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A staple in SoCal camping and family adventures since the 1930s, La Jolla Indian Campground located in Pauma Valley has been revitalized for modern families. Featuring semi-primitive campsites, group sites, and RV camping there is something for everyone. With upgraded bathrooms and maintenance, there's no better time to visit! Make sure to check in with us for updates on water levels if you're looking to enjoy tubing this summer!
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Decided to go to the river to go tubing, the water was too low to tube, but the woman who checked us in let us know if we weren’t satisfied we could get a refund, but we found a perfect spot to set up. The river was pretty low but it was deep enough in some spots to just sit and enjoy the calm.
We also walked the river about a mile down and back an picked up any trash we saw in the river and on the side. People review this place as not clean but the ones who are saying that are probably the ones who leave the trash behind in the first place. I’m sure if everyone who visited just took the time to pick up 5 pieces of trash they see, then this wouldn’t be an issue.
The reservation is ALLOWING us to come onto their land and enjoy this beautiful place, respect it.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Room Tip:Â Anywhere along the river is good to be honest. The trading post is super cute and convenient
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was worried about this campground especially during COVID, after reading earlier reviews. We stayed for two nights and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our family found a great site right next to the river. The next site was far away and we did not hear any noise. I really appreciate the time the staff took to make sure the sites were not close together. The river was great and the kids enjoyed themselves, though the river was turbulent for a five year old. The bathrooms were fine and it was nice that they have showers.
The best part was waking up every morning and hearing nothing but the river. I really needed a place to get away but not be worried about a social distance problem and we found this respite here.
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The online reservation was actually a great idea rather than dealing with a long line entering like our previous one. It was a real bummer finding out that there is no water on the river. It would have been nice informing us on the website when we register. The site highlights being the only campsite with river and tubing access and yet nothing. We ended up spending money for tubes and not been able to use them. Besides that, it was morethan an hour tfavel for us so we made the best of it and just play games at the campsite. The restrooms seemed to being maintained well enough that they don't seem as bad to use as the ones we're used to at other places. It would have been a great adventure for our pet dog but it's another campsite rule that I wish they can allow. I have observed numerous folks with their dog(s) and they don't seemed service dogs to me. Well for sure we are coming back but I do wish to get those 2 concerns addressed: informing realtime availability of the river/tubing access and the real deal with having the pet in the campsite. Also, the staff are very nice, from the ine who checked us in to those picking up the trash and cleaning the restroom. Thank you all.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Plan ahead. Ask details and double check availability of the river before buying or bringing tubes.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So of course we picked the hottest weekend of the summer to camp and take our 9 month old babies for their first camping trip! Although it was over 100 most of the weekend….the weather if not something we can adjust. Even with the heat we have a great time! All the staff at the campground were super friendly and super helpful. There are bathrooms and showers at the front of the campground that can be utilized however there are also outhouses throughout the grounds which are cleaned daily so that was great. Our trash was picked up a couple times a day and a lot of the campground has shady spots and canopies of trees so it makes for a great place to camp. Although there is no water in the river we brought a couple 5 gallon jugs so we have water to do dishes and have a small splash area for our babies to keep cool. I would def recommend bringing a water supply as the tent sites do not have water and the campground has well water so its to be used sparingly. Michelle and Lea were amazing and so i credibly sweet and helpful when checking in and gave some good insight on best sites for the size of our group. All tent sites have a fire pit of some sort and a picnic table. We had a great time! Also recommended is a food tent as the sand bees and insane! They bug and are everywhere but at least they don’t sting. There are rattlesnakes too but we only saw one and he succumbed to the elements (pic attached) We will definitely be camping here in the future!!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
my family and I have been camping here for over 30 yrs and we have never been dissapointed. even though the river was dry this last time we had a fantastic time. we stayed 3 nights weekdays and we did see the security doing rounds often and the bathrooms were very clean.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had such a wonderful time at La Jolla it was so peaceful. It’s such a wonderful place to get away from the city life the hassle and basil. we had a great camp spot we were right by water we could hear the water running all day and all night it was just wonderful and peaceful. And the staff and security are so wonderful. Any time you need help with anything they are right there to assist. La Jolla will always be our home away from home thank you guys we love you thanks for the great experience
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No showers, just portable restrooms, campsites right next to the road, people drove 15mph which makes it very dangerous for little kids (nobody controls it), no camping tables at each site. Campers doesn't suppose to be having bonfires due to the wild fires at this time of the year according to the people that works there, well campers were having their bonfires and security passed by a few times and didn't stop them. Supposedly you can just be 4 people per site, We rented 2 sites, 1 for a family of 2 and another for 4 people, when we got there, sites were packed with 15+people.....administration does not follow their own rule. More than camping, it was more like a fair, noisy, lots of cars, loud music and irresponsible fires.....too expensive to camp in this conditions. Safe your money!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We camped in November Friday - Sunday during what is decidedly OFF Season. The past reviews of this place suggest that it gets really crowded and rowdy during high season. November is a great time to visit if you are looking for more quiet. We had a great spot (#40) by the river (that is just a creek now due to an algae bloom causing the dam to be shut for now) with a perfect fire pit beachside. The kids could climb and explore safely and not worry about getting into close contact with others visiting. The porta potties were surprisingly clean and non-odorous. The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly. There was one large party group, we were able to choose a spot away from them so we could each do our thing in peace.Overall, the environment and facilities were great. We also did the zip lining which was amazing, and a discounted fee for campers! Off season is great here!
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Date of stay: November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My children & I have been going to "the river" as us locals call it, for 4yrs. But we're done. This yr was the worst. While the other campers are the bulk of the problem. Management allows most of it. Not only is it difficult to find a site. Since almost none of them are clearly marked. But ppl spread out taking more than just one spot, regularly. Also not regulated by management. So, it's difficult to find a spot on the water. Which is literally the only reason to camp there. If you can find a spot, ppl from other sites regularly walk straight through your site w/out asking, apologizing or anything. No manners at all! I'm not talking a few kids. I'm talking large groups of ADULTS! It's unreal!! Music rules are also not enforced, nor are privately owned outhouses, which are not allowed. One yr I had a family reunion sized group, put theirs feet away from our tent. Disgusting!! Speaking of porta potties. Management is doing a much better job of maintaining their's I noticed. But all the facilities are in general decline & are neglected. I thought wt the BS covid rules & reservations this yr would be better. As I said above, it was worse. I've never had a problem personally wt management. They've always been professional & helpful. I just wish they enforced their own rules. Large groups need to be in the sites specifically for groups. No loud anything after 9pm. No privately owned outhouses. Roping off sites & designating paths to the water would be extremely helpful. We've already cancelled our reservation for next month. And we won't ever be returning.
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked a group site with my family and we had a wonderful time. Each site comes with a long metal bench, a charcoal grill a trash can and a fire pit.
We booked 6f and I will say that the group sites are pretty close to one another and not next to the water like we thought. Fortunately we got there when they first opened are were able to set up our tents next to the water by walking down a rocky path. However, it was a bit of a hike down and exhausting going up and down with our things. I would have rather gotten there early and got a first come first serve spot near the water.
The river was so much fun! I would recommend you bring your own tubes as it cost about $20 per tube per day to rent.
There are flat tailed squirrels (California groud squirrel) everywhere and they are not afraid of humans. Make sure to put your food away at night and take your trash because they will get into it. We lost our pancake mix and some tortillas to the squirrels- you live and learn!
They conventienly have portable restrooms about every 75 feet and were cleaned and stocked with toilet paper rolls each morning. The staff also collects the trash every morning and are very friendly. If you wish to use flushable toilets they have some in the front along with hot showers.
Our kids also used the splash pad and pool and they were clean and the staff was very friendly.
One thing to note is that we got NO cell phone service our whole stay, so plan accordingly. I have Tmobile, my brother has Verizon and neither got service. Zero bars. Thankfully we had walkie talkies that came in handy. For us it was ok as we really wanted to disconnect while there.
Overal we were happy and we would come again.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TendrÃa que llamar. Antes de COVID era posible pero en la pagina dice que tienes que reservar. No se si todavÃa es necesario. Para estar seguro llame al campground.
The drive to the campground was fine. Once you get inside the rode is very steep. It's paved and I believe a direct straight line to the RV area after that. Tent camping sites are tricky to drive to.
There are more places to choose from in the Pauma Valley area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
la jolla indian campground hotel pauma valley, la jolla indian campground pauma valley
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaPauma Valley
NUMBER OF ROOMS
175
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