Camping in Silver Strand State Beach

94% (8 reviews)

Top camping in Silver Strand State Beach

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Silver Strand State Beach Campground

120 sites · In Silver Strand State Beach

Silver Strand State Beach Campground is an RV/Trailer campground only, which means all you tent campers are going to have to just sleep on the beach if you want to stay overnight (although we aren’t quite sure if that is legal…)

94% (8 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Silver Strand State Beach adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Silver Strand State Beach

Snag reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Get notified the instant a site becomes available, for free.

Find all the best options

Access 12k+ public and private campgrounds—from public parks to blueberry farms.

Book with confidence

Reserve community-vetted spots reviewed by 62k+ happy campers.

Stories from the community

Tamara

2 days ago

Tent

4 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

Calm and comfortable, this site is equidistant to many wonderful lakes, hikes, and adventures. It has all the amenities to make it glamping instead of camping. The host is wonderful and friendly, and offers suggestions for hikes, trips, and seeing the morning hawks or the evening bats at the camp. Dogs are welcome, and there is even a cabin if you just can’t stand a tent. Can’t wait to return.

Miranda

3 days ago

Weekend Trip to Thundering Hawk Retreat

We booked this trip on a last minute whim and the host was very responsive through text. Upon arrival Daniel greeted us and showed us to our campsite. He made sure we had everything we needed and the site was to our liking. He even came back once night fell and made sure we were set. He made sure to tell us about all of the other amenities they have available if needed. (Lamps, propane tanks, fresh sheets, etc.) 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking to camp. We can’t wait to come back! (Give Daniel a raise he’s the best 😂)

Weekend Trip to Old well ranch

Tim is the greatest. A Very Very accommodating host !

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Couldn’t ask for nicer people or a more attentive host. Comfortable, a little rustic (a plus), with a clean bathroom including a hot shower (a major plus). Pancake level upper tent spot with a view of a nearby hill. Convenient location, exact directions and excellent host communication left nothing to chance. Will return next time I’m in town and can camp.

Andrew

5 days ago

4 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

Amazing place to stay! Laura was super nice! The site and cabin were fantastic! I'll be recommending this place to anyone I know can appreciate it!

Tammy

6 days ago

1 night at 2 Sites-Vintage Trailer/Roomy Loft

This airstream was perfect! Very clean and private from the main house and neighbors. Lots of small, unexpected amenities, games, beach chairs, etc. Would absolutely stay again.

Mike

1 week ago

4 nights at 2 Sites-Vintage Trailer/Roomy Loft

I loved my stay. Perfect little escape in Oceanside!

Ryan

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

I really enjoyed spending a night at Honeycomb cabin. It was very quiet and peaceful. The cabin was clean, there were plenty of amenities and the sounds of the frogs in the creek was incredible. Laura is a great host and I highly recommend recommend!

Camille

1 week ago

2 nights at 2 Sites-Vintage Trailer/Roomy Loft

The loft was too cute! I loved the decor and the vibe. It was super clean, the kitchen was stocked with basic necessities and the hosts were super accommodating!

liz

1 week ago

1 night at San Diego Canyon Creek

“Absolutely loved this tiny cabin! The simplicity and peaceful atmosphere made for such a relaxing stay. The bed was incredibly comfy, and the restroom was spotless and well maintained. Although you can still hear the road, it didn’t bother me at all—it almost added a cozy, tucked-away feeling. All the small, thoughtful touches really made the space feel special. Laura was so kind and welcoming. I’m truly grateful to have found this gem. Thank you again!”

1 night at San Diego Canyon Creek

Nice place near San Diego. We enjoyed the trees, birds, and frogs! We have a van and we had a restful sleep. We met host Laura and she was super helpful! I would recommend!

2 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

Pros: Cheap, great proximity to SD, safe area, great host Cons: Bathroom and outdoor kitchen in rough shape, hard to locate (does mention to arrive in daylight), Hard to level sleeping platform For the price would absolutely stay again as i’m just nitpicking!

1 night at San Diego Canyon Creek

Laura is a wonderful host, the spot is reasonably priced and very well situated from San Diego.. Highly recommend!

Weekend Trip to Hideout Mountain Lodge

Upon arrival we weren’t given the spot we had booked online. That was a bummer because it had a great view of the lake. Luckily they had one spot left that our trailer would fit in. Overall the place was nice, new and clean bathrooms/showers. The saloon on their property was awesome with live music. We really enjoyed our stay after the first hiccup.

4 nights at D&J Stables

I love Horse camping at DJ Stables. First of all it has improve since the owners are now living there and running it.. The place is clean, the owners are so kind and they make sure everyone is happy and comfortable. Riding from the Staples to the beach is only mile and a half, and it’s a fantastic ride. The Stables offer a shower and an outhouse, and they are kept very clean. The horse stalls are big clean and they offer feeding and cleaning as well.

Tiana

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Hideout Mountain Lodge

The trailer was cozy, well-maintained, and well-appointed! Lots of kitchen supplies including plates, utensils, cups, a few pots and pans, knives, and cutting boards. Nights were super quiet and peaceful. We had a very restorative weekend. Another reviewer said the shower was cold - for what it’s worth, it’s nice and hot now! Definitely coming back.

Weekend Trip to King Creek Campground

My partner and I had a lovely weekend at this campsite. It was private and had a lot of land to explore. The site had two little tables, two plastic chairs and had a jug or spring water, all of it came in so handy. The fire pit was large and got a lot of use. Carlotta was very nice and informative and had the cutest dog. The bathroom is not the happiest place on earth but I was grateful there was even one to begin with and it served its purpose. The drive off the main road to the campsite was rough especially leaving but we got through it with some maneuvering. Overall, I can’t say anything negative about the experience and I plan to come back with more friends for more fun.

Weekend Trip to King Creek Campground

Great hosts, large, secluded and private campsite. Great for star gazing, and tons of wildlife. Lots of trails to explore in massive lot. Sadly the creek was dried during the summer when we visited but the stay was amazing nonetheless. Would highly suggest offroad capable car for the trip.

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Laura’s place was awesome! Very pretty & Laura is a great host :)

Weekend Trip to Campo Nopalito

Beautiful. nice staff and fellow visitors! it was such a fun getaway only 30 minutes from a well-stocked shopping center! The views were fantastic and i found the wildlife to be unique and plentiful. delicious mexican food nearby

Top-rated campgrounds near Silver Strand State Beach

95%

(347)

San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA

Try out camping without having to rough-it! You can rent the Honeycomb Cabin! Or swing through for a safe place to spend the night in your van, or tent, while taking advantage of San Diego and all it has to offer! So much to be seen or done within 30 miles! You can plan a visit to the World Famous San Diego Zoo, Museums, Sea World, Birch Aquarium, Safari Park, Lego Land and more! San Diego county has wine tasting, breweries, theaters and eateries of all kinds. There are several beaches, mountain lakes, and even the deserts! You can skydive, or scuba dive, go deep sea fishing, or lake fishing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, or walking the boardwalk! SAN DIEGO CANYON CREEK is a SMALL PATCH of WOODS, NEAR a ROAD, in a NEIGHBORHOOD. In the midst of the trees we have a great view of the stars at night. Harbison Canyon is surrounded by rocky peaks, with a CREEK! We have multiple species of song birds, owls, hawks, and other wildlife that live in this Riparian Habitat. There is a chorus of frogs throughout the spring nights, and crickets year round! It's a very short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with several types of playground equipment and public creek access, or a five minute drive to a Crestridge Ecological Reserve containing multiple trails. We have three campsites and a cabin on about an acre of land. 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. There are also a couple of hammocks available. In addition, our SHARED amenities include an outdoor kitchen that includes a sink with hot water, 2 mini fridges,(full at times, extra coolers available) coffee maker, a two burner stove, a griddle, a toaster oven, blender, tea kettle, and a few pans, plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. Also here to SHARE is a Propane fire pit and BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. We are continuously making improvements. 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 world's largest honey producer! Today there are just a few bees in the area.

96%

(285)

Hideout Mountain Lodge

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Santa Ysabel, CA

Hideout Mountain Lodge is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the hills of Santa Ysabel, just over an hour from San Diego and a couple of hours from Los Angeles. Spread across 40 acres, the property offers a variety of places to stay — from remodeled cabins with fireplaces and private decks, to vintage trailers, campsites, and RV spots with full hookups and views of Lake Henshaw. This is the kind of place where you slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the landscape. Guests gather around the community firepit, take walks through the oaks, or just relax on a porch and listen to the birds. On weekends, you can wander over to Josie’s Hideout Saloon, our on-site bar and restaurant, known for its live music and western character. We’re just a few minutes from the towns of Santa Ysabel and Julian, easy to get to but far enough away to feel like an escape.

93%

(1187)

Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA

This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.

Champagne Lakes RV Resort

2 sites · RVs50 acres · Escondido, CA

Quaint Comfort. Champagne Lakes 760.749.7572 is the most secluded and spacious RV Park in north San Diego County. Choose from a rustic tree covered site near the lake or a modern site with a large concrete pad that provides easy access and maximum flexibility for today's largest slide-out equipped rigs. Sites are ready with every modern amenity including septic, fresh water, cable television, 50 amp, 30 amp and/or 20 amp electrical service, and internet service is available (fees apply). Natural Beauty. Champagne Lakes RV Resort is nestled in a valley and features huge trees, flowering plants and lots of green lush ground cover. The resort is 50 acres of nature and wildlife preserve, with 3 lakes that are fed by the local mountain streams. Wild ducks and geese have made these lakes their home for over 40 years.

99%

(516)

Campo Nopalito

7 sites · Lodging15 acres · Valley Center, CA

Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on this beautiful property! In case you’re interested, here are a few interesting things about our farm. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits.

96%

(59)

Wild Seeds Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Dulzura, CA

Wild Seeds is a sustainable conscious coliving community and live-work space in nature 30 minutes outside San Diego 🫶🌵🌞 The ranch is full of enchanting spaces -- a koi pond, 100 year old oaks, and a seasonal creek. You can have a totally private camping experience, or join our fun and engaging events. We are creative professionals, ecopreneurs, social impact artists, and spiritual activists. Our community space is inclusive, period. We embrace and celebrate people of all backgrounds, body types, and nonviolent self-expression. PLEASE NOTE: Our property is off-leash friendly, but you are required to supervise your furry friends at all times. Our residents have several outdoor cats, so you will be required to leash your dog if they are not good with felines.

90%

(34)

BaseCamp at Palomar

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Pauma Valley, CA

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

91%

(76)

GoodVibes Ranch Disc Golf & Camping

36 sites · RVs, Tents74 acres · Jamul, CA

Stay. Play. Unwind. 🌿🏕️ GoodVibes Ranch & Farm is your ultimate mountain escape, blending an 19-hole disc golf course, camping, community, music, art, fitness & horticulture clubs just 30 minutes from San Diego. Check-in With Host Upon Arrival! 🏞️ 74 scenic acres provide space to relax, connect, and explore. Choose from: 🏕️ Private Tent camping, glamping units, or eco-friendly trailers 🚐 Amenities: Clubhouse Stargazing deck, picnic areas, fire pits, bathrooms, showers camping; a commercial kitchen Activities: 19-hole disc golf course, hiking trails, billiards, and horticulture, music & art clubs Sustainability matters here—recycle, compost, and enjoy the land responsibly. Whether you're gathering with friends, family, or flying solo, this is where nature meets community. Come stay, play, and experience the GoodVibes! Your stay supports our mission! As a 509(a)2 nonprofit, all proceeds fund GoodVibesWorldWideNetwork & Sage Sanctuaries, dedicated to holistic wellness, sustainable living education, and community empowerment.

98%

(656)

King Creek Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Descanso, CA

Mild seasonal temperature swings, fresh air, clear evening skies for star gazing, the property is in a valley surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest and it was formally used as a 1950's Boys Scouts of America campsite. Our Mom purchased the family property over 40 years ago, and my siblings and I grew-up with weekend trips exploring and camping on the property. With love and respect that all that Mother Nature designs be left wild and free, the more than 100 acres is dispersed with groves of old oak trees, mountains are covered in chaparral and manzanita shrubbery, and seasonal waterfalls, streams, a lake with a dam, dirt roads, and hiking trails. Our family's wish is to share our little bit of heaven on earth property with others who will love it as we do. We are happy to share more about the history of the more than 100 acres when you come up to the property for your next camping adventure. Our property is located in Descanso, California. Descanso is located east of Alpine and west of Pine Valley. Descanso is a small census-designated place in the Cuyamaca Mountains, within the Mountain Empire area of southeastern San Diego County, California. Elevation: 3,573′Zip code: 91916

96%

(131)

Thundering Hawk Retreat

10 sites · Lodging40 acres · 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

86%

(149)

D&J Stables

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.

98%

(87)

Coastal Rancho Soledad

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Chula Vista, CA

Your perfect base camp to relax, "work" remotely, and explore San Diego from a coastal micro-climate. Designed to welcome RVing guests in a "city-close but just far enough away" ranch-style setting. A must-stop refuge whether returning from your Baja expedition or starting a new one! ******************Conveniently located :-) 3 miles from bay marina/boat ramp 4 miles from Pacific Ocean beaches and State Park 15 miles (30 minutes) from San Diego Zoo 5 miles from US/Mexico border Convenience and grocery stores within walking distance Public transportation and trolley line accessible *******************What to expect: County residential estate at the end of a private gravel road in a tree-lined valley through "rural looking" properties. Ample turn-around on site suitable for trailers and larger vehicles. Neighboring residential subdivision 200 feet away separated by hillside. A screened area with "classic" trucks and "legacy" equipment next to two shipping containers. Pet friendly place where Gwen (canine camp host assistant roaming the property) will announce your arrival. Please let me know if anyone in your group is sensitive to dogs and I can assign her to temporary office duties inside the house. An ambitious landscape design with planting in progress. ******************What we hope you find: A glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and a coastal breeze to greet you on arrival. Spaces for solitude and reflection. Spaces for conversation. Space for celebration. Please note 3D view from space on most mapping services is outdated (zombie-land-like landscape is no longer).

Camping in Silver Strand State Beach guide

Overview

About

Occupying a narrow isthmus connecting Coronado Island with Imperial Beach, around a 15-minute drive from downtown San Diego, Silver Strand Beach attracts locals and tourists alike who come here in droves to swim, sunbathe, surf, kiteboard, and even go fishing. It's also home to the Crown Cove Aquatic Center, which offers community water sports lessons, youth camps, and even accredited college courses. Most of the two-mile-long park is designated for day-use only, but an RV campground features 120 sites for self-contained vehicles, a dump station, and a water-filling station.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Sites at Silver Strand State Beach are released six months in advance. You can reserve a spot on the California State Parks website or over the phone.
Sites 101 through 137 are ocean-facing.
No tent sites are available at Silver Strand. If you need a tent site, check the nearby Tijuana River Valley Regional Park or look into booking a Hipcamp in the area.
Trailers and RVs must have built-in sinks and portable toilets with holding tanks to camp here.
You may be able to extend your stay at the campground kiosk, subject to availability.

When to go

The April to May and September to October shoulder seasons are ideal for visiting Silver Strand, when the weather is pleasantly warm and rainfall is rare. June, July, and August offer great weather for swimming and sunbathing, but summer vacation brings plenty of crowds, both on the beach and in the RV camping area. Winters can be a bit too chilly for swimming, but this time of year is also considerably less crowded and offers great swells for surfing.

Know before you go

Dogs are only allowed in the parking lots and campgrounds, and must remain on leashes no longer than six feet in length. Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the beach or on the bay side of the park.
Park gates are locked every night (timings change seasonally). Vehicles will not be able to enter or leave during this time.
Accessible features at the park include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The first 0.8 miles of the Crown Cove Trail is wheelchair-friendly, and beach wheelchairs and mats are available from the entry station.

94%

8 ratings · 6 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Silver Strand State Beach Campground

Great beach campground conveniently located, with ocean views - what’s not to love?

Courtney H.

2 reviews

April 2015

Silver strand is known for its phenomenal abundance of silvery oyster shells that blanket the beach and dunes -- a perfect souvenir from your trip!

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

The coast is fully exposed to wind and waves, so pack accordingly for high winds.

Hipcamper L.

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Make sure to stay within the boundaries, as you don’t want to wander into a Navy SEALS exercise, as beaches north and south of Silver Strand are military property.

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Stingrays have been known to rest atop the sand in the surf zone--avoid them by shuffling your feet as you wade into the water.

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

The only food in a 15 minute radius is a small snack bar near the lifeguard tower, so make sure to bring some grub if you don’t want to be eating hot dogs and candy for the entirety of your trip (although we see nothing wrong with that diet).

Hipcamper

10 years on Hipcamp