Dixon Lake Campground — Hotel in Escondido

First time camping out on my own. This is a nice local spot for beginner campers. To me, the location is a bit mundane but that's really a personal preference. Honestly, Valley Center, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Julian etc would have been my preferred camping destinations all within an hour drive away.

You have at least one or two bathrooms in the camping grounds, and they both have handicapped toilets, sinks, and other basics.

There's one partial trail around the lake and it can be a bit of a challenge mostly due to the low maintenance around the off seasons so bring either a half decent pair of hiking boots or a stick of some sort for balance. Unless you're already physically adept enough to hike in plain sneakers that is.

If you're getting camping spots numbered in the ranges of like the 30s or 40s, then you can get great views of the city of Escondido at night. That I can confirm, and there's enough spacing between each lot to allow for privacy and some reduction in noise pollution. One of the campers had their music on for hours till around 9 or 10 and even then it wasn't too loud to be even mildly bothersome.

Some things I would recommend for first time tent campers:

The ground is hard. Make sure you have a mallet and tent stakes with points at the end It can be a bit of a walk to the bathroom depending on what spot you land, so be sure to bring your smartphone or other flashlight if you have to use it in the night Max tent sizes (for non RV lots that is) seems to be one four-person tent per lot, at the very least. For some lots, you should be able to cram in two such tents, AND each lot should come with a picnic bench and grill. Reserve online in advance, then go up to the ranger station to obtain three papers. One to hang up at the post of your campsite and the other two can be for one or two of...

Dixon Lake Campground offers a clean and convenient camping experience. Its proximity to the city ensures that any forgotten items can easily be purchased nearby, making it an ideal spot for both seasoned campers and novices alike.

For those seeking a stunning night view, I highly recommend reserving a site with a clear view of the horizon. However, be aware that the sites are not particularly spacious. If you're planning to set up more than one tent, it’s essential to check the site dimensions beforehand. Among the various spots, Site #17 stands out as relatively larger, offering a bit more room to spread out.

One of the highlights of our stay was the boating experience. To secure a boat, make sure to arrive early in the morning. By 10 AM, the boats are often sold out, so plan accordingly to enjoy a serene day on the lake.

Despite its urban proximity, Dixon Lake Campground is teeming with wildlife. We encountered rattlesnakes several times during our stay. If you spot a rattlesnake, it is important to report it to a ranger immediately.

Overall, Dixon Lake Campground provides a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Whether you're there for a quick getaway or an extended retreat, this campground promises a memorable...

Very nice getaway in the middle of the city/burbs. They now allow dogs, they did not a couple of years ago. Current hook up (with sewer) is $50/night, dry sites are $30. Almost every site has a spectacular view...on one side there is the city of Escondido and on the other, the lake. I think the view alone is worth the stay.

It's $9 per day to fish. You can't swim, wade or drop your own boat into the lake, but they do have boat rentals. Dogs (up to 3) are $1 per day. It's $5 a day (on weekends and busy times) to enter if you are not camping in the CG. The hosts are very nice, and there are rangers everywhere.

There's bass in the lake, plus trout, bluegill, catfish, etc. Shore fishing can be really slow here, and only about 30% of the shoreline can be fished (reeds).

All in all, a very nice place to visit. Note: If you have one of those racks that attaches via your hitch, like I do, chances are you will NOT be able to get into site #17. There is a transition from the road to the site that you can tell others did not make it, or if they did, they ground down their rack. There's gouges in the pavement. My Class C with the rack can not...