The best campgrounds near San Diego, California with snow sports

Looking for a camping experience near San Diego, California that caters to your love for snow sports? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 110 options available, you're sure to find the perfect camping spot to suit your needs. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin or a rustic campsite, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with prices starting as low as $17 per night, there's something for every budget. Be sure to check out the top-rated campsites like Dragonfly Hill Desert Farm (121 reviews), Creekside Vintage Camp (80 reviews), and Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry (74 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like showers, potable water, and trash disposal, and take part in activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife watching. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

97% (201)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Diego

Looking for a camping experience near San Diego, California that caters to your love for snow sports? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 110 options available, you're sure to find the perfect camping spot to suit your needs. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin or a rustic campsite, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with prices starting as low as $17 per night, there's something for every budget. Be sure to check out the top-rated campsites like Dragonfly Hill Desert Farm (121 reviews), Creekside Vintage Camp (80 reviews), and Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry (74 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like showers, potable water, and trash disposal, and take part in activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife watching. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

97% (201)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Diego

1. Old well ranch

99%

(45)

23mi from San Diego · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

I’m at 2300’ on north side of Lyons peak I have sweet tasting water very quiet and at the end of the road about an 1/8 mi off Lyons valley road there’s is a nice country store since 1940 many people visit store as a destination on any weekends bicycles,Harley’s classic cars I’m a cook I serve bbq Mex food American food or you can cook over open fire store has everything thing you desire there’s Julian for pie , lake cuyamaca , hiking best area for camping or extended stay to see all of San Diego and Mexico Baja theres a shower bath room and very clean area super quiet you will love your stay firewood for campfires is included so you will make great memories of your stay campsites are improving as time goes on to make you camping experience great

2. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

93%

(14)

35mi from San Diego · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet. Manzanita Hill is just: - a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction. - 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town. - A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards. - 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more! Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.

3. Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

99%

(141)

40mi from San Diego · 6 sites · Lodging

Alter Experiences LLC is a glamping & nature travel company based out of San Diego, CA. We're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in nature & getting people outdoors. Our glamping sites are located in the Cleveland National Forest - Mount Laguna, CA. Our plush tents are nestled in the high mountain forests of San Diego's backcountry - sky islands where pristine nature & wild-life thrives. These are some of the most remote & biologically diverse habitats in all of Southern California. Our sites are handpicked to offer you a truly nature immersive experience. We strive to create the most comfortable outdoor experiences, even at our most remote locations. We take all that's fun about traditional camping & combine it with modern comfort & state of the art equipment. We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight tree house that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Our elevated tree tents bring a whole new dimension to camping. Our plush & cozy bell tent was designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! It feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel - therapeutic mattress, buddy heater, quality linens and more. The provided kitchen comes fully outfitted with everything you need including; hot chocolate, tea, spices and multiple cooking tops. All you need to bring is your cooler and food! Open fires are allowed (weather permitting) and bundles of wood are sold at $8. There are a network of trails to explore nearby, as well as Lake Cuyamaca and the historic town of Julian. You can choose from various restaurants, breweries wineries and we also have two hard cider locations, as well as various other attractions and activities. We also offer mountain bike rentals right from the campsite. Glamp with us and discover all the beautiful and natural wonders of our San Diego Backcountry.

4. Cleveland National Forest

93%

(83)

436 sites · Descanso, California

Hike, camp, or gaze up at the Milky Way in California’s southernmost national forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Rancho Esquandolas

95%

(21)

43mi from San Diego · 1 site · Tent, RV

Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country. We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock. Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.

6. BaseCamp at Palomar

89%

(44)

36mi from San Diego · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Experience excellence at BASE CAMP PALOMAR Campground. Whether you seek a cozy campsite or desire to rent our cabins, retro airstreams, or glamping tents, we have precisely what you're looking for. Our amenities include a newly retrofitted game room, a playground for the little ones, a WIFI Hot Spot, and well-stocked vending machines for ice and firewood. Choose to relax in one of our rental cabins, enjoy a spacious RV site, or pitch your tent amidst our Oak Groves. Our campground offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Milky Way or keep an eye out for UFOs. In fact, our location is world-famous for being the site of the first documented UFO encounter, Check out the George Adamski Foundation. This Campground was first opened in the early 1930"s as the Base Camp for the Contruction crew to build Route S6 "Road to the Stars" top of Palomar Mountain. The Road needed to be built wide and smooth in order to transport the Hale Telescope. The construction had to stop due to the start of WW2. Once WW2 had ended the work was completed 1948. The Base Camp first name was Palamar Gardens, Then Oak Knoll Camp and is now being rebranded back to its Original Name Base Camp Palamar. The property is rustic, a little dusty and very old school. If you're looking for a new type of camping with 5-star amenities we recommend Pala or Pechanga Resort RV Park Casino RV Park. We are just plain and simple. Note: the property has two sections one is for Kamping / RVing and the other is Seasonal / fulltime RVers

7. Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin

100%

(5)

34mi from San Diego · 3 sites · Lodging

Built in the 50’s it is sitting on 2 parcels and is over ½ acre in size. We also have 2 other cabins for rent in Julian for larger groups. The outhouse that you see was used when it was first built and now is for storage. The original owner built the house himself and it was originally on piers alone with no other foundation! There is a folder in the bedroom closet of the house over the years. The decorations were here when we bought it so we kept them to preserve the house’s uniqueness. We treasure this house which is nestled amongst the trees and has so many beautiful birds that visit. Many turkeys love to stop by too! If you hear the deep cooing from the monster doves (who are very shy) you can try to spot one. They are amazing. We really hope you love it as much as we do.

8. Serene Mountain Valley Ranch

100%

(4)

47mi from San Diego · 1 site · Tent, RV

* Beautiful 40 acre Family-Friendly Ranch: Hosts live on property with horses & a dog. This is a beautiful location to unwind & enjoy the serenity of nature. We welcome guests who do not play loud music or use noisy motorized vehicles. * Your well-socialized dogs are welcome, also. But please be aware that this is a wilderness area with wild animals, so plan to secure your pet at night. * Most campers with larger RV enjoy our easy pull-through, 2 drive-through gates. The main field has large shady oak trees on front of property. And most tent camper guests with smaller 4wd enjoy the campsites among boulders with views of BLM on the upper elevations of the property. * This is good location to park and leave your rig while you hike the nearby PCT or California Riding Hiking Trail. * There is a taco shop within a few miles - open on weekends. * There is a convenience store within a few miles - open 7 days a week. * There are several boutique wineries offering weekend wine tastings & live music within a few miles.

9. Starry Night at Rancho Moto

100%

(6)

47mi from San Diego · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Discover a secluded escape surrounded by natural beauty and endless adventure! Our property borders the 1,000-acre Dr. Bronner Preserve, which connects to the Cooper Cienega Truck Trail—one of Southern California’s rare OHV-legal dirt roads. This location is surrounded by national forest, BLM land, and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering some of the best dual-sport motorcycling, mountain biking, 4x4 trails, and outdoor activities anywhere. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and nearby horse trails wind through the valley, providing unique opportunities for hikers and equestrians. Just a mile away, you’ll find the Lieu Quan Meditation Center, home to the largest reclining Buddha in the Americas. Unwind with breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear starry skies—perfect for stargazing or telescoping. With a peaceful atmosphere that feels like you have the whole campground to yourself, it’s hard to believe you’re just 30 miles from Old Town Temecula. Come experience the best of nature, adventure, and serenity in this one-of-a-kind location!

10. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

7.8mi from San Diego · 10 sites

Discover the charm of our award-winning campground, uniquely situated in the picturesque foothills of Santee, California. Just a short 20-minute drive from the vibrant attractions of San Diego, our campground offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and convenient access to city life. With 300 full hook-up campsites, each equipped with complimentary WiFi and select sites featuring cable TV, we cater to all your camping needs. For those seeking a cozy retreat, we also provide ten charming cabins. Our campers enjoy exclusive access to fishing in the serene Lakes 6 and 7, making it a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts. In addition to our beautiful surroundings, we host special events exclusively for campers, fostering a sense of community and adventure. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, our campground is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.

Camper favorites near San Diego

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Rancho Esquandolas

95%

(21)

43mi from San Diego · 1 site · Tent, RV

Located on the north side of Palomar Mountain between Temecula and Julian, the Rancho Esquandolas Vineyards is a serene 20-acre mountain retreat in the heart of Warner Springs wine country. We offer full RV hookups with electricity, water, and septic at the top of the vineyard. Relax and take in the amazing views, go wine tasting at the wineries next door, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail to nearby Eagle Rock. Enjoy the endless stars we get at night at 3200' elevation at the base of Mt. Palomar.

BaseCamp at Palomar

89%

(44)

36mi from San Diego · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Experience excellence at BASE CAMP PALOMAR Campground. Whether you seek a cozy campsite or desire to rent our cabins, retro airstreams, or glamping tents, we have precisely what you're looking for. Our amenities include a newly retrofitted game room, a playground for the little ones, a WIFI Hot Spot, and well-stocked vending machines for ice and firewood. Choose to relax in one of our rental cabins, enjoy a spacious RV site, or pitch your tent amidst our Oak Groves. Our campground offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Milky Way or keep an eye out for UFOs. In fact, our location is world-famous for being the site of the first documented UFO encounter, Check out the George Adamski Foundation. This Campground was first opened in the early 1930"s as the Base Camp for the Contruction crew to build Route S6 "Road to the Stars" top of Palomar Mountain. The Road needed to be built wide and smooth in order to transport the Hale Telescope. The construction had to stop due to the start of WW2. Once WW2 had ended the work was completed 1948. The Base Camp first name was Palamar Gardens, Then Oak Knoll Camp and is now being rebranded back to its Original Name Base Camp Palamar. The property is rustic, a little dusty and very old school. If you're looking for a new type of camping with 5-star amenities we recommend Pala or Pechanga Resort RV Park Casino RV Park. We are just plain and simple. Note: the property has two sections one is for Kamping / RVing and the other is Seasonal / fulltime RVers

Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin

100%

(5)

34mi from San Diego · 3 sites · Lodging

Built in the 50’s it is sitting on 2 parcels and is over ½ acre in size. We also have 2 other cabins for rent in Julian for larger groups. The outhouse that you see was used when it was first built and now is for storage. The original owner built the house himself and it was originally on piers alone with no other foundation! There is a folder in the bedroom closet of the house over the years. The decorations were here when we bought it so we kept them to preserve the house’s uniqueness. We treasure this house which is nestled amongst the trees and has so many beautiful birds that visit. Many turkeys love to stop by too! If you hear the deep cooing from the monster doves (who are very shy) you can try to spot one. They are amazing. We really hope you love it as much as we do.

Serene Mountain Valley Ranch

100%

(4)

47mi from San Diego · 1 site · Tent, RV

* Beautiful 40 acre Family-Friendly Ranch: Hosts live on property with horses & a dog. This is a beautiful location to unwind & enjoy the serenity of nature. We welcome guests who do not play loud music or use noisy motorized vehicles. * Your well-socialized dogs are welcome, also. But please be aware that this is a wilderness area with wild animals, so plan to secure your pet at night. * Most campers with larger RV enjoy our easy pull-through, 2 drive-through gates. The main field has large shady oak trees on front of property. And most tent camper guests with smaller 4wd enjoy the campsites among boulders with views of BLM on the upper elevations of the property. * This is good location to park and leave your rig while you hike the nearby PCT or California Riding Hiking Trail. * There is a taco shop within a few miles - open on weekends. * There is a convenience store within a few miles - open 7 days a week. * There are several boutique wineries offering weekend wine tastings & live music within a few miles.

Starry Night at Rancho Moto

100%

(6)

47mi from San Diego · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Discover a secluded escape surrounded by natural beauty and endless adventure! Our property borders the 1,000-acre Dr. Bronner Preserve, which connects to the Cooper Cienega Truck Trail—one of Southern California’s rare OHV-legal dirt roads. This location is surrounded by national forest, BLM land, and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering some of the best dual-sport motorcycling, mountain biking, 4x4 trails, and outdoor activities anywhere. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and nearby horse trails wind through the valley, providing unique opportunities for hikers and equestrians. Just a mile away, you’ll find the Lieu Quan Meditation Center, home to the largest reclining Buddha in the Americas. Unwind with breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear starry skies—perfect for stargazing or telescoping. With a peaceful atmosphere that feels like you have the whole campground to yourself, it’s hard to believe you’re just 30 miles from Old Town Temecula. Come experience the best of nature, adventure, and serenity in this one-of-a-kind location!

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

7.8mi from San Diego · 10 sites

Discover the charm of our award-winning campground, uniquely situated in the picturesque foothills of Santee, California. Just a short 20-minute drive from the vibrant attractions of San Diego, our campground offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and convenient access to city life. With 300 full hook-up campsites, each equipped with complimentary WiFi and select sites featuring cable TV, we cater to all your camping needs. For those seeking a cozy retreat, we also provide ten charming cabins. Our campers enjoy exclusive access to fishing in the serene Lakes 6 and 7, making it a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts. In addition to our beautiful surroundings, we host special events exclusively for campers, fostering a sense of community and adventure. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, our campground is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.

Public campgrounds near San Diego

Corral Canyon Campground

33mi from San Diego · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

Bobcat Meadow Campground

34mi from San Diego · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

100%

(1)

Crestline Picnic Campground

38mi from San Diego · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Cleveland National Forest

Boulder Oaks Campground

38mi from San Diego · 47 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

100%

(1)

El Prado Group Campground

40mi from San Diego · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

100%

(11)

Cibbets Flat Campground

40mi from San Diego · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

98%

(25)

Laguna Campground

40mi from San Diego · 49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

Horse Heaven Group Campground

41mi from San Diego · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

Wooded Hill Group Campground

41mi from San Diego · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Cleveland National Forest

Great family trip! Kids loved running around the campground.

96%

(16)

Burnt Rancheria Campground

42mi from San Diego · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

Site 5. The brush provides some privacy between sites. There are a lot of ants in this particular site though. I wouldn't recommend a large tent in this area.

50%

(3)

Oak Grove Campground

44mi from San Diego · 58 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

75%

(4)

Dripping Springs Campground

46mi from San Diego · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

m

manuel

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Rancho Esquandolas

We had a great time. The place is easy to access and quiet

D

David

October 2025

23 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to BaseCamp at Palomar

Responsive staff, and they helped with my broken trailer hitch.

Seana

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Rancho Esquandolas

This place is absolutely incredible. The views were stunning and it was fantastic letting the dogs off leash to romp around. Todd was nice enough to share hiking, winery and food recommendations in the area that led us to a breathtaking hike to Eagle Rock via the PCT and a delicious winery (Sierra Roble) right next door. Also Garage 79 is a great spot to grab a beer and some tacos. This trip was the exact reset we needed. Rate to find a place with full hookups and complete privacy. We will 100% be returning.

J

Jeff

October 2025

Weekend Trip to BaseCamp at Palomar

Great stay. The tent is very spacious and clean. She has a good sized refrigerator and microwave. There’s an A/C unit as well. Drip coffee machine is available upon request. Great location with Palomar Observatory, Harrahs Casino, and Julian within a short drive. It’s worth a return trip.

T

Tom

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto

Alex was an excellent host. Beautiful property. Remote and quiet. Very well kept. We'll definitely be going again.

K

Kellen

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Starry Night at Rancho Moto

Awesome camp site - the set up was perfect, the camper was great and the host was helpful and communicative. Would 100% recommend to anyone that’s looking for a spot out in the Chihuahua Valley.

C

Christy

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

We wanted to take our grand babies who are 2 and 9 months on a trial run to see how they liked it and this was the most amazing place to do that trial run. There was a total of 5 adults and 2 little ones and we had so much room to spread out and get comfy. The bathrooms were a little far of a walk for a toddler who potty trained recently but other than that the site had everything we needed and then some. Anything we weren’t sure of and Shantel was right on it helping us out. The first night we caught 46+mile an hour winds dropping the temps into the 30’s but we turned the propane heaters on and hunkered down in the yurts and were just fine. The tree hammocks were a hit for naps and playing with babies. Lots of chairs around the fire and kitchen supplies. We plan to make this a yearly tradition with our family. So pack your clothes and food and head up! Unplug from life and make some memories.

L

Lynette

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to BaseCamp at Palomar

The Airstream was cute, clean and very comfortable. Bathrooms were clean. Definitely a great place for kids.

C

Chelsea

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

This campground was incredible. Every little detail was thought out, the host was so kind and welcoming, and the tents and hammocks were top notch. I HIGHLY recommend staying here, especially if you have kids. We will definitely be staying here again.

R

Randy

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

We were a group of 12 and we loved the campsite. Shantel showed us the site and she was a nice host.

J

James

August 2025

With pets

3 nights at BaseCamp at Palomar

Great spot . Clean pool. Trailer is spacious. Close enough to restock supplies .

K

Katy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Old well ranch

We loved our stay here!! The property is great and perfect for a quiet night away. Tim was extremely accommodating and went above and beyond to help us out with everything we needed! It was such a nice bonus to be able to cook on the an actual stove and have access to a bathroom. Plus the views and the stars were beautiful!! We really enjoyed talking with Tim and so appreciated his clear dedication to making sure we had a great time. Can’t wait to stay again!

K

Ky

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

Great spot and it was very nice having so many things already set up for you, Shantel checked in on us thru text and we just had to bring our clothes, food, firewood/ice. Some tips for future peeps, showers are near the front of the campground and you need at least 4-7 quarters each time, bring a headlamp the restroom takes a few minutes to walk to, grab some apple from Julian about ~30 min away, but pack up your food so the squirrels don’t get to it while you’re gone. Happy camping! :3

K

Kyle

July 2025

17 ft travel trailer

2 nights at BaseCamp at Palomar

Friendly host and perfect location at the base of Palomar with easy access to the Observatory and Hiking trails a short 15-20 minute drive away. The pool and recreation room were also wonderful surprise features that made this campground even more enjoyable!

Noela

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

We had such a great experience at this campsite! 🏕️ It truly has everything you need — it's clean, well-organized, and thoughtfully set up to make your stay super comfortable. We especially appreciated the little details like the hammocks 🌿🛌 — perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The private hiking trail on the property was absolutely beautiful 🥾🌄 — it felt like our own little adventure without having to leave the site. We also loved how easy it was to access the bathrooms and hot showers 🚿🚻. Everything was spotless and well-maintained, which made a big difference. If you're looking for a quiet, cozy spot with great amenities and natural beauty ✨🌲, this is the place. We would definitely come back! 🙌💚

A

Anel

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Old well ranch

Tim is the greatest. A Very Very accommodating host !

PJ

July 2025

2 nights at BaseCamp at Palomar

Very clean inside the Airstream, a/c was pumping when we got there. The campground is great, they were prompt to respond to messages when we had an issue with a gate code, overall lovely experience.

Myles

July 2025

44 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Serene Mountain Valley Ranch

Great private spot, great host! Received a warm welcome and from the host and her ranch dog LB. Some great walking trails, beautiful sunset.

H

Holly

June 2025

Weekend Trip to BaseCamp at Palomar

Please tell Jenniffer she was an amazing host....very warm and welcoming and accommodating! The evenings/nights were peaceful here...the sounds of so many types of birds, the gentle wind blowing. It was hard to leave. I havent honestly felt so relaxed in years! Thank you!

A

Abhishek

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

The entire camp site setup and the facilities were great. The site was beautifully set up—spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed. The tent was cozy and well-equipped, with a comfy bed, warm blankets, and even string lights that made the nights feel magical. We had a private fire pit, a sitting area for stargazing, and enough privacy to feel like we had the forest to ourselves.