7 Best RV Campgrounds Near San Diego
With average temperatures in the low to high 70s year round, San Diego is one of the ultimate road trip destinations in the US. With such fabulous beaches and a vibrant downtown scene in the city, it’s no small wonder why this Southern California city tops vacation charts year after year.
Because of its dreamy weather and landscape, San Diego is best experienced from the seat of your RV. Although the city skyline is sweet, camping underneath the stars or to the sounds of waves crashing is our idea of a perfect vacation.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of our favorite RV campgrounds near San Diego. There’s something here for every budget and every desired list of amenities.
All that’s left is for you to make sure your RV rental is ready, and hop on the road!
RV Campgrounds Near San Diego
Campland on the Bay
Our list of RV campgrounds near San Diego starts— where else— on the beach!
If water access during your stay is important to you, look no further than Campland on the Bay. With over 580 sites available, you’ll have no shortage of neighbors in Mission Bay— and that’s the appeal of Campland! As such, there’s a large variety of campsites suited to every budget. These include basic sites with no hookups on the low end at $50 per night, all the way up to supersites for $274 per night! These luxury sites come with private hot tubs, private restrooms/showers, a BBQ pit, and laundry facility.
Of course, the popular draw at Campland are the beachside sites. You’ll be camped right next to the sand with an amazing view of the water on Mission Bay. These spots have full hookups, and also come with firepits and grill tops.
During the summer months, Campland puts on Campland Rocks for its guests. Live DJs and bands, sports for children, ping pong tournaments, yoga classes, and so much more take place daily on site. Paddle boats, kayaks, jetskis, and pontoon boat rentals are all available through Campland.
Hookups: Yes
Amenities Highlights: Beach access, live music, sports activities, water sports rentals
Price: $55-$200/night depending on direct beach access or not
Santee Lakes Campground
Overlooking San Diego to the northeast, Santee Lakes Campground is just a twenty minute drive to downtown. You’ll have the best of both worlds by being so close to the city, but still camping somewhere quiet in nature. The campground rests along the edge of the southernmost body of water in Carlton Hills. You’ll enjoy exclusive fishing access in Lakes 6 and 7, though you can also visit the others outside of camp as well.
There are two swimming pools to cater to the over 300 campsites available, plus a clubhouse and spa. Santee Lakes is all about relaxation, so be sure to take advantage of all that their amenities have to offer during your stay! That, of course, includes the pedal boat rentals on the lake as well.
Santee Lakes keeps at least 50% of their campsites powered by 4 acres of solar panels on the property, making it an excellent choice for RVers looking to stay as eco-conscious as possible during their trip.
The San Diego Trolley passes nearby the camp, so you’ll be able to commute to downtown San Diego without having to move your vehicle.
Hookups: Yes
Amenities Highlights: Lakeside fishing access, swimming pools, clubhouse, public transportation
Price: $60/night
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
Opposite of Campland to the southeast of San Diego is Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, also a 20 minute drive to the city. By staying in a state park, you’ll be truly immersed in nature during your trip. The views that surround the campgrounds are classic Southern California. Rolling hills in the distance that give way to golden grass and desert shrubs all around the camp.
There are 112 sites available at Sweetwater, making it a moderate sized campground; not all sites have access to full hookups. There are restrooms and showers available for guests, plus a large pavilion with kitchen access for anyone to use. Each individual site comes with a picnic table.
The grounds at Sweetwater also include 15 miles of dirt trails for biking. Adjacent to the grounds is another public field with playgrounds and sports available for families. At the nearby Sweetwater Reservoir, you’ll find an outdoor amphitheater and fishing opportunities.
Hookups: Yes
Amenities Highlights: Nature setting, biking/equestrian trails, fishing access
Price: $30/night
Fiddler’s Cove Marina & RV Park
For military families/individuals looking to stay near downtown San Diego, Fiddler’s Cove Marina & RV Park is a great resource. With 61 sites available directly on the marina, Fiddler’s Cove is peaceful and spacious. Its location on Imperial Beach places it within driving and walking distance of many of San Diego’s marina sights.
Amenities at Fiddler’s Cove include a convenience store, restroom/shower/laundry facilities, beach access, and boat rentals through the marina. Fishing equipment can be rented through the camp’s store, so your water bases will be totally covered when you’re at camp. Individual sites are spacious and consist of concrete pads with gravel in between. There are fire pits scattered throughout the grounds.
As Fiddler’s Cove is known for being quiet, it’s a great stay for people that are looking for some R&R in their camping experience. The campgrounds are pet friendly.
Hookups: Yes
Amenities Highlights: Beach/boat ramp access, convenience store, spacious sites, military only
Price: $60/night
San Diego RV Resort
San Diego RV Resort is located just outside of the city in nearby La Mesa. Its many amenities pack a serious vacation punch, and at only 15 minutes away from downtown, it’s ideally situated. Although it’s located in an urban area, the landscaping within the camp is so lush that you’d never be able to tell! Each campsite comes with a lush patch of grass, and dozens of palm trees dot the grounds.
Pampering guests is San Diego RV Resort’s chief commitment. The park’s features include a heated swimming pool and spa, a fitness gym, a billiards room, modern restrooms and showers, and weekly movie nights on the big screen for families.
The San Diego Trolley is within walking distance of the park, so public transportation has you covered for city-access as well.
Hookups: Yes
Amenities Highlights: Swimming pool/spa, movie nights, free gym, public transportation
Price: $70-$100 per night
San Diego Metro KOA Resort
Our list of RV campgrounds near San Diego wouldn’t be complete without this final stop. The KOA brand has a home in the city at the San Diego Metro KOA Resort. If you’re not familiar with KOA campgrounds, you can expect to find amenities on top of amenities at this incredibly family-friendly resort. Any number of amenities that you’re thinking of right now, double it.
Highlights of the features at San Diego KOA include: swimming pool and sauna, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, convenience store, cafe, playgrounds, a rock climbing wall, bike rentals, and so much more! Plus, there’s a full-time activities director on site, with tons of planned recreational activities for children and families to participate in, including themed weekends.
San Diego KOA is also incredibly dog friendly. In addition to the other large field on site for people to enjoy, there’s Kamp K9, a 7,000 ft dog park for your furry friend to enjoy.
Hookups: Yes
Amenities Highlights: Swimming pool/spa, sauna, rock climbing wall, cafe, playgrounds, dog park
Price: $80-$100 per night
Kumeyaay Lake Campground
This small campground northeast of San Diego is a hidden gem amongst the larger digs. With only 46 campsites, reservations are first come first serve. Additionally, not all sites are available for RVs, so make sure to do your research while you’re booking. That being said, Kumeyaay is an immersive respite from the city in its very private desert/brush setting. Located to the west of Carlton Hills, you’d never be able to tell you’re only 15 minutes from San Diego in this awesome spot.
Kumeyaay Lake is a short walk away and fishing is allowed on the premises; swimming is not. There are fire rings and picnic tables scattered throughout the park, plus a number of walking/biking trails. Showers and drinking water are available for everyone.
Although Kumeyaay doesn’t have many resort amenities, its natural features and small number of campsites are its main attractions. Stays at Kumeyaay are known for their peaceful, relaxing quality.
Hookups: No
Amenities Highlights: Desert setting, drinking water, showers, spacious sites, biking trails
Price: $22/night
What did you think of our list of the best RV campgrounds near San Diego? Where did you stay when you visited? Let us know in the comments below!