The best camping near Cabrillo National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cabrillo National Monument adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Cabrillo National Monument

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Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA

This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.

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Campo Nopalito

7 sites · Lodging15 acres · Valley Center, CA

Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on this beautiful property! In case you’re interested, here are a few interesting things about our farm. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits.

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Hideout Mountain Lodge

48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Santa Ysabel, CA

Hideout Mountain Lodge is a beautiful escape to nature sprawled out over about 40 acres on a breathtaking spot that we call Hideout Mountain in Santa Ysabel, CA. Multiple experiences are offered: -- glamping in our vintage camper trailers, -- RV sites with full hookups and incredible views of Lake Henshaw -- campsites, -- luxury camping in our remodeled cabins (studio, 1br, and 2br cabins) each with different amenities ranging from full kitchens, wood burning fireplaces, large outdoor decks and private fire pits. Gather and share ideas with fellow guests at our community firepit and picnic tables. What makes Hideout Mountain a magical place? #1 on the list are the stunning views as far as the eye can see of Lake Henshaw and the valley and surrounding mountains. We also have a one-of-a-kind, world renowned restaurant and bar on the property: Josie's Hideout Saloon, open on weekends with live music. We are located just a few minutes drive away from downtown Santa Ysabel and Julian, with easy access off Hwy 76.

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San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA

Try out camping without having to rough-it! You can rent the Honeycomb Cabin! Or swing through for a safe place to spend the night in your van, or tent, while taking advantage of San Diego and all it has to offer! So much to be seen or done within 30 miles! You can plan a visit to the World Famous San Diego Zoo, Museums, Sea World, Birch Aquarium, Safari Park, Lego Land and more! San Diego county has wine tasting, breweries, theaters and eateries of all kinds. There are several beaches, mountain lakes, and even the deserts! You can skydive, or scuba dive, go deep sea fishing, or lake fishing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, or walking the boardwalk! SAN DIEGO CANYON CREEK is a SMALL PATCH of WOODS, NEAR a ROAD, in a NEIGHBORHOOD. In the midst of the trees we have a great view of the stars at night. Harbison Canyon is surrounded by rocky peaks, with a creek! We have multiple species of song birds, owls, hawks, and other wildlife that live in this Riparian Habitat. There is a chorus of frogs throughout the spring nights, and crickets year round! It's a very short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with several types of playground equipment and public creek access, or a five minute drive to a Crestridge Ecological Reserve containing multiple trails. We have three campsites and a cabin on about an acre of land. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. There are also a couple of hammocks available. In addition, our SHARED amenities include an outdoor kitchen that includes a sink with hot water, 2 mini fridges,(full at times, extra coolers available) coffee maker, a two burner stove, a griddle, a toaster oven, blender, tea kettle, and a few pans, plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. Also here to SHARE is a Propane fire pit and BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. We are continuously making improvements. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the world's largest honey producer! Today there are just a few bees in the area.

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Wild Seeds Ranch

11 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Dulzura, CA

Wild Seeds is a sustainable conscious coliving community and live-work space in nature 30 minutes outside San Diego 🫶🌵🌞 The ranch is full of enchanting spaces -- a koi pond, 100 year old oaks, and a seasonal creek. You can have a totally private camping experience, or join our fun and engaging events. We are creative professionals, ecopreneurs, social impact artists, and spiritual activists. Our community space is inclusive, period. We embrace and celebrate people of all backgrounds, body types, and nonviolent self-expression. PLEASE NOTE: Our property is off-leash friendly, but you are required to supervise your furry friends at all times. Our residents have several outdoor cats, so you will be required to leash your dog if they are not good with felines.

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Dutchman Canyon

7 sites · Tents150 acres · Dulzura, CA

This 150 acre slice of heaven contains an isolated private ephemeral stream that has run the last two years from January to July. Located down a narrow bumpy dirt road off of Highway 94 Dutchman Canyon is at 1300 feet above sea level, The temperature in Dulzura remains nice year round. There are many Oaks, Sycamores, Eucylptus, Pepper and Pine Trees on the property. The fire road has been cleared to the top of the grade and a slight ocean view is available down the Otay Valley Road view line for hikers or mountain bike enthusiasts. A hiking trail has also been cleared to a stand of Eucylptus trees on the hillside with a pond area at their base on the west facing slope. The Dulzura winery is located across the valley and we are only 1/8 mile from the General Store of Dulzura. The Tecate Border crossing to Mexico is 10 miles south of the property. Located a few miles west of Deer Valley we have deer in the canyon year round looking for fresh water from the ephemeral stream. A 19th century concrete cistern holds water year round at one location in the stream bed. Please do not burn the dead oak firewood from the property.

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Thundering Hawk Retreat

10 sites · Lodging40 acres · Valley Center, CA

Welcome to our Hipcamp located on a 40-acre flower farm in the heart of Valley Center. As soon as you arrive, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of the creek flowing nearby will immediately put you at ease. Our serene setting is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Our property is bursting with color and nature, thanks to the many types of flowers and plants that we cultivate here. You'll love wandering through the fields and taking in the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful getaway, our Hipcamp is the perfect place to disconnect and recharge. At night, the stars shine bright overhead, and the peaceful sounds of the creek and wildlife create a calming atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're camping in a tent, staying in a camper, or enjoying one of our glamping bell tents, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our farm. We can't wait to share our little slice of paradise with you! Follow us on Instagram @thunderinghawkretreat

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Manzanita Ridge

1 site · Lodging9 acres · Descanso, CA

WE love where we live! And we think you'd like to visit! WE mostly enjoy our views, one of the benefits of living on a hill, there is nothing to obstruct the view! Come and hike, or just sit!

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Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat

1 site · Tent10 acres · Julian, CA

Disconnect at this quiet campsite (zero neighbors) that is located in a dark sky zone. Gaze at the Milky Way at night as you relax while listening to the sounds of nature. Come here to disconnect from city life and recharge while enjoying the smell of wild lilac and sage. Private mountain camp site at 3200 feet. Enough space to pitch 3 tents. Water tank on site for dish washing and showers. Small propane bbq for cooking.

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BaseCamp at Palomar

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Pauma Valley, CA

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.

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Apple Blossom Farms

2 sites · RVs20 acres · Bonsall, CA

Our farm is quiet and private but still central to all the fun of Southern California. We are 15-20 minutes to the beach (13 miles) Disneyland: 68 miles San Diego Zoo Safari park: 29 miles Legoland: 18 miles Sea World: 47 miles We are fun, friendly farmers who are looking for friends who can support us in our journey to revitalize the trees on this amazing property. Apple Blossom Farms recently got our certification as CCOF Organic but it has been organically growing with different owners for 20+ years. If you like the movie, Biggest Little Farm, you will love what we are doing with restoring this regenerative farm to its former glory before fires and aging owners. If you like the movie, Biggest Little Farm, you will love what we are doing with restoring this regenerative farm to its former glory before fires and aging owners. We wanted a place for our sons to learn how food was grown, hard work, and to appreciate nature. It felt like a miracle when our offer was accepted to buy it. We are learning so much and have more to learn but we can see how God has led us here and is sending lots of amazing people to help us overcome the obstacles and succeed! Thanks for being a part of our dream.

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Rogue Farm

1 site · RV6 acres · Ramona, CA

Hi there, Welcome to Rogue Farm. We have 1 RV spot available on a small, quiet organic vegetable farm in Ramona, CA. Ramona is located in San Diego County. The property is 30-45 min from the center of San Diego and is 5 min from shopping/grocery stores in town. The property is located near the mountains, there are hiking trails, loads of wineries and farms. We have a small farmstand on the property (we sell our produce from it) as well as farm animals (horses, cows, goats, pigs, poultry). The site has electrical and water hookups. There is no septic available. We love visitors and are happy to share our farm. For those with animals: All dogs must be kept in a leash when outside on the farm. We have livestock that not all dogs have been around and are used to interacting with them. Please be respectful of our farm animals, this is their home.

The best camping near Cabrillo National Monument guide

Overview

About

View the vast Pacific Ocean just as explorer Juan Cabrillo saw it. This monument commemorates his arrival to the west coast in 1542. Expansive views of all of San Diego make this spot a worthy photo op. On a clear, sunny day, you can see all the way to Mexico. Watch for Navy vessels and cruise ships coming and going.

Costumed tour guides will help explain the significance of this spot and the history of west coast exploration by Europeans. You can also climb the Point Loma Lighthouse and learn about its importance in protecting the area. The monument boasts some excellent tidepools if you visit at low tide, so bring footwear that you can get wet. The hike alongside San Diego Bay is gorgeous and not difficult. On the ocean side, if you're visiting between December and April, keep your eyes open for whales heading south.

You pay per car when you enter (and you can come back for a week on that one entry fee). You have to go a bit inland to find any camping ops in San Diego. Get on Hipcamp to get settled in a glamped-out yurt or a cozy trailer, or pitch your tent at a farm or winery.

Nearby attractions

Escape to Guajome Regional Park for a delightful camping adventure. Set up camp amidst picturesque landscapes, hike scenic trails, and enjoy peaceful moments by the lake. Engage in birdwatching, explore historic sites, and create lasting memories in this serene park.