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Affordable camping in San Diego area in Winter

hedgehopper
Explorer
Explorer
Maybe I'm asking the impossible, but where can one camp in the general area of San Diego in winter that does not cost an arm and a leg. In our travels in other parts of the country we generally pay 30 some dollars per night. California seems to be twice that or more.

We'd like to be on the beach or at least nearby. Our rig is about 24 feet. Electrical hookups would be nice. But we dry camp some nights.
16 REPLIES 16

starcraft69
Explorer
Explorer
Not to bad on price check KOA San Deigo metro. Nice place close to most things
2007 chevy 2500 HD 6.0 longbed
2015 Eagle HT 28.5 5th wheel
tucker the fishing dog

noteven
Explorer III
Explorer III
...

noteven
Explorer III
Explorer III
Anza-Borrego State Park, 4th cactus on the left...

road2002runner
Explorer
Explorer
"CHEAP" and "S.CALI." beaches is an oxymoron! it does not exist. We HAVE stayed at Chula Vista Marina & RV. Very nice -but in Canadian $$ about 700 a WEEK !!

Nice place BUT.

Over the years we have tried 101 cruising Up past Ventura along the coast and what is there seems to have been reserved for MONTHS, or @$$$ Stayed at a park in Ventura - had to drive to beach - abt $50 night - CASH ONLY - no thanks.

It seems to me the first beach we hit was Pismo that had open spots, not cheap, but not as pricey as Chula Vista.

Did stay - Santee and near El Cahon - used the trams A LOT - just have to be OTTA DODGE before they shut down.
I'll NEVER be an "EXPERT" (In math.X is an unknown factor and a "SPURT" is just a drip - under pressure)

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2011 COUGAR HC 291RLS


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sdbounderdiesel
Explorer
Explorer
X2 on Santee Lakes Campground. Just checked their website. It is about $750 per month for standard back in site. "Scenic sites" are $795 per month. Good Luck.
Another option is Chula Vista Marina RV Resort. Very,very nice place. Right on San Diego Bay, but very pricey at $1400 per month.
Third option is right near the ocean and probably worth checking out. Paradise by the Sea RV in Oceanside. About $950 per month.

Busskipper
Explorer
Explorer
hedgehopper wrote:
Maybe I'm asking the impossible, but where can one camp in the general area of San Diego in winter that does not cost an arm and a leg. In our travels in other parts of the country we generally pay 30 some dollars per night. California seems to be twice that or more.

We'd like to be on the beach or at least nearby. Our rig is about 24 feet. Electrical hookups would be nice. But we dry camp some nights.


Not sure this will work for you but when we traveled, years back in California, we enjoyed this spot on the beach in the winter. North of San Diego - Danna Point - but might work - Clicky

California is big, so hoping this might just fit your bill.

Best of Luck and let us know where you decide and how you liked it.
Busskipper
Maryland/Colorado
Travel Supreme 42DS04
GX470-FMCA - Travel less now - But still love to be on the Road
States traveled in this Coach

TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Explorer
bikendan wrote:
TyroneandGladys wrote:
hedgehopper wrote:
TyroneandGladys wrote:
Does it have to be in the San Diego area?
What alternative do you have in mind?


No hookups $30 with electric $45. Electric sites less than 5 minute walk and your feet are wet or set at your site and look out on the ocean. Jalama Beach


Jalama Beach is over 4 and 1/2 hours from San Diego!
how does that help them?:S


A. If you read the ENTIRE post you might notice the question that was asked does it have to be in the San Diego area and the original poster responded back What alternative do you have in mind?
B. The original poster is from Denver. Denver to San Diego per google is 1087 miles. From Denver to Jalama Beach per Google is 1167 miles. Most people can drive 80 miles in less than 4 and 1/2 hours.
Tyrone & Gladys
27' 1986 Coachmen

bikendan
Explorer
Explorer
TyroneandGladys wrote:
hedgehopper wrote:
TyroneandGladys wrote:
Does it have to be in the San Diego area?
What alternative do you have in mind?


No hookups $30 with electric $45. Electric sites less than 5 minute walk and your feet are wet or set at your site and look out on the ocean. Jalama Beach


Jalama Beach is over 4 and 1/2 hours from San Diego!
how does that help them?:S
Dan- Firefighter, Retired:C, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur:W, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever(RIP:(), 2014 Ford F150 3.5 EcoboostMax Tow pkg, 2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255 w/4pt Equalizer and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes

TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Explorer
hedgehopper wrote:
TyroneandGladys wrote:
Does it have to be in the San Diego area?
What alternative do you have in mind?


No hookups $30 with electric $45. Electric sites less than 5 minute walk and your feet are wet or set at your site and look out on the ocean. Jalama Beach
Tyrone & Gladys
27' 1986 Coachmen

Jbrowland
Explorer
Explorer
Hey there Hedge! We would love to have you out here in sunny SoCal!

I wish I had a more welcome response but cheap and San Diego don't go hand in hand for anything. Great town but expensive town especially anywhere by the water. Going inland is your best bet for cheap. Now if you want to do state parks and hop about every week, you could go up and down the coast from the bottom of Los Angeles to the boarder of Mexico below San Diego for less money however that will take some planning as the coast parks fill up months in advance. Winter less so, so you may be able to do it. Those coastal state parks are lovely! Crystal Cove in Orange County comes to mind.

Good luck!

RE_Todd
Explorer
Explorer
I didn't see Santee Lakes listed. Don't know the current cost.
TinBenders
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hedgehopper
Explorer
Explorer
TyroneandGladys wrote:
Does it have to be in the San Diego area?
What alternative do you have in mind?

TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Explorer
Does it have to be in the San Diego area?
Tyrone & Gladys
27' 1986 Coachmen

bikendan
Explorer
Explorer
Since you can camp year-round in California, especially in San Diego, cheap campsites are rare unless you go inland.
Dan- Firefighter, Retired:C, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur:W, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever(RIP:(), 2014 Ford F150 3.5 EcoboostMax Tow pkg, 2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255 w/4pt Equalizer and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes