River, stream, or creek glamping near Escondido

Lakes, ranches, and rocky foothills—easygoing Escondido is a camper's dream.

95% (1669 reviews)

United States
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California
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Escondido

95% (1669 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Escondido

Community favorites near Escondido

Stories from the community

Tiffany

2 days ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thundering Hawk Retreat

We booked the Breakthrough campsite for my birthday. The flowers already bloomed. The view is beautiful. Lance was very accommodating and helpful. There is a Mr. Heater already in the yurt. We turned it on for a few minutes to toast the inside of the yurt. We slept nice and warm for the rest of the eve. We brought our sleeping bags and blankets. We paid for the propane which is a great option if you don’t feel like lugging it with you in your car. The table and chairs were great. You don’t need to bring your own. The gas fire kept us toasty. The port-a-potty was very close. I highly recommend the experience!

Weekend Trip to Thundering Hawk Retreat

Totally coming back! Thanks Lance. First hip camp and I’m hooked!

Weekend Trip to Thundering Hawk Retreat

Fantastic time at the camp. Perfect spot. Great for me and my three kids. Great host. Pretty, peaceful spot. Thank you!

1 night at Skyrocket Ranch

This place is a hidden gem! We booked a night for glamping by the pond and it was more beautiful in person than in the photos. Very quiet and felt like we had it all to ourselves. The boat was provided to paddle around the pond and got to see their chickens and other birds while also picking incredibly sweet delicious orange-sized tangerines ! Might go back just for those alone!

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

It was great to have a "camping" experience and still be close to the attractions we were wanting to see. Laura and the other campers were all very friendly. It was a pleasant experience

Raquel

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

I stayed at the cabin with my wife and we enjoyed our stay. It’s only about 30 or so from San Diego which was perfect for us. There’s a bathroom and shower we could use connected to the hosts house which was nice. For the price and location we are definitely coming back!

Weekend Trip to Thundering Hawk Retreat

Copaiba site at Thundering Hawk was the perfect private site for bringing pups and enjoying the peace and quiet without a long drive from San Diego! Lance was super, as was the camp manager! We had a blast!

2 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Wild Seeds Ranch

This is a hidden gem. Great parking, great bathroom, outstanding kitchen, the property is fantastic.

1 night at Bailes Farm

We loved staying at the dome tent. Chris left clear instructions to reach the tent. Everything was as described. Will definitely return.

Artsem

2 weeks ago

1 night at Bailes Farm

Such a breathtaking place to get away from the busy life. Literally has everything you might need. And very clean. I would recommend come early to enjoy it as much as possible.

Weekend Trip to Thundering Hawk Retreat

This is a really great camping ⛺️. The environment is beautiful, the management is orderly, and most importantly, the staff are very enthusiastic! There are many details that impressed us, such as the bicycles next to the tents, the lights dotted on the tents, etc. We and the kids loved this place and will plan to go back next time.

Sean

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Loved this cabin! Was a great way to get away from LA and spend some quality time with my girlfriend! It’s really private and has great scenery. We also went to a cool little park nearby.

2 nights at Wild Seeds Ranch

We had a great time! This was exactly the unwind we needed to get away from the terror that is late stage capitalism in the US. It was the most relaxing place!

5 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

Lovely camp! Hot shower! Flush toilet. Beautiful little creek. We used the outdoor kitchen a lot. Thanks you Laura!

Andrew

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Svatantria Boutique Retreat

Beautiful property and very cute small cabins! The hosts (including the dogs) were very welcoming and helpful.

2 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

My adult daughter and I do an annual camping trip and it never fails; we always experience crazy weather. The weather apps can 'guarantee' sunny skies in Julian and it snows. So, of course when it said the weather would be mild when we headed to Laura's site, it poured! Thank goodness for Laura's set up! What could have proven to be a dreary, wet 2 days, turned out to be a relaxing and fun trip! The outdoor kitchen saved the weekend! We were able to sit by the outdoor fire pit and stay under the covered kitchen to cook steaks, have some wine and chat! We listened to the calming stream and pondered the numerous frogs in the area. There are crayfish in her stream, which we found fascinating! (That's when you know you're relaxed! Lol). We will be back!

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Laura was amazing! Very sweet. We loved how green everything was. We camped by the creek. It was beautiful. Definitely would stay here again! Thank you!

Vanessa

March 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Camping in the Honeycomb Cabin was super fun! Really great space and the outdoor kitchen was perfect for prepping meals. Really kind and helpful host :)

Weekend Trip to Bailes Farm

Christoper has done everything possible to make sure you have everything you need to have a relaxing time or go hiking on miles of trails. The kitchen is fully stocked, all the essentials. The dome is very comfortable and is easy to stay warm in the cold months is easy to keep warm. Curious to see how it is in summer. All you need to do is bring blankets and a sense of adventure. Make sure you keep a leash on your little dogs. the vultures knew he was there and were waiting. Haha. Get ready to poop outside! It’s surprisingly relaxing. Leave a rock :) Keep the tradition going. Thank you Christopher for making such an awesome place and letting us enjoy it.

Weekend Trip to Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

We had an amazing glamping experience for two nights with our kids (ages 15 and 11) and our small puppy. Shantel greeted us warmly upon arrival, ensuring we were settled in and had everything we needed. The tents and beds were incredibly comfortable, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The heaters were a lifesaver, especially with the chilly late March nights. The kitchen was well-equipped with all the essential amenities, making meal preparation a breeze. Our kids loved the hammocks and tree tents, and thoroughly enjoyed the nearby hikes recommended by Shantel. The evening campfire was truly magical, with the hosts generously providing firewood to get us started. We can't wait to return with a larger group of family and friends!

3 top river, stream, or creek glamping sites near Escondido

95%

(122)

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

94%

(40)

Wild Seeds Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, 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.

95%

(311)

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek glamping near Escondido guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a unique camping experience near Escondido, California with a preference for glamping and river, we've got you covered! With over 1,197 options to choose from, each with a combination of your preferred accommodation, activity/terrain preference, and location, finding the perfect spot for you is easy. Some of our top-rated campsites for glamping near the river include Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch (518 reviews), and The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews). Our campsites offer popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and trash disposal, while popular activities include fishing, climbing, and hiking. With an average price per night of $100 and options as low as $18, we'll make sure you have an unforgettable camping experience!