David W.
Scout
ScoutFiddlers Cove RV Park
Fiddlers Bay Marina and RV Park
Nice campground on the water & close to Coronado. Clean bathrooms & showers $1.50 laundry with new machines! Boat rentals Military/Retired only
Explore Top Coronado Campgrounds & Camping Areas
Camping options near Coronado, California primarily consist of established campgrounds with various amenities rather than primitive sites. Silver Strand State Beach Campground offers oceanfront camping on a narrow strip of land between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The area features several mixed-use facilities including San Diego Metro KOA, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, and Fiddlers Cove RV Park, providing accommodation for tent campers, RV users, and in some cases cabin or glamping options. Most campgrounds are located within a 20-mile radius of Coronado, making them accessible for day trips to the island.
Many campgrounds in the Coronado area require reservations, particularly during summer months and holidays when beachfront sites fill quickly. Water and electric hookups are standard at most developed facilities, with full hookups available at premium sites. "Spots are close together, but you're steps to the sand," noted one camper at Silver Strand State Beach. The region experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters, making year-round camping possible. Coronado's proximity to San Diego means most campgrounds have good cell service and are accessible via paved roads without need for high-clearance vehicles. Several RV parks offer dump stations or pump-out services for an additional fee.
Military personnel have access to exclusive camping options in the area. Fiddlers Cove RV Park, located on a military installation, receives consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate its waterfront sites and marina access. According to one visitor, it offers "20/30/50 amp power, water, and cable TV connections on the pedestals. Most spaces are back-in, but some are pull-through." Campland on the Bay and Mission Bay RV Resort provide popular alternatives with water recreation opportunities. Tent campers have fewer dedicated options near Coronado but can find accommodations at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park and Lake Jennings, both within reasonable driving distance. The coastal camping near Coronado offers unique experiences with ocean views and bay access, though availability is limited and advance planning is essential. Campers should be aware that some beaches in the southern portion of the region may experience periodic water quality issues due to proximity to the international border.
Best Camping Sites Near Coronado, California (129)
1. San Diego Metro KOA
33 ReviewsBonita, CA5 milesWebsite+1 (619) 427-3601"It's about 20 minutes from Sea World, 15 minutes to Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo, and 20 minutes to Coronado."
"The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.
+ During the week it felt spacious.
+ We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"
2. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
40 ReviewsBonita, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (619) 472-7572$34 - $38 / night
"Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful. Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California."
"I’m not sure you’ll find a campground like this anywhere else in California for $29/night with partial hookups. It was quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms could have used some attention."
3. Silver Strand State Beach
26 ReviewsCoronado, CA2 milesWebsite+1 (619) 435-5184$65 - $85 / night
"If you’re lucky enough to get a spot in the 100s you park right on the sand essentially. 200s are the next best, only separated by a street. 300s but up behind 200s and 400s are behind the 300s separated"
"Location is great for biking, with a separated trail that runs the strand all the way down to Imperial Beach and to ritzy Coronado."
4. Fiddlers Cove RV Park
20 ReviewsCoronado, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (619) 522-8680"The campground is located in the marina with tons of rentals available for parties or days on the harbor. The campground is located adjacent to the bike path which runs into Coronado proper."
"Awesome park right on the water on Coronado. Well maintained, clean sites. Facilities are immaculate.. adjacent to the marina, so many boats, kayaks and watercraft are available for rent.."
5. Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay
13 ReviewsCoronado, CA4 milesWebsite+1 (619) 489-3950$150 - $280 / night
"The bay and the marina are within walking distance and there is a restaurant at the marina. There is water electric sewer and cable at each site."
"Great access to bike trails, close to all that San Diego has to offer."
6. Campland on the Bay
21 ReviewsCoronado, CA11 milesWebsite+1 (858) 581-4205$60 / night
"It sits next to the bay, which is calmer and the beach. I've seen people jet ski, sail, paddle boat, play beach volleyball, and swim, and there are even bonfire pits on the beach!"
"Right next to the beach, large campgrounds! Fire pits and dog friendly!"
7. Kumeyaay Lake Campground
20 ReviewsSantee, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (619) 668-2748$24 - $25 / night
"Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."
"You are away from the city, but not too far. The facilities were nice and the only scare was the GIGANTIC spider seen outside the bathroom. We'd for sure come pack...the price is right too :$"
8. Mission Bay RV Resort
13 ReviewsCoronado, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (858) 270-4300$87 - $245 / night
"We did a monthly stay… about $500 less than the campground right next to it. Quiet neighborhood at night, but a lot of families which makes it feel homey. Kids playing and people walking their dogs!"
"We enjoy this park because of its proximity to the beach and boardwalk area. The park is clean, staff has always been helpful. We have had no issues."
9. Lake Jennings
37 ReviewsLakeside, CA22 milesWebsite+1 (619) 390-1623$35 - $140 / night
"This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."
"We took our 28-foot travel trailer and two young kids (ages 5 & 8) for a long weekend at Lake Jennings Campground in Lakeside, CA — and it was a fantastic quick escape."
10. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
17 ReviewsSantee, CA18 milesWebsite+1 (619) 596-3141"Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides a well-managed 190-acre oasis ideal for large families seeking natural serenity and structured recreation near San Diego."
"Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."
Recent Camping Photos near Coronado, CA
227 Photos of 129 Coronado Campgrounds
Shelene L.
San Diego Metro KOA
Laura M.
Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Campground
Raf A.
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
Colette K.
Campland on the Bay
Melissa O.
Kumeyaay Lake Campground
Jerry H.
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Daniel B.
Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Rachel H.
Lake Jennings
Dante D.
Hidden Lake
Dante D.
Hidden Lake
Giuseppe G.
Shepherd's Trail Catholic Campground
Elwood
Sweetwater Ranch
Recent Reviews near Coronado, CA
899 Reviews of 129 Coronado Campgrounds
T
GuideLake Jennings
Lake Jennings, A Peaceful Escape
We took our 28-foot travel trailer and two young kids (ages 5 & 8) for a long weekend at Lake Jennings Campground in Lakeside, CA — and it was a fantastic quick escape. Just 30 minutes east of San Diego. This hilltop park offers peaceful vibes, spacious sites, and family fun without the long drive. RV-Friendly Sites Our full-hookup pull-through site (30-amp) was easy to maneuver with plenty of space and privacy. Many sites have nice lake or city views (worth the small upgrade). Hookups worked great, and the clean restrooms/hot showers were a short walk away. Free Wi-Fi was a handy bonus. The shaded, covered playground was a huge hit, along with games like ladder golf, cornhole, and horseshoes. Short hiking trails start right from the campground with great lake overlooks. We rented a boat for fishing (no swimming — it’s a drinking water reservoir) and the kids loved spotting wildlife. Quiet hours were respected for good sleep. Friendly staff, well-maintained grounds, and a safe, gated feel made it relaxing. Pricing is reasonable Lake Jennings delivers scenic views, roomy RV sites, and kid-friendly activities in a convenient location. Perfect for families wanting a low-key getaway close to home. We’ll be back! Highly recommended for RV families
- TGuide
La Pacifica RV Resort
La Pacifica RV Resort: Honest San Diego Overnight
Stayed here for a quick San Diego stop and it was exactly what we needed for an overnight or short-term RV stay. The full hookups (50-amp) were reliable, the heated pool and hot tub were a welcome perk after a long drive, and the sites easily fit our 35-footer with pull-through access. Free WiFi worked fine for basic needs, laundry was clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful. It’s a no-frills, mostly residential park right off I-5 near Imperial Beach.s The location makes it super convenient for beach days, quick trips to SeaWorld, or heading south to the border. Great value and easy in-and-out.
- TGuide
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Balanced Tranquility at Santee Lakes: Premier RV Camping for Large Families Near San Diego
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides a well-managed 190-acre oasis ideal for large families seeking natural serenity and structured recreation near San Diego. Its 300 full-hookup RV sites, many lakeside with generous spacing, cable TV, and amenities, effectively accommodate multi-generational groups. Seven recycled-water lakes offer family-friendly activities like fishing, pedal boating, duck feeding, and birdwatching, complemented by five miles of trails, playgrounds, two swimming pools (one heated), and a sprayground. The park’s environmental ethos shines through drought-resistant landscaping and clean facilities, fostering educational engagement with local ecology. Reservations are essential, particularly for weekends. Overall, it balances accessibility and tranquility, making it a premier destination for family bonding amid Southern California’s landscape.
- TGuide
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
Family Bonding Heaven
Our big family of eight had a wonderful four-night stay at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park Campground in Bonita with our 45ft travel trailer, and the North Loop provided a convenient base just 20-25 minutes from downtown San Diego. We secured one of the spacious premium pull-through sites. #63 which had full hookups (30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer) on a long paved pad that comfortably handled our large rig and gave everyone plenty of room to spread out with multiple vehicles and outdoor setups. The kids loved the playgrounds, seasonal splash pad, gentle family hiking trails with beautiful Sweetwater Reservoir views, plus picnicking, fishing opportunities, and open spaces for group games—making it an ideal spot for memorable family bonding with modern amenities right at hand.Book early (as early as a year in advance) as the North Loop fills quickly, especially the premium spots.
- Chris S.Scout
Mission Bay RV Resort
Pay to park next to homeless
Why pay the rates for this RV park when you could just park in the city parking lot for free!
We are here in March and the public parking all the way around the bay is filled with RVs that look rather permanent. Running generators to sit and watch TV late into the night. So far Have not seen any enforcement moving them out or requiring people to move. The on-site laundry is a joke for how many campsites there are. There were five or six washers and dryers, but most of them were full of clothes just sitting there. They apparently do not enforce any regulation on removing your items after being completed. Also getting to the laundry is challenging. If you only have a vehicle. There is no parking near it and it is in the middle of the other section that I believe is long-term. We went 10 minutes away to a public laundromat that was much better.
Wallene L.ScoutSweetwater Summit Regional Park
Great San Diego location
San Diego camping is just expensive. This is a reasonably priced park with large spaces, walking and biking trails, fire pits, picnic tables and convenience. Reception is good. The weather is great and there are yellow flowers everywhere. I haven't used the bathrooms but they have lots of individual rooms with toilets and showers. There are a couple of dips going through the park but I'm not seen even the larger rigs have any issue with them. I will definitely stay again.
vanessa Z.ScoutOceanside Harbor - Beach Parking 11B
Oceanside Harbor
Beautiful views, cool people and great places to eat. Parking is horrible during peak hours. No slides allowed, tight parking. Absolutely beautiful!
- Bryan S.Guide
San Diego Metro KOA
Well oiled machine
This place has everything. Everything is so clean and organized. Super busy but when quiet time came around everyone behaved. Large pool, well stocked store and non stop activities for the kids.
Guide to Coronado
Camping near Coronado, California includes sites within a 20-mile radius that offer varying degrees of access to water recreation and urban amenities. Temperatures remain mild year-round with summer highs averaging 76°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F. The regional campgrounds experience high visitation from April through October, with many requiring reservations months in advance for weekend spots.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Cross under the pedestrian tunnel at Silver Strand State Beach to access San Diego Bay for water activities. "A pedestrian tunnel under the road leads to San Diego Bay and an aquatic center that rents kayaks and paddle boards. Also nice hiking trails overlooking the bay and navy ships," notes a visitor.
Fishing: Several lakes offer fishing opportunities in the area, particularly at Lake Jennings. "We had a campsite on the outer loop (9) that backed up to an overlook of a field. If you don't need a pull through, definitely get one of the outer loop spaces - they're way less cramped," suggests a camper who enjoyed the lake views.
Bike riding: Miles of paved paths connect many camping areas to beaches and attractions. At Mission Bay RV Resort, "There's a path that goes along the bay that is about a mile long, and also a bridge that connects the park to Campland on the Bay. As a resident of mission bay, you will have full access to Campland, without paying the extra $$ to stay."
What campers like
Urban proximity with natural setting: Many campers appreciate Kumeyaay Lake Campground for its surprising peacefulness despite being in the city. "This campground is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and we absolutely loved it. There are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things. The rangers even supplied Dr. Bronners Castile soap in each bathroom."
Beach access: Direct beach access ranks high among camper preferences. "The 100s are unbeatable. One of the best beach camp grounds probably in CA. If you're lucky enough to get a spot in the 100s you park right on the sand essentially. 200s are the next best, only separated by a street," shares a Silver Strand State Beach camper.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms receive consistently positive reviews. At Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, "Great pull thru sites on level concrete pads. Full hookups. Many hiking trails and bicycle trails," with another camper noting the "nice showers and water."
What you should know
Military-only camping options: Some of the best waterfront sites are exclusive to military personnel. Fiddlers Cove RV Park receives high ratings but requires military ID for access. A visitor explains, "Military installation so it's not open to the public. This is our go to staycation place on San Diego bay. Close enough to Coronado but far enough to be secluded."
Noise considerations: Being near urban areas means occasional noise disruptions. At San Diego Metro KOA, "Clean sites, and super friendly staff make this an easy and fun place to set up your rig. But, if you are looking for being in nature, this isn't the best spot. The calming sounds of the I-5 swoon you to sleep."
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds restrict entry after certain hours. At Silver Strand State Beach, "They lock entrance gate and restrooms around sunset" and another camper notes, "They also lock you in the campground at 8 pm. That makes it difficult to go out at night. Well, impossible."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Families with children appreciate campgrounds with water features. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve offers "Great areas of campgrounds. Great water park for kids and everyone. Full hook ups. Small supply store on site," and another visitor mentions, "Perfect spot to forget you're in San Diego. There's lots for kids to do here! Feed the ducks, fish, ride the pedal boats."
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Facilities with organized activities keep children entertained. San Diego Metro KOA "offers everything from tent/car camping to full hook-up for large RVs. The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic."
Reserve well in advance for preferred sites: Family-friendly spots fill quickly, especially during summer and school breaks. At Santee Lakes, "Something this nice you have to reserve at least 6 months ahead for nicest tree sites. Many sites (200+) but very popular."
Tips from RVers
Hook-up accessibility issues: Pay attention to site layouts when booking. At Mission Bay RV Resort, "Several issues here. First the most obvious the connections are at the front of the space on the drivers side. If you back in you better have 100 feet of hose sewer and power cord."
Consider cell service quality: Working nomads need reliable internet. For Lake Jennings, an RVer reported, "internet service was great for Verizon. We got 23 Mbps with 3 bars of 4G LTE unboosted, and 69 Mbps with 5 bars using a simple MIMO antenna."
Full hook-up locations: Know what's available at each site before booking. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, "Elite Full Hookup RV Site includes your very own gas fire BBQ grill, gas camp fire, 4 Adirondack chairs, dinner table with 6 chairs, full hookups including cable tv."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Coronado, CA?
What camping is available near Coronado, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Coronado, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Coronado, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Coronado, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Coronado, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Coronado, CA is San Diego Metro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coronado, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coronado, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Coronado, CA.
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