Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best glamping: 2nd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
One of the last remaining undeveloped parts of Southern California, De Luz Heights is located adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest, and the Santa Margarita River (just a few miles from the campsite). On my 60 acres, there are no major roads going through or next to the property. My land is 13 miles from the Pacific ocean and enjoys a relatively mild yearly climate. Giant boulders provide topographical relief and offer platforms from which to enjoy the view of the nearby Santa Margarita Mountains. The valley views are filled with olive and avocado groves, vineyards, and horse ranches. The Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base is nearby, so you might hear some artillery in the distance on some occasions.
The campsite embraces all the comforts of "glamping": a hot shower, composting toilet, beds with sheets provided, gas grill with a stovetop, pots and pans, kitchenware, a sink, picnic table, shaded deck, sofa, lounge chairs, and propane fire pit. The basics are provided: toilet paper, paper towels, purified drinking water, towels, sheets, cooking oil, etc. Campers need to bring their own blankets. I've created a network of hiking trails for especially fit hikers looking for a more rigorous hike than the nearby Santa Margarita River Trail. My trails lead through creek beds, over boulders, through rocky crags, with views of the Pacific ocean on a clear day. Hikers on my trails need to wear proper hiking boots with good traction. Sections of my trails will require bouldering with hands and feet. Expect to have fatigued quadriceps, some scrapes, and a sweaty hat brim.
The campsite is accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle; I drive a Kia Forte out there regularly. However, some tips when driving a two-wheel drive car: when going uphill on a dirt road, try to keep some momentum of about 12-15 MPH. If you stop and try to start again, your tires will spin out. If that happens, just reverse down the hill, and try it again with more momentum.
The location was awesome. Felt like I was tucked in the hills far away even with it being a short ride from San Diego. The amenities were top notch. We had everything we needed plus more !
Would definitely stay here again !
We enjoyed our stay at the Hilltop Lodge! The views were great and it was an amazing spot for star gazing. It was the perfect amount of privacy where you could see some of the other properties on the site and not feel completely isolated but were not close enough where you could hear people at other sites. We had some issues with the propane burners in the outdoor kitchen because of how windy it was, but other than that everything worked well. Would definitely come back and try out some of the other properties!
This is a great place for a getaway and absolutely loved the experience. I am going to find similar places around more often and will try.
Thanks Chris for setting up this. Your idea is great.
We loved our stay at the burning man bus!! It was perfect! The views overlooking the mountains to the ocean, a propane campfire with a glass of wine, the nice outdoor kitchen bbq’ing some steaks, the most comfortable bed with the utmost peace and quiet, and the best part of the entire stay: the outdoor hot shower while overlooking the whole valley and feeling the light breeze on a 78 degree day. Every single thing was perfect including the hammocks which were a wonderful treat. We will definitely come back for a relaxing weekend getaway. Would highly recommend anyone to stay at the burning man bus at least once. It will be a very memorable experience.
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.