Tent camping in San Diego?

[luvmylab]

We are thinking of doing some camping in San Diego this summer. Does anyone have recommendations for campgrounds. Thank you!

Laura

[ScooterL]

Guajome County Park is VERY nice - it's closer to Oceanside than San Diego, though. There's others, but they are more inland - Cuyamaca Rancho, William Heise near Julian, Lake Morena, Dos Picos. There's also beach parks - South Carlsbad State Beach and Silver Strand State Beach (which is on Coronado Island, ~5 miles from the Hotel del Coronado).

I haven't actually stayed at any of those places in years, but co-workers tell me Guajome is very nice, and of course the beach parks are right on the beach, though they don't have much in the way of trees - especially Silver Strand. I've been hiking at William Heise, and it looked like a nice area to camp, though it can get pretty warm in the summer.

Hope that helps.

[luvmylab]

Thank you. These give us some options. I had looked at the KOA in San Diego but it was $40/night for a tent which seems a little steep. Anyway, thanks again!

Laura

[Tamarap]

Silver Strand is self-contained trailers only. We love San Elijo and Carlsbad State Beach, but at this late date you would be hard pressed to find a site. You might try for cancellations. They are beautiful spots to camp at.

[casaazul]

We were on a budget and stayed for 2 nights at Campland on the Bay, right on Mission Bay. Big sites and we were comfortable in our tent. Right across from the clean restrooms. We felt safe and had a nice time. Played in the pool and enjoyed our time there.

Not cheap, something like $40, but I think we had a discount of some kind (maybe AAA)

[endy]

I asked the same question on the DL board about camping near Disney. We'll spend a couple days at DL and then onto SD.
I'll second the KOA.
I've camped at KOA in SD for the past 6 summers. Love it. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
It's quiet, safe and clean. Locked gates, you got a code to get in after close.
Yes it seems very pricey but its still much cheaper than a motel. I find it very easy to get to, its just a few blocks from highway. About 20-25 minutes to Sea World. 45 to Legoland and WAP. Theres a discount grocery and a Toys R Us a few blocks away. Also a mall a few minutes east, all the junk fast foods places are nearby. We usually stop at McD's for breakfast to go, its right before freeway entrance, then before you know we're at Sea World.
We have seasons pass to SW and spend 4-5 days there each summer, as well as Legoland 1-2 days.
There's also a state park we've stayed at, can't remember the name. I think it was just a bit north of Carlsbad. I really enjoyed it tho you have to reserve ahead, we lucked out and got a site last minute, in the morning they hold a draw for those that want to stay again (without reservations).

[luvmylab]

Thanks for the advice on the KOA. As mentioned earlier, the state parks are very full and we have only a short window to travel. The KOA sounds nice, I enjoy to "camp" but I also like to have civilization close by :rolleyes:

Do you have any paticular area of the KOA that you could suggest for spots, thanks!

Laura

[endy]

There's really no bad spots at KOA.
I usually try to get one close to the bathroom.