Camping season might be drawing to a close, but I just had to post about our most recent camping experience. The great thing about Southern California is that camping is really never off the list of things to do. We’re blessed with several different climates which makes for great year round camping.
This most recent trip we decided to try camping at Green Valley Falls, part of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. We’ve been to this park quite a few times and have enjoyed it in all of its open seasons, but this was our first time camping at this campground. Actually I had intentionally avoided camping here (you’ll notice I did not include it on my list of best San Diego family friendly campgrounds).
Here’s why: my first time visiting the park I found it to be very hot, dry, and brown looking (I hadn’t yet quite grown used to this being the norm in San Diego – what can I say, I’m a lush east coast girl at heart.) When we decided to try camping in the area I quickly realized that Green Valley Falls is quite challenging to grab a spot in, especially if you aren’t a book-months-in-advance kind of person. Instead, I found it easier to visit Green Valley Falls for the day, or camp in their sister site up the road, Paso Picacho (which has a lot more trees).
But we finally decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. Midweek, though. Because, you know, that whole last minute booking thing.
Spoiler alert: WE LOVED IT!
Here are the Pro’s and Con’s:
Cons
- Hard to book a site on weekends. Need to book way in advance
- Not very trailer friendly. Small rigs can fit, but most sites aren’t ideal
- Park staff (in our experience) were VERY strict about arrival time. We were not allowed to pull into our previously unoccupied site even a half hour early and had to wait in the day use lot
- Very dry and brown looking in late summer or dry years
- Water levels also can be low, varying by year
- No dogs allowed on trails
- Rocks near the falls are EXTREMELY slippery
Pros
- The falls and river. This is really the reason to stay
- River and falls are a short hike from campsites
- Can hike in for free or pay $10 for parking pass, if not camping
- Surprisingly ample shade in most sites
- Hammocks allowed
- Spacious sites
- Plenty of space for large or multipe tents
- Park is well maintained
- No glass allowed by the river and falls
- Short drive from anywhere in San Diego County
So while I reconsider adding Green Valley Falls to the list of best family friendly campgrounds in San Diego, I will say that at the very least, you should visit and go for a swim, or play by the river. Just be sure to pack sunscreen, maybe an innertube just for fun, some water and a lunch and enjoy!
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