San Diego’s outdoor beauty makes it a perfect region for car camping, tent camping, RV spaces, and cabin rentals. What makes it even more unique is you don’t have to venture any farther than a few minutes from downtown to find yourself enjoying the great outdoors. Whether it’s on a picture-perfect beach shoreline or nestled in the foothills within city limits, camping in San Diego can be a very enticing outdoor activity. Here are some campground suggestions that are all within 30 minutes of the San Diego city limits.

San Elijo State Beach

Located on the San Diego coast between Cardiff and Encinitas, San Elijo State Beach offers a variety of activities including swimming, surfing, showers, and picnic tables. This narrow, bluff-backed stretch of sand is situated on one of the most desirable parts of the San Diego coastline, boasting a nearby reef that is popular with snorkelers and divers.

The campgrounds accommodate both tent camping as well as RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. Being one of the most popular sites in the county, San Elijo sells out early each year, making reservations essential during the summer season.

Silver Strand State Beach

If you want to camp right on a flat, sandy beachfront, Silver Strand State Beach is an excellent choice. This state beach offers expansive areas along both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, providing a range of activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking. Moreover, anglers can fish for perch, corbina, grunion, and yellow-fin croaker.

It’s important to note that camping is available exclusively for self-contained vehicles, motor-homes, or trailers; unfortunately, non self-contained vehicles will be turned away. Tent camping is not permitted.

Campland On the Bay RV & Tent Camping Resort

Address: 2211 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, USA

Phone: +1 800-422-9386

If you don’t mind a densely packed campground, Campland on the Bay offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while remaining close to the urban center. It has been a popular family vacation spot since 1969.

The variety of campsites ranges from primitive to full hook-up RV. The campground is equipped with various amenities, including a marina with 124 slips, as well as watercraft and bicycle rentals to keep the family entertained.

Mission Trails Regional Park

Address: 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119, USA

Phone: +1 619-668-3281

If you are looking for a more primitive camping experience, the Kumeyaay Lake Campground within Mission Trails Regional Park might be just what you need. Open only on Friday and Saturday nights, campers can choose from 46 sites that do not have water or electricity available for tents or recreational vehicles.

Each site comes with picnic and food preparation tables, a firebox, tent pad, and parking space. Water, bathrooms, and hot showers are offered nearby. This campground is surrounded by more than 5,800 acres of chaparral, oak woodlands, mountains, and grasslands, making it hard to believe you are within city limits.

Santee Lakes

Address: 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071, USA

Phone: +1 619-596-3141

Camping at Santee Lakes feels like camping in your own backyard, with 300 full hook-up campsites located in the foothills of Santee, just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego. The small man-made lakes and recreation preserve are notable for their water reclamation project.

Well-known for convenient day fishing, the campground includes swimming pools, playgrounds, boating, and fishing opportunities.

Sweetwater County Park

Address: Sweetwater County Park, Bonita, CA 91902, USA

If you prefer to bring your horses along on your camping trip, Sweetwater County Park offers you a perfect campsite only 20 minutes from downtown. The Summit Site, located on a hill overlooking Sweetwater Valley, features modern campsites with some including corrals for equestrians to explore the numerous trails in the area.

Options for camping include sites for campers, trailers, motorhomes, and tent camping. All sites are equipped with water and electricity, accommodating trailers up to 45 feet long. Hot showers are available for all guests.

San Diego Metro KOA

Address: 111 N 2nd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910-1126, USA

Phone: +1 619-427-3601

If you’re a frequent camper, you’ve likely been to a KOA campground. The San Diego Metro KOA provides a resort-style camping experience complete with landscaped grounds, a pool, paved roads, and 200 full-hookup RV sites that offer free cable TV and Wi-Fi.

There are also well-appointed cabins available, ensuring a fantastic family camping experience. Furthermore, special activities are held during the summer months, including hayrides, pancake breakfasts, outdoor movies, and various entertaining events.

Lake Jennings Campground

Address: 9535 Harritt Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040, USA

Phone: +1 619-390-1623

If fishing is an essential part of your camping experience, then the Lake Jennings Campground is perfect for you. The campground is situated in Lake Jennings Park, featuring a variety of campsites, including hookups and primitive options. A large group site is also available with splendid views of the lake and the surrounding area.

This campground is open year-round, providing campers easy access to some of the best freshwater fishing in San Diego County. Fishing opportunities exist from the shores below the campground or by boat during operating hours. Please note that a fishing permit and license are required.