San Diego Van Life Camping Spots

San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach is my number one pick for San Diego Beach campground. This campground offers full hookups and showers and access to an awesome beach. Popular with surfers and anyone wanting to enjoy a beautiful clean campground at the beach.

Reservations can be made by heading over to the Reserve California website.

Campland On the Bay

Campland on the bay is San Diego’s favorite campground. Consistently voted number one, it is a very dog friendly beachfront campground. The campground offers full hookups and reservations can be made at the Campland official website.

Silvestrand State Beach

Silver Strand State Beach features extensive beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Combined with the area’s mild climate, the beaches make Silver Strand one of the area’s finest recreation destinations. Camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking are popular activities. The campgrounds offer full hookups. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but are allowed on the campground. To make a reservation, head over to Reserve California.

Hearse Crew Camp

A beautiful private campsite offering stunning 360 degree views and cool looking boulders all around. The site is a little difficult to get to, but if you are brave it is worth the drive. Brian, the owner of the site describes his campground as “From the top of the property you can see Otay Lakes and the Ocean. You are surrounded by large boulders. During the rainy season a creek runs through the bottom of the property. Come get away from the city but not far from town. Trails to hike and rocks to climb. New trails being developed all the time.”

To make a reservation head over to HipCamp

Taylor Pond

Featured on Hidden San Diego, Taylor Pond is a stunning private campground that is nestled right on the outskirts of Poway, it offers an inviting View of a tranquil pond. You can expect to fish, kayak, canoe, hike or just relax in a hammock next to the pond.

To make a reservation visit HipCamp

Fiesta Island - Day Hangout

Fiesta Island is located in Mission Bay and is a must visit when in San Diego. Fiesta Island is where Breanne and Lacey, founders of the Sekr App hold their van life gatherings.

Law Street Beach - Day Hangout

There are about 20 parallel spot next to the beach. Law Street Beach is a great surf spot and a very cool place to hang out for the day. Overnight parking is not allowed anywhere in San Diego as the City has been cracking down on folks living in the car

Ocean Beach - Day Hangout

Ocean Beach is a vibrant, bohemian neighborhood, with a classic SoCal beach vibe. Surfers and sunbathers fill the namesake beach, while Ocean Beach Pier is a popular local fishing spot with sweeping views. There is a doggy beach that is a great spot to let you pup run around. No overnight parking here, but a great place to spend the day. The dog breach has a large parking lot where you can park for the day.