First time tent camper; I took notes for this review. This is a well maintained campground by the city of San Diego. We stayed at site 26 and it had plenty of shade after 4 pm, it is considered a spacious site, you can fit 2 vehicles and 2 tents, max 6 people per site. It has a picnic table, food table, fire ring with grill and tent pad (mulch). All sites have the above but some sites are listed are small, 1 vehicle allowed. There are 46 sites total, odd numbered to the left and even numbered to the right. You can only book on weekends, Friday and Saturday night. During the week it is day-use only. Some sites allow rvs/trailers but no site has hookups. Site 29 is directly across 26, the issue I found with site 29 is that it is so close to the restrooms that you clearly hear all the flushing, since it’s very loud. That site was empty when we were there. Any site after 29 has practically no shade, eazy ups recommended for those. Kumeyaay lake is situated inside the Missions trails regional park encompassing about 8,000 acres of land, with over 60 miles of trails. We biked the Kumeyaay trail around the lake with our kids, it was super easy, lots of places to stop and checkout, take pictures, water break. We walked to the old mission dam witch is less than half a mile from the campground, very easy for small kids to walk. There are many more trails but we did not do those. Bikers and hikers who come for the day can park in the day-use parking lot of the campground or park along Father Junipero Serra Trail Road. Our experience was great overall. A very nice campground with friendly park rangers and volunteers. We will be back!!

Beware if you are thinking about making a reservation online to camp here. I was foolish enough to do so before I was sure I could make it, and then when it came to the cancellation process it turned into a real problem. I called the phone number on the website three times requesting help to cancel and my messages were never responded to. I used the email on the website twice to try to cancel and once again never got a response. I finally found another email with the Park Rangers office and was informed that I would have to request and then fill out documents to get my reservation canceled. You should also know that even though the information is not posted on the website for camping that you will not be able to smoke, or Vape even in your car. You will also not be able to have any alcohol whatsoever or any bottles with you. You have to cancel within 14 days of your reservation and so far it’s taking me a week just to get the information on how to go about canceling my reservation.

Pretty awesome campground. The camp host was very helpful. I spent Friday and Saturday night there. There was a religious group there Friday night by our campsite. They were up late. We could hear them, but they didn't seem belligerent. A staff member came to us Saturday morning saying other sites complained and she wanted to see how we felt. I thought that was awesome she checked. I told her they were noisy, but not an annoying drunk noisy, which come to find out, as part of there thing, involved alcohol. So the staff was very professional. The campground was overall quiet. My only 'complaint' is that I was at campsite 10 which is also the way to the amphitheater and some scouts were having an event (there were boys and girls). They kept walking by (back and forth), so maybe it was just a bad weekend to choose, but them being noisy as they kept waking by several times instead of just once there and back is slightly bothersome.

This isn't California's greatest Campground but is a nice getaway which is close to the city! I've camped here twice and will go back again. Being close to water is a huge plus that provides scenic views and a peaceful feel that make you feel like you're further out than you really are. There is a trail that wraps around the "lake" which you can easily walk in about 10-15 minutes. It has bathrooms with running water and showers which are kept clean. Sites are spacious but only a few have shade. Prices are reasonable, about $25 a night. Get there early to get a better site! You'll need to drive through to really see what's best. Bring your own wood or buy it at a gas station or Lowes near by. Despite being close to the highway it is pretty quiet and you won't know it when you go to sleep. Plenty of trails close by that are very enjoyable and vary in difficulty. Go try it out and have some fun!

ANT PROBLEM. I mean you’re in nature, but when we went, it was bad and they got into our entire RV. PROS: showers, bathrooms with toilets and sinks, outside sinks, clean grounds, friendly staff, tables and small concrete counter space and every site. CONS: sites are close together- like you see and hear your neighbors campfire conversation, very hot went we went (again, you’re in nature, some sites available with some shade but not entirely, bathrooms are acceptable cleanliness but there was paint and hair in the drain. It was cheap, but if you’re willing to trade hookups for the price it might be worth considering.

Very friendly staff and hosts. Currently only open Friday and Saturday nights. Bathrooms were clean and had soap and hot water. Firewood was $5. We saw people fishing in the lake, you can't swim in it. The lake was very pretty and has a nices 1/2 mile trail around it. Tons of accessible trails to mission trails visitors center and the dam. It's 2.5 miles and you can not drive on the connecting road, but we biked it. Very nice bike ride. The sites are large with a stone picnic table and a fire pit. It's nice and dark at night to see the stars with crickets chirping through out the night. We will definitely be back.

Overall, nice campground close to San Diego to get the camping experience and 25 minutes from downtown. The sites fit 2 6 person tents, but are very tight. It is nice that they have fire rings and grill on them. The bathrooms were clean and next to them there were sinks to clean dishes. There are showers open during day time, hot water from solar water heater. Our site didn't have electricity, but there was a plug by the bathroom. Easy to go on hikes from the campground. Sites limit 2 cars per site. Each site had concrete picnic table and small table for putting your food. A lot people had their dogs here.

Nice little spot to camp that is close to town with lots of easy trails around. The sites were small and a little close together, but they were clean and well equipped. The bathrooms were nearby and well maintained. Staff greets you upon arrival and I believe are there overnight if there are any issues. You have to let them inspect any firewood brought from home, and they also sell firewood for $5 per bundle if you dont want to bring your own. The bundle has no small sticks or kindling, so be sure to bring some because there is hardly any around the site and you probably aren't supposed to use it anyways.

Nice campground, but nothing to really see or do. Kyacks not allowed out on lake. Lots of swampy disgusting dirty water. Bonus star for having a garbage can in the middle of nowhere next to lake. Place looks cool in only one spot. Severe lack of shade which makes summertime bad with humidity in getting things set up sans shade. Will not be returning to this pig sty. Nice green puddle by the way. Hope that giant pipe that was used to reroute water hasn't sludged everything up. Nice long walk ways without much shade or view of the water. To the Staff's credit, they are kind, knowledgeable, and friendly.

Cool, little place to camp if you plan to stay local and catch a breeze of wilderness. You're able to reserve your spot, clean restrooms, and secure by rangers. Lake nearby, as well as mountain bike/ hiking trails along the mountains. Pretty cool place to go during summer
Trip type
Vacation
Travel group
Friends
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5
Nearby activities
Hiking trail, bike trail, lake, camping
Restrooms
Always clean, with showers
Picnic area
Spacious clean area

We had a blast at this campground. I had called Kumeyaay Campground at the last minute because my family and I were expecting to camp @ Sweetwater but they had given my reservation to someone else but it was a blessing in disguise. Julie (park ranger) was so nice and went out of her way to save me and my family a spot and she saved the best spot for us after I told her what happened. My kids were the most excited being this was their 1st time. We will definitely be back because of Julie and the great campground.

Great Lake. Grew up here basically. Come back from time to time but sadly it’s more overgrown and neglected. Hard to fish when camping other than two main spots right on the trail. Mini bridge is nearly impossible to not get snagged and spot closest to campground area is pretty narrow but if you can crawl on one of the rocks and cast out you may have a chance. Just remember it being much cleaner and more spots to openly cast a line. It’s changed a lot but still nice for a short walk

We took our young kids on their first camping trip here. While our neighbors were friendly and the campground was nice, we chose the wrong weekend. It was 4th of July. We chose this specific campground because of the strict rules of no drinking, no smoking, and quiet time starts at 9. None of these rules were implemented. The host was stuck at the front gate to allow cars to leave. We had to leave by 10:30 because our kids couldn't sleep. We will try again another time.

I have many memories that incorporate this place, either up-river or down-river. I would like to visit more often than I am able. I think it has the potential of being a cultural hub for people who like camping and hiking, but concern for the river and the ecology are the most prominent importance. The showers also need repair.
Trip type
Business
Travel group
Solo
Location: 4
Hotel highlights
Luxury

Lake Kumeyaay Campground excided my expectations. The camp was immaculate and well maintained. The local park ranger stopped in the morning and asked us how our stay was; so professional and polite—plenty of hiking around Mission Trails Park and so much to explore. I highly recommend Lake Kumeyaay, a wonderfully getaway close to San Diego.
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5

This campsite is very nice. The bathrooms had showers that didn't charge. Most campsites I've been to always charged. But the reason I only gave this camping site a 1 is because campsite 31 was so hot this past weekend we had to buy a canopy shade and hang out in our cars. DO NOT pick campsite #31 during the summer. No shade at all. Other than that I would come here. Pick sites 1-25.

It's a place for camping and looking at the stars. I noticed after 8:00 p.m. there is little to no security. Usually places that I camp at when I have gone camping has some type of security. I did not notice any crime but there were signs everywhere about locking your valuables and potential thefts which point to there possibly is crime after hours.

Just walk thru as seemed closed to camping still. Lake bridge for loop trail washed out, as was creek crossing on west side of lake. Directional signs on east side of lake not good. Nice newer solar array and day use parking for use but only open 9am to 5pm. Think free. Plenty of people visiting on the cool but sunny Sunday day I visited.

Kumeyaay Lake Campground is a clean, well-equipped camping site located in the heart of the Mission Trails Regional Park. It has bathrooms with showers and multiple camping sites. There are nature trails, great views, native plants and animals, a river walk and it's close the the San Diego Dam. Reserve online.

The campground is well maintained and getting in and out was easy. Lots of trails around to venture. Heard the coyotes in the wee hours of the morning. The camps groundskeeper was very kid in letting me in pretty late at night.
Travel group
Solo
Hotel highlights
Great view, Great value

I really enjoyed this place, mainly because it is really close to San Diego and the views are incredible. However the camping spots are really close together and there isn't much privacy. If you just need a place to lay your head between hikes this place is great and the hiking is incredible.

This is it affordable campsite in the city of San Diego. It's perfect for you to car camp and try out camping without making the Long haul to Julian. It is near a lake, meaning there are water spots so in the summer there are a lot of mosquitoes. I would enjoy camping in the fall or winter.

A very family-friendly campground; dogs welcome on leash. Reasonable rates. Only open Friday & Saturday nights. Lots of hiking trails. Good bathrooms; showers are solar heated. We love this campground. Wheelchair accessible sites too. Generators allowed at certain sites only.

I had an amazing and wonderful time whilebeing there. I really really reeeeeeeeeeeeeally had a awesome experience whike being there, even thoughi tripped out a little but the nature braught me back to normality and reality. Awesome. Recomend it to the maximum

This is a nice little campground, with bathrooms and showers. The sites are spacious and not stacked on each other. The most important reason to use this campground is you will be located in the midst of some great hiking trails and near a cool little lake.

Totally peaceful. Perfect for those who want the camping experience but dont want to rough it to the extremes. There are bathrooms, showers and fire rings. They sell the wood for the fire onsite and the staff speak to you like you're visting family.

Receptionists are friendly, the location is great that near San Diego, it offers free shower in the restroom. Only one thing that I don't like is the camping sites are too close. We can hear clearly the sound from our neighbor at night.

An ABSOLUTE bliss!!! Beautiful scenery and quiet! Clean showers, restrooms and wash areas with potable hot/cold water! Friendly park rangers and staff! Camp sites are very clean and semi-private! Absolute best campground in San Diego!

The place is super clean and the rangers/hosts are always nice. For urban camping it's awesome, but the sites are pretty close to each other. Hence, the four, not five stars. Also, the weekend only camping is just odd.

Went with Boy Scouts twice now. Clean, friendly rangers. Uniquely urban campsite, so close, but quiet. I would recommend this site highly, great opportunity to get outdoors, but only 15 or 20 mins from downtown!

Good place to walk a dog or maybe have a picnic. The lake is surrounded by reeds. No swimming allowed. Fishing might be ok. Lots of rules and regulations. No alcohol allowed. Probably not a fun place to camp.

Super nice campsites .. we stayed at site 18. Close to bathroom and seems a larger campsite. The people working were super friendly. They came by and ask us if we needed any wood. I will be staying here again

Went for an early morning walk. Those uphill will get you! It was nice and relaxing. Path will lead around a lake and is approximately 4 miles. Fun place to go with family and friends or simply to work out.

Nice campground really close to the city. You must book in advance as its popular. Facilities were fine, they have bathrooms and showers. Its a nice camping spot if you want something quick and simple.

Cheap to stay.. Close enough to town.. Staff is amazing.. camp sites are clean and provide the essentials!! Bathroom/showers are clean and have warm water.. overall a GREAT experience for my family!!

Nice campground. Clean showers. Only thing that wasn't so great was the loud campers near us singing very loud religious song. It was annoying and went on way to long past quite time.

Camping clean bathrooms and showers rangers are very nice and helpful
Trip type
Vacation
Travel group
Family
Location: 5
Hotel highlights
Kid-friendly

One of San Diego's finest recreational facilities for a day trip or weekend adventure in the outdoors of Southern California ⛺️with plenty of hiking ✌️ …

Nice trail for walks. Pets friendly. Favorite place to camp for the weekend.
Travel group
Couple
Location: 5
Hotel highlights
Kid-friendly, Great value

Great place to spend the weekend walking some great trails..or some fishing in a nice lil lake they have...been going there 16 years and love it much...see you guys soon

If you really like to go hiking this is the place to go their are easy and hard routes love this place and you can take your dog/dogs with you while you go nice place...

Really cool camp ground, can't beat the price. They don't have hook ups and don't allow alcohol (to be seen) when it rains the trails get flooded so keep that in mind

Outstanding visit. Sites were clean and well kept, restroom facilities were immaculate, and the ranger staff was PHENOMENAL. This campground is a well kept secret!

Excellent campground for a quick weekend trip. Lots of mosquitoes, so keep the tent closed at all times!
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5

Nice little campground with toilets and showers. Sites are mostly small, good for tents. There are several larger sites suitable for small RVs or trailers

A quiet campground with good-sized campsites. Fishing at the local pond/lake is difficult as access to the water through the reeds is sparse.

This is an amazing campground with nice amenities! I just wish they were open through the week instead of just Friday and Saturday nights!

Short trail, took it a couple.of times. Easy walk and great with a dog. Small wobbly bridge to cross. Tadpoles and small fish in the lake.

A clean and peaceful campground with showers, lots of rental spaces that include a fire pit with options to grill. River nearby. …

Great Campground [as it's weekend only - it's very well kept!] saw this moth in restroom, forgot to take outdoor pics …

Great little campground that allows fires in the fire pits. Fun hiking nearby too. No swimming in the lake though but that's okay.

Great time of the year to walk and explore vegetation. Beautiful area around the pond with ducks and coats. Weather was awesome!

Great weekend getaway. Bring what you need. Park Rangers are there for you. Mostly set up for tent camping or small pop-ups.

Excellent, peaceful, place to sit and listen to the crows. I've never camped there, but a great place to spend a weekday!

Great little hiking trail around Kumeyaay Lake! Nature and wildlife are abundant and the entire area is simply gorgeous!

nice campground, about 30mins from san diego. camphost & rangers were very polite! toilets and showers were quite clean.

Always a great family friendly visit. The sites are close but it is a good beginner campground not far from the city.

Called them. Very friendly. No hookups, $24/night; but only open on Friday and Saturday year round. Has showerhouse.

The camp ground is nice and clean. There are a bunch of trails and rest rooms. We had a great time camping there.

The lake is overgrown. Only a couple of pockets to fish from. This lake has so much potential. Its pretty though!

The lakes are quite nice. There are some basic amenities (toilets). Noise from the freeway is annoying at times.

The spot that we got was great. Very accessible to the bathrooms. I wish their lake was clean and swimmable.

If you have a spirit, you can make every place feel like home. Very friendly stuff, comfortable campground.

It was a perfect day for a hike today! I highly recommend get out and enjoy this perfect hiking weather!!

Cool place but dang the bathrooms could use a little upgrade but not if it means charging more to camp...

Very clean, very pretty. Nice and short walk around the lake with pretty sunsets. Would recommend!

Our family really enjoyed our stay. Good folks with good outlook. Very comfortable and nice sites.

It is a laid back camp ground with plenty of trails and a great place to hangout with friends

Wonderful camping site with helpful staff and sanitary services (showers, rest rooms, etc.)

Unexpectedly nice little campground not far from San Diego. Good price, friendly staff.

Super clean, great bathroom area with running water and showers and very nice staff.

Still a nice place to hike around. Wet from all the recent rains and green hills

Great camp spots with some privacy. Dog friendly. Be sure to bring bug spray!!

Great place to hike and having a picnic. Looking forward to my future visits.

Nice friendly employees and good trails, go during spring for the best views.

We had so much fun. 1st time camping for my boys and they had a great time!!

Campground is great, but overnight staying is only available on weekends.

Nice hosts! 24$ per night, beautiful area, clean bathrooms with showers.

No alcohol??? Otherwise, very nice. Sites are well maintained and clean.

It's a beautiful place for hiking, jogging, trail running, and walking.

Excellent short hiking loop that allows dogs and has clean bathrooms.

Well run, clean and family friendly... I'd not hesitate to come back.

The showers were COLD... Promptly left to find warmer showers

Beautiful spot not far from the city that feels so secluded!

Best camping spot in SD County!! Quiet and simple location..

One of the most beautiful peaks in San Diego to go hiking.

My first time camping was great !! It's clean & cozy.

Nice campground to stay at. Relatively quiet.

Awesome place to camp n hike fish beautiful

Cool local campground,good for families.