A one of a kind camping experience
Nestled between the 5 and 15, Reid Ranch, site 1, is a one of a kind campsite and is only a 35ish minute drive from San Diego. I’m glad I found it! This was my first time suburban camping and I enjoyed. It’s a mix of country quiet, with some city noises. At night by the fire, coyotes howled, dogs barked and owls hooted. You do hear airplanes, and traffic, but you also hear roosters crowing throughout the day and the fire crackling in the evening. I slept well
Site 1 is awesome. You can pitch your tent, or Brent will set one up for you in the “lower level”. A short ascent up a few flat rocks through a natural crack in the boulder leads to the “upper level”…your dining and entertainment area. A natural, fire pit/chimney formation allows you to safely burn fires while relaxing, eating or stargazing. The upper level is complete with a propane grill, large Yeti cooler (BYOI), a stump table and four stumps for sitting.
There is a picnic table and sink with ice cold, clean tasting water that I couldn’t stop drinking on the lower level as well as a camper for showers and using the bathroom. I also used it to charge my electric bike.
Brent sells firewood for $8.00 bundle. I had a mix of cedars, pines and oak. It was beautifully colored wood and the length/diameter was perfect for the campfire.
If you live in San Diego and need a quick camping trip or want a camping experience with a suburban twist, then come sit by the fire for a night.
Brent has put a lot of time and effort into this great campsite. Thank you to him and his family for sharing this cool place.




Past trips
SKYVIEW MEGASITE
in ✴️ Preserve @ Temecula Creek, CaliforniaSecond stay
I stayed here a few weeks ago, but already returned. I twice attempted last time to get to the top of High Point Lookout (before sunset), last time. When my nephew came to town, I decided to try again. We barely made it, but after five tough, but rewarding hours we made it to the lookout tower.
What a hike...and to think all you have to do is start walking up from the Preserve at Temucla Creek. No driving or going anywhere.
We stayed at the SkyView site this time. It's a big site, with plenty of turn around and parking room, a private fire pit, several picnic tables and a tent platform. The site and the entire campground were well maintained and clean; just like a few weeks ago.
The weather can get a little, rough, so check the forecast. It snowed for about an hour the first night, but it didn't stick. The wind was blowing hard the day we left. Neither the snow nor wind stopped us or affected our trip that much because we packed accordingly. But...make sure you check the forecast before visiting.
Just like last time, Bob and Magda were great hosts. They sent checkin instructions/details, messaged me to make sure we were okay after the snow Wednesday and were readily available to answer questions.
This great place to stay...for strenuous hikes, relaxing in camp or little of both. I'm already looking forward to my next trip.
Zen Tent
in Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch, CaliforniaGlamping in paradise
We only had one night here, so we glamped at the Zen Tent (I think). The site we stayed is to left and closest to the yoga deck. It faces west and and has great view everything from Pauma Valley all the way to the ocean.
The canvass tent is heavy duty, carpeted, clean and has a large queen bed. There's a picnic table and chairs outside. A fire pit is available upon request.
Make sure NOT to bring water because the ground water here is some of the best I've drunk. I even brought water jugs and filled them up. The evening we stayed was beautiful, but it steadily rained the next day. We had no problem getting around in my two wheel drive as we left.
I stayed here once before and have another reservation to stay at a non glamping site soon. I love this place. It's hard to describe this place because it's so unique, beautiful and serene, but much more then that. Just go see it for yourself...it's incredible.
VALLEYVIEW CAMP AREA
in ✴️ Preserve @ Temecula Creek, CaliforniaGateway to high point lookout trail
Valley View became one of favorite Hipcamps. Bob and Magda are responsive hosts who seem to genuinely care about their guest’s enjoyment. They reply within minutes to questions and checked in with me two days into my stay to make sure I was satisfied.
B&M sent detailed YouTube videos with arrival instructions and an overview of the camp. Watch the video and there will be no confusion. They also share videos of different hikes and rides in the area.
I stayed at the Valley View 1. It is large with plenty of parking for RV’s and trucks on the ridge and private tent platform in the shallow draw. I looked at all the sites during my stay…there’s no bad one and there’s plenty of spacing between.
There’s a community area with a geodesic dome, hammocks, grill, a picnic table and fire pit. I used that area for cooking & my campfire. Speaking of fires, I appreciate how upfront they are about fire safety, reasoning for why fires are only allowed at certain sites, their expectations of campers and fire safety and alternatives to wood burning at certain sites.
I can’t say enough good things about Valley View, but the best for me, was being at the base of Mt. Palomar. I biked most of it the first morning and hiked nearly to the top the last night. The hike is about 20 miles roundtrip and a 3,500 ascent from camp to the top, so be prepared.
If you’re not feeling that ambitious, follow the road past the gate, up hill, around curves and you’ll get some good views below
Just Average A-Frame
in Pool Ranch, CaliforniaGlamping in paradise
Julie and Andy’s backyard is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Their site is perfect for glampers looking to explore the desert. The two have built a creative, smart, setup. The A-Frame is about 50 steps from the main area (Community trailer, compostable outhouse and their private living quarters).
Their community trailer is a small, but thoughtful, living room and kitchen with all the basics. J&A also go out of their way to ensure you have a great experience. They gave me a walking tour of the property and were available for anything. My bike tire was flat and Andy offered to fix it for me, so I could have more nature time.
I was most impressed with their knowledge of the desert and familiarity with the area. This is a great place for social glampers to visit. No tent, sleeping bags, pillows are needed. They sell nice burning, reasonably priced firewood, propane and other items/services.
I had to cut my trip short, but I took a hike from their property toward the park. The landscape is beautiful, absolutely beautiful. If you need to get away from the city, or are just getting into camping or a seasoned camper who needs a break from your tent, this is the place for you.
It’s apparent they take great pride in their property and want other people to enjoy it as much as they do. Thank you Julie and Andy for sharing it with us.
Old Rocky Knoll Ranch 100+ Acres
in Rocky Knoll Hiking Ranch, CaliforniaScenic desert camping
Beautiful place to catch a sunrise or set. Stars galore. Nice and dark. Coyotes howled all around me after sunset and throughout the night. Rocky Knoll Ranch is beautiful and offers great hiking. There are trails woven throughout the property. Make sure go to the top of the ridge for 360 degree views.
The road is a little rough getting in, but my 2WD F-150 easily made it in. I also own a smaller 2WD Nissan Frontier, and it easily would have made it in.
The property is close to I-8, so you do hear a fair a mount of vehicles in the distance. The Boarder Patrol has a station near the property and they are active in the area.
Giuseppe is professional, accommodating and helpful He replied to my questions within minutes and is an all around great host.
I’m glad I stayed here. If you live in San Diego and want to get away from the city for a night or two, come give Rocky Knoll Ranch a try.
King Creek Valley Ranch
in King Creek Valley Ranch, CaliforniaScenic, relaxing and fun
Kings Ranch is beautiful and so much fun. There are about six campsites spread out throughout the property. The two premier ones are the Lakeside and the Meadows site. I could have stayed at Lakeside, but I chose The Old Boy Scout Camp.
The road is rough. Do not attempt a car. Four wheel drive may be necessary at times.
The property is full of Oak trees and desert vegetation. Roads and paths connecting the sites run throughout the ranch and are perfect for hiking/ biking. The camp host’s friendly, dogs are happy to be your tour guides as you explore the ground or keep you company in camp.
They LOVE running with bikers. The entire packl of us biked/ran around the place Sunday evening. It was really fun. One other camp party stayed Saturday, but I had the grounds to myself Sunday. For some reason not, not many people camp in thirty degree weather.
I found plenty of oak scraps and chunks to burn. You have to work for it a little. I used my hatchet and ahandsaw. If you bring your own wood, make sure it’s treated and bundled.
I forgot toothpaste, so rode my bike to Perkins Convenience Store, whch is about a mile from th turnoff. You can’t miss it. The store was pricey, but had all the necessities.
The hosts were accommodating. I rescheduled my trip several times due to the weather and Carlotta was very flexible. There’s no cell service, but they have wifi you can use. I was happy to connect, text my friend"see you Monday".
Reid Ranch Site 1
in Reid Ranch, CaliforniaA one of a kind camping experience
Nestled between the 5 and 15, Reid Ranch, site 1, is a one of a kind campsite and is only a 35ish minute drive from San Diego. I’m glad I found it! This was my first time suburban camping and I enjoyed. It’s a mix of country quiet, with some city noises. At night by the fire, coyotes howled, dogs barked and owls hooted. You do hear airplanes, and traffic, but you also hear roosters crowing throughout the day and the fire crackling in the evening. I slept well
Site 1 is awesome. You can pitch your tent, or Brent will set one up for you in the “lower level”. A short ascent up a few flat rocks through a natural crack in the boulder leads to the “upper level”…your dining and entertainment area. A natural, fire pit/chimney formation allows you to safely burn fires while relaxing, eating or stargazing. The upper level is complete with a propane grill, large Yeti cooler (BYOI), a stump table and four stumps for sitting.
There is a picnic table and sink with ice cold, clean tasting water that I couldn’t stop drinking on the lower level as well as a camper for showers and using the bathroom. I also used it to charge my electric bike.
Brent sells firewood for $8.00 bundle. I had a mix of cedars, pines and oak. It was beautifully colored wood and the length/diameter was perfect for the campfire.
If you live in San Diego and need a quick camping trip or want a camping experience with a suburban twist, then come sit by the fire for a night.
Brent has put a lot of time and effort into this great campsite. Thank you to him and his family for sharing this cool place.
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