The last few weeks of summer are here, which means there’s still time to squeeze in one more outdoor escape before the season winds down. And with California offering everything from redwood forests to sprawling beaches, there’s no shortage of places to pitch your tent.
According to Hipcamp, a platform dedicated to connecting travelers with private landowners and unique outdoor stays, Splitrock Farm and Retreat is the best-rated campground in the state, earning a 95% rating from nearly 2,000 reviews.
Sweeping views and plenty of space
Located in Fallbrook, less than two hours from DTLA, Splitrock Farm and Retreat spans more than 100 acres and features 36 individual campsites, giving campers plenty of room to disconnect from the everyday grind. The property is dotted with towering pine trees, old oak trees, palms, and enormous granite boulders that give the landscape a distinctly wild feel.
Nightly stays start at around $22, with options ranging from traditional camping to more comfortable glamping experiences. Guests can book tent sites for a classic bring-your-own-gear camping trip, while RV and rig sites are available for travelers arriving with recreational vehicles.
Those looking to skip the tent setup can opt for glamping, including canvas bell tents and dedicated dome accommodations, while the property also offers lodging options for guests who want a more conventional place to sleep. Some glamping setups include cots and bedding, while others can be outfitted with them for an additional fee.
For campers planning their trip, the site offers practical features and rules to keep in mind:
- 🥾 On-site recreation: Campers can explore more than 6 miles of walking and mountain biking trails right on the property, including the marked Splitrock 5K loop that passes the main high points and boulder formations.
- 🚿 Facilities & add-ons: Standard amenities include clean toilet facilities, potable water spigots, and hot outdoor showers.
- 🌲 Nearby adventures: Campers are just 3 miles from the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve for riverside hiking, 1 mile from Camp Pendleton Nature Preserve, and 5 miles from downtown Fallbrook for supplies and dining.
The property was once part of a 160-acre avocado farm that produced more than 1 million pounds of avocados annually. After being purchased in 2021, the land began a new chapter focused on sustainable agriculture and outdoor recreation.
Today, Split Rock is the No. 1 campground on Hipcamp’s list of the 10 best-rated campgrounds in California, followed by these nine other top-rated spots:
- Splitrock Farm and Retreat, Fallbrook
- Mystic Forest Campground, Klamath
- Kosk Creek Campgrounds, Big Bend
- Tahoe National Forest
- Inyo National Forest
- Finnon Lake Recreation Area, Placerville
- The Retreat At Redwood Shores, Bayside
- Terwer RV Park, Klamath
- The Ranch at Cross Road, Livermore
- Shasta-Trinity National Forest
