BajaNomad

SAN DIEGO CAMPING TIPS - ENROUTE TO BAJA

mojo_norte - 1-13-2010 at 09:24 AM

Quote:
quote]Originally posted by Pompano
San Diego Area RV Parks and Free Boondocking



Shelter Island marina parking lot across from Humphreys...great spot. Free daily use from 6a.m. till 10 pm or so ...with waterfront view across San Diego Bay towards downtown skyline. A favorite spot for over 25 years. Watch boats come and go. Feed the gulls and seals. Superb restaurants within walking distance. Go charter boat fishing almost next door. Tackle shops, walks along waterfront, it's all good. Then park in adjacent street where lega[l for the night, then back to waterfront next dawn. Best Boondocking in the city...and with a gazillion-dollar view.
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Walmarts..free..just ask. Then buy something. One near Oceanside also allows if you ask. Also San Marcos. Lowe's good, too. Home Depot.


[Edited on 3-9-2009 by Pompano]


What's the latest on Boondoggle camping in the San Diego area? Can you still overnight in an RV (Overhead camper) at any of the Walmarts? What about Home Depot's and Lowes?


What about hanging out at Shelter Island until closing and then "parking on adjacent street" to sleep as mentioned by Pompano?

Can one get away with this or do I risk having the tap tap tap of the policeman's flashlight on my window at 2 AM?

tripledigitken - 1-13-2010 at 09:38 AM

Viejas Casino on route 8 east of San Diego has a RV Campground 2 miles distant from the casino in the valley nestled in an Oak grove. Very quiet with convienence store and pool. No cable TV but full hook ups otherwise.

Just call the convienence store and they will send a shuttle bus to take you and from the casino for free.

Rates from $22 to $32 for dry camp to full hookup.

Ken


wilderone - 1-13-2010 at 09:48 AM

"Shelter Island marina parking lot across from Humphreys...great spot. Free daily use from 6a.m. till 10 pm or so"

We citizens frown on RVers who use this area as a private RV park. They hog the parking spaces, let their yappy little dogs out to pee on the grass, commandeer an area with their chairs and tables for days. And don't tell me everyone else does it. We come with our kids and friends for a few hours to picnic or fish or walk - not make it their home as these people do. The parking laws have been changed - couldn't tell you exactly what hours - but posted because of these people. This is a relatively small area in the middle of a big city, and Shelter Island was made for its citizens to enjoy. Tourists are welcome if they behave.

- A San Diego native.

mojo_norte - 1-13-2010 at 10:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
"Shelter Island marina parking lot across from Humphreys...great spot. Free daily use from 6a.m. till 10 pm or so"

We citizens frown on RVers who use this area as a private RV park. They hog the parking spaces, let their yappy little dogs out to pee on the grass, commandeer an area with their chairs and tables for days. And don't tell me everyone else does it. We come with our kids and friends for a few hours to picnic or fish or walk - not make it their home as these people do. The parking laws have been changed - couldn't tell you exactly what hours - but posted because of these people. This is a relatively small area in the middle of a big city, and Shelter Island was made for its citizens to enjoy. Tourists are welcome if they behave.

- A San Diego native.


Gotcha - I live in a mountain tourist town and can't stand the summer RV tourists either:yes:

I usually stay in the State Beach Parks up north but understand that they have closed alot of their camping sections for the winter due to budget shortfalls - so I'm looking for a plan B in the event that they are full. I usually roll into San Diego in the evening.

- A Colorado native

Pompano - 1-13-2010 at 12:11 PM

I have a rather large lot behind my beach front Baja home. If any campers are in need and lookinf for a camp free of charge just come let me know. Not beachfront, but camper friendly.

mtgoat666 - 1-13-2010 at 12:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mojo_norte
What about hanging out at Shelter Island until closing and then "parking on adjacent street" ?

Can one get away with this or do I risk having the tap tap tap of the policeman's flashlight on my window at 2 AM?


most of the beach neighborhoods are fighting the RVs camping on city streets, as there is a huge semi-homeless population that lives out of roving RVs that park in parks during day and park on city streets at nite. rules are changing, watch out. house occupants are unhappy, likely to call cops on you street campers.