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The Best Camping in Escondido

Looking for the best camping in Escondido? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Escondido. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top camping spots in and near Escondido

  • Escondido, California

    Camp at Dixon Lake

    2.1 mi / 295 ft gain
    Dixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more.  The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...
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  • Encinitas, California

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    4.5
    This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the...
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  • Carlsbad, California

    South Carlsbad Campground

    5.0
    South Carlsbad Campground is a picturesque experience. Imagine gorgeous sea cliffs overlooking a lovely beach, with ample activities to pursue (or just lay in the sun and enjoy some quiet time). The most popular campsites, 1-70 and 156-222, are perched on the edge of a bluff and feature the best ...
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  • Carlsbad, California

    South Carlsbad State Beach

    3.83 mi / 23 ft gain
    South Carlsbad State Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Carlsbad, California.
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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground

    5.0
    4.4 mi / 718 ft gain
    Situated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area.  A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes.  Dr...
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  • Santee, California

    Kubota Trail and Toyen Trail Loop

    1.37 mi / 85 ft gain
    Kubota Trail and Toyen Trail Loop is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
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  • Warner Springs, California

    Barker Valley Spur Trail

    7.48 mi / 1145 ft gain
    Barker Valley Spur Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Warner Springs, California.
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  • Temecula, California

    Agua Tibia Full Loop Trail

    19.91 mi / 4639 ft gain
    Agua Tibia Full Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Temecula, California.
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  • Temecula, California

    Eagle Crag via Agua Tibia Loop

    25.25 mi / 6053 ft gain
    Eagle Crag via Agua Tibia Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Temecula, California.
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  • Warner Springs, California

    Camp at Oak Grove Campground

    / 2772 ft gain
    Apart from being visually appealing, the campground features open, yet secluded sites that are perfect for stargazing and shooting-star spotting. Each campsite has a picnic table and a grill. There are vault toilets and flush toilets. There is also potable water. If you are interested in seeing b...
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  • Julian, California

    Kelly Ditch Trail

    11.76 mi / 2500 ft gain
    Kelly Ditch Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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  • San Diego County, California

    Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad

    4.2
    Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure to fill up at the 7 Eleven on the left corner. Th...
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  • Julian, California

    Camping at Paso Picacho

    Paso Picacho, 5 miles north of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtak...
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  • Julian, California

    Hike Stonewall Peak

    4.7
    3.82 mi / 820 ft gain
    This hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relat...
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  • Julian, California

    Oriflamme Canyon Trail

    16.08 mi / 2835 ft gain
    Oriflamme Canyon Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Julian, California.
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  • Descanso, California

    Harvey Moore Trail

    9.59 mi / 1165 ft gain
    Harvey Moore Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Descanso, California.
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