Lake Camping in La Jolla, California: Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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California
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La Jolla

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8 top lakeside campgrounds in La Jolla

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San Diego Mountain Lodge

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

San Diego 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.

Stallion Oaks Ranch (Retreat)

18 sites · Lodging, Tents243 acres · Descanso, CA

In 2003, the Grosvenor Family Foundation donated the 238-acre retreat property located in Descanso to The Unity Center. Much of the land, including more than 12 structures were destroyed during the Cedar Fires in October of 2003. In the years since the fire, members of our community have lovingly tended to the land and slowly nurtured the trees and flowers. The result is acres of pristine wilderness, with hiking trails, a small lake and even a hill of daffodils that bloom every Spring.Our vision is to create a world-class retreat center and campground that promotes spiritual renewal and personal growth in a natural setting, by providing a location for education, inner reflection, positive recreation and acceptance. The Ranch is owned by The Unity Center, a progressive spiritual community that emphasizes living consciously and making a positive difference in the world. This is a sacred and special place . So whether you're planning a retreat, a wedding or a special event, we hope you'll come away from the Ranch feeling renewed.

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Glamping in San Diego’s Backcountry

6 sites · Lodging1 acre · Mount Laguna, CA

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.

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Rancho Esquandolas

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Warner Springs, CA

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.

Grey Wood Lodge

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Julian, CA

A beautiful luxury cabin boasting views all the way to the Pacific Ocean. This lodge has 3 floors. The main floor has a chef's kitchen, large dining area, and a large recreation room with 55" television. The loft sports 2 single beds, a queen, and a king bed, available to rent as a package or separately. The bottom floor has a complete apartment with kitchen, living/dining areas, a bedroom and walk-in rain-shower.

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Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Julian, CA

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.

Deer Valley Alpaca Farm Glamping

5 sites · Lodging9 acres · CA

Our working alpaca farm is the perfect place for a retreat from the city and some serenity. Our goal is to provide our guests with privacy and comfort to rejuvenate their souls. Spend your days relaxing, wandering through the gardens, meeting our farm animals, and visiting one of the many nearby locations to hike, bike, eat or shop! We have 3 experiences to choose from for your stay: #1 Bell Tent- Stay in our 16.5' Canvas Bell Tent complete with an outdoor bathroom, kitchen, and shaded dining area. #2 Cottage- Sleeping cottage with an outdoor (detached) bathroom, kitchen and shaded dining area. #3 Group Camp = bring your friends and rent out both camping areas to have the whole area to yourselves!

Hidden Lake

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Jamul, CA

Discover the perfect escape at this peaceful lakeside camping spot nestled under the shade of majestic oak trees. Located right beside a lake stocked with fish, this serene property offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, cast a line, or explore the surrounding wilderness, this beautiful location provides an ideal setting for a memorable outdoor experience. Bring your RV or pitch a tent, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of lakeside camping. Plus, enjoy kayaking, swimming, and more as you soak in everything this lakeside haven has to offer. Book your spot today!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Descanso, California

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Cleveland National Forest

Descanso, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in La Jolla guide

Overview

A short distance from busy coastal beaches lie tranquil lakes near La Jolla. At the base of Palomar Mountain, Lake Henshaw features comfortable cabins and serene campsites with barbecue grills and picnic areas, perfect as basecamps for relaxing by the water's edge and baskign in mountain vistas from the lakefront campground. For more fishing and watersports, Lake Cuyamaca in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers motorboats, rowboats, and kayak rentals—sturgeon and year-round trout fishing are among the prize catches. Camping sites with RV hookups are available, with convenient amenities like restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers. For campers visiting in spring and fall, Lake Jennings is another option, considered the best freshwater fishing in San Diego County. Rent a boat for a day on the water, then spend the night at a primitive tent campsite or a bigger spot with full RV hookups.