10 San Diego Campgrounds Ideal for Hiking

San Diego is the ideal destination for camping. The city experiences near-perfect year-round weather, has miles of beaches and mountains, and is in near proximity to some of the best campsites in the state. While there is no shortage of San Diego campgrounds to choose between, there are a few more worthy of an overnight stay when it comes to hiking. Some of these campgrounds offer hikes through the woods others to famous monuments. Some take you along the iconic Pacific Crest Trail and a few offer unparalleled exploration through the barren desert. No matter where you decide to stake you claim, these 10 San Diego campgrounds are the best for hiking.

Lake Morena County Park

Southwest of the Laguna Mountains you’ll find Lake Morena County Park, a camping park conveniently located on 3,250 acres of prime wilderness. With two convenient campgrounds located on both ends of the lake, you can’t go wrong with your campsite location. Taking a hike is also convenient this camping park, which features 8 miles of multi-use trails, fishing and boating opportunities, and a view of the impressive Lake Morena Reservoir.

Check Out This Trail

Morena Lake Trail, a 4.1-mile out-and-back trail that takes you around the reservoir.

Paso Picacho Campground

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is home to some of San Diego’s most popular peaks including Stonewall, Middle, and Cuyamaca Peak. It features more than 100 miles of riding, hiking, and equestrian trails, fishing, and clean shower/restroom facilities. The Paso Picacho campground is arguably the most popular in the park, offering easy access to a few of the park’s best peaks.

Check Out This Trail

Stonewall Peak , a 4-mile out-and-back trail that takes you up a granite rock face through a series of steady switchbacks. Dramatic views of San Diego county await at the top.

Green Valley Campground

The Green Valley Campground is another site located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park which features close to 100 campsites and a day use area with sets of cascades and shallow pools. Green Valley is perhaps the most family-friendly campground, with a seasonal waterfall just a 0.25-mile walk away. At just $30 per night and numerous hiking trails nearby, it’s difficult to pass up staying a night at Green Valley campground.

Check Out This Trail

Pine Ridge Trail, a 3.2-mile loop trail ideal for fall foliage and spring blooms.

Dos Picos County Park

Located in Ramona, Dos Picos County Park is a relatively closer campground than others on our list, making it an easy camping destination for San Diegans and nearby locale. Its name translates from Spanish to “two peaks” for the two staggering mountain tops close by. In addition to campsites, Dos Picos also features cabins, warm showers, horseshoe pits, an enclosed pavilion, and hiking trails.

Check Out This Trail

Dos Picos Park Trail, an easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that features a lake and is suitable for all skill levels.

Doane Valley Campground

Located in a pine forest unlike any other in San Diego, the Doane Valley Campground in Palomar Mountain State Park is the ideal weekend vacation. With just 31 campsites, Doane Valley Campground offers and exclusive retreat in the mountainous terrain unlike many other parts of San Diego. Each site is equipped with a table, fire ring, and most have a food locker. One of the state park’s best trails is also conveniently located in the middle of the campground.

Check Out This Trail

French Valley Trail , a 3.7-mile loop through a pine forest that features an old weir.

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

There is much ground to be covered at the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in the contiguous United States. The park features 500 miles of dirt rows, over a dozen hiking trails, and 12 wilderness areas, which make it the ideal camping location for any avid hiker. Drinkable water, restrooms, and warm showers are available at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. Additionally, this campground allows easy access to arguably one of the best hikes in the entire state park.

Check Out This Trail

Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, a 2.8-mile loop trail that features an oasis of palm trees in the middle of the desert.

Blair Valley Campground

The Blair Valley Campground is more primitive than other campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, but in returns offers several unique hiking trails within close proximity. These trails feature archeological sites with petroglyphs visible on the rocks and the remains of an abandoned hillside home. There are no designated campsites and the only amenity is a single vault toilet, so an overnight visit to Blair Valley is only for those who don’t mind roughing it.

Check Out This Trail

Marshal South Home Trail, a 2-mile out-and back trail that features the remains of Marshal South’s homestead atop Ghost Mountain.

Laguna Campground

There aren’t many campgrounds in San Diego that offer “Star Parties” for campers. Laguna campground on Laguna Mountain is one of them. With 104 sites, Pacific Crest trail access, and miles of trails through wooded forests, Laguna Mountain is the ideal destination for day hikers and backpackers alike. This campground is also dog-friendly, so bring your pooches for a weekend of fun.

Check Out This Trail

Sunset Trail, an 8-mile loop trail that crosses paths with the PCT to get a short glimpse of what long-distance hikers walk along to get to Canada.

Dripping Springs Campground

The ever-expansive Cleveland National Forest even makes its way to Temecula, where one of the hardest hiking trails in all of San Diego resides. If tackling a 20-mile day-hike isn’t on your agenda, Dripping Springs also has several shorter hiking trails that are equally as impressive. In addition to miles of hiking trails, the Dripping Springs Campground offers 18 single sites for $15 or $30 for a double site. Campsites come with a grill, fire pit, and bathrooms.

Check Out This Trail

Agua Tibia Loop, a 20 or 13.6-mile trail considered the hardest hike in all of San Diego county. Suitable for a backpacking trip.

William Heise County Park

Located in Julian, 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks is the William Heise County Park, a serene mountain escape. Aside from campsites, group-tent camping areas, and trailer sites, this campground also offers cabins ideal for winter time, when the 929-acre park receives snowfall. Its remote location also offers the idyllic setting for scenic hiking and equestrian trails.

Check Out This Trail

William Heise Loop Trail, a 2.8-mile loop trail which offers dramatic views and a true glimpse of changing seasons with snowfall in the winter and wildflowers blooming in the spring.

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Photo credit: lhogue46 , pdpolena