- Santee
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Elizabeth is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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1 site
High demandInstant book
The Ranch Retreat- central location
96%
(67)Pets allowed
Reviews
96% Recommend69 ratings · 55 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
16 ft car ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Great stay at the ranch! Highly recommend a stay here.
Matt R.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Recommended
15 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Absolutely lovely place to stay while in SD. Peaceful, convenient, chill and friendly hosts. Highly recommend
J
Jackies P.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· April 2026
15 ft truck camper ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
We ended up leaving the site after 2 minutes...very noisy, very close to highway, hard to call it a camp. No reaching out from owner of camp after we left....
Zoe D.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Recommend but use good judgement!
15 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Great spot! Thank you to the hosts for sharing it. 16' Airstream Basecamp can get in just fine. If your rig has a good departure angle on the rear (like the BC) then backing down the steep slope isn't a problem. It is STEEP, SHORT and the turn to get in is 45° (very tight turn). STRONGLY RECOMMEND you arrive before dark, there are no lights here. Remove sway bars from hitches up in the driveway, you won't be able to get them off when you're parked. Lifted vehicles & higher clearance will have more leeway BUT there are a few thin branches on your approach at 9'-10' overhead. Not at the site but on your way in. Long rigs or longer wheelbase will have trouble with the tight turn and steep slope. I'd say 13' limit on trailers with under 9" clearance or no departure angle (Casita, Escape etc). XL tow vehicles regardless of trailer type should probably pass here. Class B, vans, RTT rigs etc with >9" clearance are probably ok up to 17' unless long wheelbase. Regardless of rig size I wouldn't try it with 6" ground clearance. There's little sun and a lot of shade if you use solar. Lots of pollen and sap dripping, mostly eucalyptus. Resident dog Owen is friendly but loud (but rarely vocal). Expect urban noise even though the site itself is extremely peaceful. Property has small animals, bugs, mosquitoes, owls, hawks, and the occasional coyote. Did not see any poisonous plants or venomous creatures.
J
Jackies P.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· March 2026
16 ft car ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Great place to car camp for a few nights. Flat parking spot, close to the house and neighbors but still feels pretty private. The spot is as advertised. I arrived around 8:30pm and had some trouble finding the camping spot in the dark. There are signs but it is not necessarily easy to see in the dark especially since the camp spot requires a nearly 180 degree turn from the main driveway. The host did not seem willing to help me; it felt like I was bothering them and I was expected to figure it out on my own.
A
Alicia P.
3 months on Hipcamp
Very cool little parking spot to camp for the night, it’s true the location is so central! The site is somehow private, but in the middle of the city. I would definitely stay again!
Justine B.
6 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
15 ft travel trailer ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
A nicely secluded spot within easy reach of all that San Diego has to offer. Perfect for a tent, van or small travel trailer like our 15’.
The proximity to the host’s residence was not an issue.
We will return.
K
Karl W.
11 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
16 ft car ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Great quiet spot that is close to highways without the road noise. There are boulders and trees, giving it a more isolated feel.
D
Daniel E.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Great Spot for a Good Sleep
15 ft Class B ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Easy to find, park (with high clearance), and very quiet.
Garry M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
16 ft car ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
It was perfect for a quiet stay close to the city.
D
Daniel E.
3 reviews
It was a great retreat! Has a Camper/RV space to stay at , the boulders n mini hills there looked great along next to the space and roadways
Ken A.
4 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
16 ft car ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Great communication and very hospitable host. Felt secluded and was very quiet. Would definitely book again.
C
Clint A.
17 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
15 ft campervan ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
A perfect place to stop for the night. Tranquil, flat, easy to find. Wonderful hosts. Highly recommend.
J
Jamie C.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
16 ft car ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Awesome place to stay. I would recommend it to someone else. Looking forward to
staying here again sometime!
A
Andrea M.
2 reviews
Nice, quiet place to stay with peaceful paths and benches and succulents amongst boulders.
Chris Z.
10 reviews
Convenient for overnight stay. Super friendly host:)
T
Tove B.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
16 ft car ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Easy to find spot, instructions were clear and straightforward. No issues camping for the night!
K
Katherine W.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Nice setting, very private and great place to rest
D
Donovan B.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
10 ft campervan ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Very nice spot, perfect for a staycation or road-trip stop
T
Thomas O.
1 year on Hipcamp
Very nice spot for small van or trailer camper
Had a great sleep
D
Donovan B.
9 months on Hipcamp
It was a lovely place to stay for the night! Very close to the city and any amenities you need. Elizabeth was very communicative and had no problem with my showing up at 8 pm in the dark. I actually took a wrong turn and someone helped me find the actual parking spot for the nice which was super appreciated. You are very close to the house, like just on a driveway down a slight hill from the main residence but it still felt nice and private. Would definitely car camp here again especially for the price
L
Luke D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
11 ft travel trailer ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
I loved this place to camp. Very private yet close to all things San Diego and beaches.
D
David W.
8 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
11 ft travel trailer ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Very private space surrounded by tall Eucalyptus trees.
Just what I needed. Elizabeth is such a wonderful host. Great value.
I highly recommend
D
David W.
8 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
16 ft car ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Cute spot so close to the city but has country ranch vibes!! Best of both worlds. And the hosts are very kind and chillllllll
M
Mevin K.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Elizabeth is great
10 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
As Elizabeth stated the incline was steep but nothing the truck and camper couldn't handle. It was nice and quiet. For the most part it felt private. A downside was that the sap that got all over the truck from the tree near by but we can easily wash that off. I liked that Elizabeth was encouraging us to get out and find the whales and dolphins even though we didn't see any. She was still very encouraging. She was happy enough to put her dog in knowing we have one too. I would recommend this if you like someone who let's you do your own thing and doesn't bother you.
L
Lexi Z.
2 reviews
Perfect hideaway to camp while I was there for a wedding weekend. The hosts were great and communicative, really grateful for the stay and would definitely stay there again if the local campgrounds were full!
Susanna P.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
20 ft campervan · With kids ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Great little spot in the city. Very secluded. Awesome communication!
Z
Zeb S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
12 ft campervan ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Awesome spot! Elizabeth was easy to communicate with and the directions were perfect. I'd love to stay again!
D
Dave G.
4 reviews
Very satisfactory first hipcamp experience. This spot would be perfect for anyone travelling through and not wanting to spend 4x the amount on a hotel. Close to everything you need, no amenities but pet friendly and we are self-contained, so it was perfect.
S
Susan C.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2022
21 ft Class B ·
The Ranch Retreat- central location
Incredible spot. Lovely host. Would definitely recommend
A
Adam M.
2 reviews
Location
Santee, San Diego, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Elizabeth V.
Joined in October 2021Things to do nearby
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