Let’s go camping, San Diego! After sheltering in place for so long, it’s time to plan a family camping trip your whole clan will love! We’ve found several of the best camping grounds near and in San Diego that are open for business during this time of social distancing. Getting out of the house and into nature will certainly make for happy campers all around. From cabins and tent sites to s’mores and healthy hikes read on for the scoop on eight San Diego campsites you can book now.
Best Glamping Spots
El Capitan
Head up the coast. Right now, El Capitan has curbside check-in without leaving your car. There are less reservations available (to maintain social distancing) and only cabins are available, so everyone has their own restroom. Even more, you can order take-out orders from the market and they’ve expanded outdoor seating to make more room for everyone.
11560 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA
Online: elcapitancanyon.com
Campland on the Bay
Overlooking Fiesta Bay is a perfect spot for camping with the crew. Right now, they are open for RV or tent camping. Campland has increased its daily cleaning, the market and coffee is open, and the cantina food is available for takeout. Please remember to bring face masks for everyone and practice social distancing with those not in your group. A few things are closed like the playground, pool, spa and sports court until further notice.
2211 Pacific Beach Dr.
San Diego, CA 92109
Online: campland.com
Check out our story on the best glamping sites in SoCal, here.
Family Yurt Camping
Skyfarm Yurt
Experience this down-to-earth family yurt in Paradise Hill near Las Angeles. It’s sparkling clean, with self check-in, and you get the whole place to yourself. Located on an urban farm with goats, chickens and a pig next door. You'll find a full outdoor kitchen, claw foot garden (solar) bathtub with hot running water. There are steps, so for toddlers, this yurt may be a challenge. Yurt starts at $149 plus per night.
Paradise Hills Neighborhood
Los Angeles, CA 92139
Online: airbnb.com
Treebones Resort
Glamp it up in a Big Sur yurt. Note that only kids six and older are allowed here. Re-opening June 1, 2020, there will be reduced seating in the restaurant, face coverings on employees, enhanced room cleaning, and a room service dining option. Experience the beauty of the coast, from nature walks, a spa, pool and organic garden, you and your family will feel close to the earth. Cost starts at $320 per night. There are two family yurts and one with a view!
71895 Highway 1
South Big Sur, CA 93920
Online: treebonesresort.com
Check out our story on best yurt camping in SoCal here.
County Campsites
Guajome Regional Park
Part of the San Diego Parks, this local Oceanside spot is open for tent camping. Two lakes and easier hiking trails make for fun family times. Recent social distancing rules have the campground operating at half the capacity and all campers must wear face masks when close to others not in their group. Restrooms are open too. However, amenities like picnic tables and playgrounds are closed for now.
3000 Guajome Lake Rd.
Oceanside, CA 92057
Online: reservations.sdparks.org
William Heise Park
Close to Julian, you could make a pitstop for apple pie, then head to the campsite. This county park has tent, partial hookup, and no hookup sites available. Recent social distancing rules have the campground operating at half the capacity which allows for more room to move around. In addition, all campers must wear face masks when close to others not in their group. Restrooms are open too. Some amenities like picnic tables and playgrounds are closed for now.
4945 Heise Park Rd.
Julian, CA 92036
Online: reservations.sdparks.org
Check out our story about the best campsites for families near San Diego, here.
Luxury Camping
Santee Lakes
With cabin, tent, trailer and motorhome campsites available, Santee Lakes is open for camping. A few things are different in this time of social distancing. Only members of your household are allowed to campsites and the swimming pool and market are closed. On the other hand, you can use the paddle boat that is assigned to your campsite, the laundry is open and cleaned daily. Head out and enjoy Mother Nature!
9310 Fanita Pkwy.
Santee, CA 92117
619-596-3141
Online: santeelakes.com
Crystal Pier Cottages
If you want to take a few day glamping vacay (minimum 3 night stay), then give the Crystal Pier Cottages a try. Built in the 1930s, they include kitchenettes, bedroom and living room and a private deck with an unbeatable view of the ocean. Another perk: cottages have gated key entry and night security. Open for business, give them a call.
4500 Ocean Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109
800-748-5894
Online: crystalpier.com
Check-out our story on SoCal luxury camping suggestions, here.
Editor’s note: Due to the ever-changing nature of rules and regulations surrounding Covid-19, the information in this story may change. When planning your trip, please check the website of the campsite you will be visiting, and/or call them directly to obtain details on their most current camping offerings.
––Nikki Walsh
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