ( you will need to provide your own fuel. it is a 5 gallon capacity). has indoor and outdoor lights, a radio, outlets to plug in a fan or heater or a phone/computer. There are dishes and utensils,pots/pans and a toilet. Outside water is provided to wash up and clean the dishes. There is a propane b.b.q, propane fire ring, outdoor bench, table and camp chairs. included in the cost.
Please contact me if you may have any questions. We aim to please to make your stay enjoyable. Thank you and enjoy your day!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
7. Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin
100%
(5)
23mi from Winter Gardens · 3 sites
Built in the 50’s it is sitting on 2 parcels and is over ½ acre in size. We also have 2 other cabins for rent in Julian for larger groups.
The outhouse that you see was used when it was first built and now is for storage.
The original owner built the house himself and it was originally on piers alone with no other foundation!
There is a folder in the bedroom closet of the house over the years.
The decorations were here when we bought it so we kept them to preserve the house’s uniqueness.
We treasure this house which is nestled amongst the trees and has so many beautiful birds that visit.
Many turkeys love to stop by too!
If you hear the deep cooing from the monster doves (who are very shy) you can try to spot one. They are amazing.
We really hope you love it as much as we do.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$140
/ night
BaseCamp at Palomar
8. BaseCamp at Palomar
89%
(46)
32mi from Winter Gardens · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Experience excellence at BASE CAMP PALOMAR Campground. Whether you seek a cozy campsite or desire to rent our cabins, retro airstreams, or glamping tents, we have precisely what you're looking for. Our amenities include a newly retrofitted game room, a playground for the little ones, a WIFI Hot Spot, and well-stocked vending machines for ice and firewood.
Choose to relax in one of our rental cabins, enjoy a spacious RV site, or pitch your tent amidst our Oak Groves. Our campground offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Milky Way or keep an eye out for UFOs. In fact, our location is world-famous for being the site of the first documented UFO encounter, Check out the George Adamski Foundation.
This Campground was first opened in the early 1930"s as the Base Camp for the Contruction crew to build Route S6 "Road to the Stars" top of Palomar Mountain. The Road needed to be built wide and smooth in order to transport the Hale Telescope. The construction had to stop due to the start of WW2. Once WW2 had ended the work was completed 1948.
The Base Camp first name was Palamar Gardens, Then Oak Knoll Camp and is now being rebranded back to its Original Name Base Camp Palamar.
The property is rustic, a little dusty and very old school. If you're looking for a new type of camping with 5-star amenities we recommend Pala or Pechanga Resort RV Park Casino RV Park.
We are just plain and simple.
Note: the property has two sections one is for Kamping / RVing and the other is Seasonal / fulltime RVers
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Serene Mountain Valley Ranch
9. Serene Mountain Valley Ranch
100%
(5)
40mi from Winter Gardens · 1 site · Tent, RV
* Beautiful 40-acre Family-Friendly Ranch - a peaceful, private place to unwind and enjoy the serenity of nature. We are popular with families with small children, family reunion campouts and club gatherings. We are not compatible with guests who wish to play loud music or who wish to use noisy motorized vehicles.
We are an especially popular with self-sustaining RV's, Air Streams, Class A Motorhomes and Class C Luxury campers. As guests driving or pulling large camper units enjoy our easy, flat surface, drive-through gates. However, this is NOT a camp ground, and we pride ourselves on providing peaceful privacy for our guests. For that reason we do not host more than one group at a time...unless otherwise specifically requested by groups such as: family reunions and/or wilderness weddings.
* Your well-socialized, family-member dogs are welcome, also. But please be aware that this is a remote wilderness area with many wild animals, so plan to secure your pets safely at night.
* The most popular location is our main field has large shady oak trees on front of property. From there you can see the horses grazing under the shady oak trees.
* Some adventuresome 4-wd campers enjoy the camping among boulders with views of BLM, on the upper elevations of the property.
* This is also a good location to park your horse trailer(s) while you hike or ride the nearby Pacific Crest Trail or California Riding Hiking Trail.
* There are several boutique wineries offering weekend wine tastings and live music within a few miles.
* There is a taco shop within a few miles - open only on weekends.
* There is a convenience store within a few miles - open 7 days a week.
Pets
Potable water
from
$65
/ night
Starry Night at Rancho Moto
10. Starry Night at Rancho Moto
100%
(9)
41mi from Winter Gardens · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Discover a secluded escape surrounded by natural beauty and endless adventure! Our property borders the 1,000-acre Dr. Bronner Preserve, which connects to the Cooper Cienega Truck Trail—one of Southern California’s rare OHV-legal dirt roads. This location is surrounded by national forest, BLM land, and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering some of the best dual-sport motorcycling, mountain biking, 4x4 trails, and outdoor activities anywhere.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and nearby horse trails wind through the valley, providing unique opportunities for hikers and equestrians. Just a mile away, you’ll find the Lieu Quan Meditation Center, home to the largest reclining Buddha in the Americas.
Unwind with breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear starry skies—perfect for stargazing or telescoping. With a peaceful atmosphere that feels like you have the whole campground to yourself, it’s hard to believe you’re just 30 miles from Old Town Temecula.
Come experience the best of nature, adventure, and serenity in this one-of-a-kind location!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
11. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
4.6mi from Winter Gardens
Discover the charm of our award-winning campground, uniquely situated in the picturesque foothills of Santee, California. Just a short 20-minute drive from the vibrant attractions of San Diego, our campground offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and convenient access to city life.
With 300 full hook-up campsites, each equipped with complimentary WiFi and select sites featuring cable TV, we cater to all your camping needs. For those seeking a cozy retreat, we also provide ten charming cabins. Our campers enjoy exclusive access to fishing in the serene Lakes 6 and 7, making it a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts.
In addition to our beautiful surroundings, we host special events exclusively for campers, fostering a sense of community and adventure. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, our campground is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Jeremy
February 2026
2 nights at BaseCamp at Palomar
Jenifer welcomed us with a warm fire and had everything set up inside the airstream. It was so quiet and calm at BaseCamp. It was a memorable stay for me and my partner.
See more
M
Marian
February 2026
Weekend Trip to Serene Mountain Valley Ranch
Our family of 5 had an AMAZING time here. We were guided into the ranch by Laurel and her sweet Guardian dog, LB. We felt very safe here, loved the ample space to freely roam among
The beautiful oak trees and our kids loved climbing the boulder rocks. We appreciated having our own paved hiking trail on site that made us feel like we were in a completely different world. Laurels 40 acres is definitely a special and unique piece of land - water hose was nearby so we easily refilled our tank for our trailer. Bonus- were the 3 beautiful horses on site-
Our girls loved them! We enjoyed some wine tasting nearby, dinner in Julian & a horse rodeo that weekend. We will definitely be back!
See more
M
Mallorie
February 2026
With pets
We had a great stay and will absolutely be back! I’d advise checking the weather as we were thankfully prepared for cold weather, Jennifer will provide a heater but the beds closest to the tent walls can catch a breeze and we were glad we had packed wool blankets. A fun surprise was the mini fridge and microwave provided which I hadn’t seen in the listing so that came in handy. Overall this is the perfect camping treat when you don’t feel like doing all the extra work.
See more
m
manuel
November 2025
16 ft travel trailer
We had a great time. The place is easy to access and quiet
See more
K
Karen
October 2025
Weekend Trip to The "Camp-Sight"
We enjoyed the solitude and the views of the desert. There are so many stars at night. Although there is an RV with plenty of space the kitchen is not functional and you have a run a generator for lights at night. As long as you’re prepared for an indoor camping and outdoor cooking experience you will be fine.
See more
D
David
October 2025
23 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Responsive staff, and they helped with my broken trailer hitch.
See more
Seana
October 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With pets
This place is absolutely incredible. The views were stunning and it was fantastic letting the dogs off leash to romp around. Todd was nice enough to share hiking, winery and food recommendations in the area that led us to a breathtaking hike to Eagle Rock via the PCT and a delicious winery (Sierra Roble) right next door. Also Garage 79 is a great spot to grab a beer and some tacos. This trip was the exact reset we needed. Rate to find a place with full hookups and complete privacy. We will 100% be returning.
See more
J
Jeff
October 2025
Weekend Trip to BaseCamp at Palomar
Great stay. The tent is very spacious and clean. She has a good sized refrigerator and microwave. There’s an A/C unit as well. Drip coffee machine is available upon request. Great location with Palomar Observatory, Harrahs Casino, and Julian within a short drive. It’s worth a return trip.
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Tom
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto
Alex was an excellent host. Beautiful property. Remote and quiet.
Very well kept.
We'll definitely be going again.
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Kellen
October 2025
Group trip
Awesome camp site - the set up was perfect, the camper was great and the host was helpful and communicative. Would 100% recommend to anyone that’s looking for a spot out in the Chihuahua Valley.
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Christy
October 2025
Group trip
We wanted to take our grand babies who are 2 and 9 months on a trial run to see how they liked it and this was the most amazing place to do that trial run. There was a total of 5 adults and 2 little ones and we had so much room to spread out and get comfy. The bathrooms were a little far of a walk for a toddler who potty trained recently but other than that the site had everything we needed and then some. Anything we weren’t sure of and Shantel was right on it helping us out. The first night we caught 46+mile an hour winds dropping the temps into the 30’s but we turned the propane heaters on and hunkered down in the yurts and were just fine. The tree hammocks were a hit for naps and playing with babies. Lots of chairs around the fire and kitchen supplies. We plan to make this a yearly tradition with our family. So pack your clothes and food and head up! Unplug from life and make some memories.
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Lynette
September 2025
Group trip
The Airstream was cute, clean and very comfortable. Bathrooms were clean. Definitely a great place for kids.
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Chelsea
August 2025
With kids
This campground was incredible. Every little detail was thought out, the host was so kind and welcoming, and the tents and hammocks were top notch. I HIGHLY recommend staying here, especially if you have kids. We will definitely be staying here again.
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Randy
August 2025
With kids
We were a group of 12 and we loved the campsite. Shantel showed us the site and she was a nice host.
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James
August 2025
With pets
Great spot . Clean pool. Trailer is spacious. Close enough to restock supplies .
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Katy
August 2025
Tent
We loved our stay here!! The property is great and perfect for a quiet night away. Tim was extremely accommodating and went above and beyond to help us out with everything we needed! It was such a nice bonus to be able to cook on the an actual stove and have access to a bathroom. Plus the views and the stars were beautiful!! We really enjoyed talking with Tim and so appreciated his clear dedication to making sure we had a great time. Can’t wait to stay again!
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Ky
July 2025
Group trip
Great spot and it was very nice having so many things already set up for you, Shantel checked in on us thru text and we just had to bring our clothes, food, firewood/ice. Some tips for future peeps, showers are near the front of the campground and you need at least 4-7 quarters each time, bring a headlamp the restroom takes a few minutes to walk to, grab some apple from Julian about ~30 min away, but pack up your food so the squirrels don’t get to it while you’re gone. Happy camping! :3
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Kyle
July 2025
17 ft travel trailer
Friendly host and perfect location at the base of Palomar with easy access to the Observatory and Hiking trails a short 15-20 minute drive away. The pool and recreation room were also wonderful surprise features that made this campground even more enjoyable!
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Noela
July 2025
Group trip
We had such a great experience at this campsite! 🏕️ It truly has everything you need — it's clean, well-organized, and thoughtfully set up to make your stay super comfortable. We especially appreciated the little details like the hammocks 🌿🛌 — perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The private hiking trail on the property was absolutely beautiful 🥾🌄 — it felt like our own little adventure without having to leave the site. We also loved how easy it was to access the bathrooms and hot showers 🚿🚻. Everything was spotless and well-maintained, which made a big difference.
If you're looking for a quiet, cozy spot with great amenities and natural beauty ✨🌲, this is the place. We would definitely come back! 🙌💚
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Anel
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Tim is the greatest. A Very Very accommodating host !
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