The 5 Most Awesome Campgrounds for Families in San Diego

Trying to find the best campground for you and your family in San Diego? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go over the top 5 family-friendly campgrounds and break down why they’re sure to be a hit. We understand that getting everyone on board for a weekend camping trip isn’t always easy (especially if you have teenagers at home) but we’ve compiled a list of campgrounds which offer a multitude of amenities/activities sure to entertain even the coolest kid in school. 

1. Lake Jennings Campground – Lakeside, CA

Only 25 miles inland from downtown San Diego, Lake Jennings is a great option to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without a crazy long commute. Located in Lakeside, CA, Lake Jennings Campground not only offers beautiful scenery, but also amenities sure to please everyone in the family. They offer activities which include craft hour, campground scavenger hunt, ladder ball, horse shoes, ping-pong, life-size Jenga and cornhole. 

They also have a state of the art playground with a cover to entertain the youngins for hours without having to worry about sun exposure. 

For the fishermen, they have a bait & tackle store to stock you up on all your fishing needs and boat rentals to get you out on the water for a fun day of fishing. 

The camp sites vary from full-hookup, walk-in tent site only to teepees you can rent. 

After a long day of fishing, horseshoes or a scavenger hunt – you can rest beside your campfire in your lake-view campsite with awe-inspiring views for days.

(Our favorite site is No. 20 – see the pictures below for why)

2. Santee Lakes Campground – Santee, CA

Santee Lakes is another east county San Diego campground located in Santee, CA. Santee Lakes is a recreation preserve with 7 man-made lakes (yes, 7 lakes!). It’s 194 acres full of a splash pad, walking trails, 300 full hook-up sites, cabins available along or on the water,a general store and rentable picnic areas and venues. Although Santee Lakes is more of a park-like feel rather than a secluded campground, it offers a multitude of amenities sure to please the little ones (and fishermen) in your family. 

3. San Elijo State Beach Campground, Encinitas, CA

I wouldn’t be properly representing San Diego if a beach campground wasn’t included on this list. San Elijo is located in north county San Diego along the coast and offers astounding sunset views from the cliff-side campsites. There is a general store for your basic camping needs. However, you’re also in the middle of a bumbling beach town, so if you need to run to the store for supplies, you’re in luck. It’s almost impossible to reserve a site in summer unless you plan ahead, months ahead. And if you’re unable to get a site right along the bluff, be prepared for some traffic noise as the campground backs up right along Coast Highway 101. But you’re at the beach! Does anyone really care? The kids will have a great time soaking up the sun and waves and everyone will be sure to sleep well under the coastal breeze.

4. William Heise County Park– Julian, CA

This scenic and tranquil campground is located just outside of the charming mountain town of Julian, CA. Julian is best known for its apple pie and quaint downtown and main street. It’s an old mining town that continues to attract tourists year-around.

Right before you pull into town, there is a turn off that takes you to William Heise County Park. Once you arrive at this park, you will find yourself immersed in pine, oak and cedar forests with plenty of wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some deer or wild turkeys! There are 11 miles of scenic hiking trails, several playgrounds and even a small museum. And if you’re new to the whole camping/outdoor thing and don’t have your own camping gear, there are cabins you can rent instead. 

William Heise has a little bit of everything which is sure to entertain all ages in the family. And with just a quick drive into town, you’ll find restaurants, breweries, shops and even a wolf sanctuary.

5. Agua Caliente County Park – Julian, CA

Rounding out our list at # 5 is Agua Caliente County Park. Although this park is technically located in Julian, CA, it could not be a more contrasting landscape than our # 4 listing. Agua Caliente is situated in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and is scattered with ocotillos and rugged desert scenes as far as the eye can see. Agua Caliente is a large campground with 142 sites ranging between full hook-up to tent only. 

But the main attraction at this campground is the natural hot springs and mineral pools. There are three different pools you can lounge in, including a kiddie pool for the little ones. There are hiking trails, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard and a ranger station for all your Anza-Borrego questions or recommendations.  

This park also has a general market for your basic necessities (ice, water, firewood, beer, etc.)  And if you are looking for an upgrade from camping, this park also rents cabins. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot a borrego on the hillside or a laser show at night from the owner of the market.

Now that you’re buffed up on the coolest campgrounds to take your family to in San Diego, leave us a comment and let us know where you’ll be heading first! Happy camping and see you out on the open road!