As the weather is warming up, it is the perfect time to go on a weekend camping trip – and stay local.
The San Diego area is a wonderful place to explore with its central location to a variety of terrains. The mountains, beach, forest and desert are all easily accessible from Coronado.
Here are five places to camp relatively close to the Crown City:
1. San Elijo State Beach Campground
2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff.
Amenities: flushing toilets, pay showers, picnic table, potable water, fire rings and RV hookups.
Fall asleep to the sound of the waves at this beach campground. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the sand and surfing.
Campsites are $50 a night and $70 for the premium spots located closer to the water. There are eight people maximum per site. This is a popular spot, so getting a reservation can be difficult. Be sure to book as far in advance as possible.
2. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
12551 Highway 79, Descanso.
Amenities: fire ring, pay showers, picnic table and water faucets at some sites.
Enjoy nature in this campground located next to the Sweetwater River in an oak forest that sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet. It is $40 a night for Green Valley and Paso Picacho sites. If you are up for an adventure, trek a 3.9 mile trail up Stonewall Peak or hike the 7.7 mile loop up Cuyamaca Peak. Both hikes offer stunning views of the park when you reach the top.
3. Mount Laguna
468-470 Los Huecos Rd, Mt Laguna.
Amenities: flushing toilets, fire ring, picnic table, paid showers and potable water.
Spend a weekend in the Cleveland National Forest at Laguna Campground. Campsites are $28 per night. Some of the sites are reservation only and others are first come, first serve. Spend your time outdoors by hiking to Little Laguna Lake and Big Laguna Lake. Pacific Crest Trail is also nearby. There are also mountain biking trails and wildflowers in the spring.
4. Bow Willow Campground, Anza Borrego
200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs.
Amenities: fire rings, vault toilets, picnic tables and covered areas.
Located in the desert, Bow Willow is the perfect place for hiking and stargazing. It is first come, first serve, and there are only 16 sites. If you are looking for a secluded spot, this is the place for you. There is also no running water, so make sure to bring your own. During the spring, Anza Borrego is one of the best places to see wildflowers.
5. Idyllwild Campground, Mount San Jacinto
25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Amenities: fire ring, flushing toilets, picnic table, pay showers, RV hookups and potable water.
Up in a quiet mountain town, you can find this relaxing place to camp in the trees. Hike the trails around Mount San Jacinto State Park. Explore the charming town and visit the local antique shops and art galleries.
There are 31 sites total and nine sites specifically for tent campers. Reservations can be made from two days in advance to six months in advance. It costs $25 a night with a reservation fee of $7.99, and there is a maximum of eight people per site.
Reservations for all of these campgrounds can be made through reservecalifornia.com.
Cheesman is a student at Point Loma Nazarene University. This story first appeared in The Point student news media.
