Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Vail Lake Resort

    3.4 (343 reviews)

    Vail Lake Resort Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Vail Lake Resort

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Megan A.

    This was my first time here with my family and it was amazing other than the price! It can be pretty expensive for camping but I will say the amenities are awesome. They have mini golf, jumpers for kids, the lake, pavement for riding bikes, clean bathrooms and showers, pickle ball court, trails to hike, beach volleyball court and the pool. We made memories we will never forget and you can't put a price on that.

    Brand New bathrooms in Arroyo Seco. Showers are in individual private rooms.
    Savanna O.

    We had a great time camping @ Vail Lake Resort. The newly renovated Arroyo Seco had all brand new, stunning bathrooms and private showers. The tent pads are spacious, and have power hookups! There are cozy string lights, picnic tables, and fire pits for each tent pad. 10 out of 10 recommend for a fabulous "glamping" experience!

    Monica P.

    Loved our stay at Vail Lake! This was our 2nd time camping here. We camped in the Chardonnay area -- great spot with beautiful sunset views. We brought our eBikes and explored the property, enjoyed a campfire, and had a couple of drinks at the bar. Super pet-friendly too -- our dogs had an absolute blast. Highly recommend for a laid-back SoCal getaway! We'll definitely be back.

    Jennifer W.

    Second time coming here. The first time we camped in the barren wasteland of rv sites in the upper level. The restroom/showers were heavily dilapidated. This time we tried a more expensive, shady site with a firepit. Site was nice but again, the bathroom in the nicer area looked like a prison. We have a van rv so we had to take a shower in the bathrooms. The site across the way put up a monster LED studio strength light that illuminated the whole area like it was daytime. Nice they had a café sandwich place - chicken wraps were delicious. There's also a bar on the premises which was nice. Overall - ok. Please PLEASE upgrade the bathrooms. I cant believe Im saying this but the bathrooms are 10 times worse than a State Park.

    Small dining table in the central kitchen of cabin.
    Beatrice A.

    Had a wonderful stay at the Temecula KOA in July 2025, staying in the cabins in the Rincon area, site RC07 specifically. The cabin was very spacious but yet cozy at the same time. It had 2 queen bedrooms and a loft with low ceilings with 2 single person floor beds not quite a twin size mattress but comfortable enough for the kiddos. The kitchen was amazing and having 1 and half baths was an absolute luxury. Glamping at its best! The only one thing that was frustrating about the stay was that there were ants throughout that kept finding our treats! We just did our best to seal up all the goodies and not leave food out so the ants didn't annoy us too much! Being in the great outdoors, a visit from the ants was not too unexpected!

    Our spot
    Kara G.

    The staff is top notch and the land is absolutely beautiful. There are great views, lots of hiking trails and a beautiful lake. The pools are always clean and the property is very well maintained. The events during holidays- especially the 4th of July, can't be beat! Even the other campers are kind and friendly!!! If I could rate over a 5 star rating - I certainly would!!! Visit for both peaceful and party fun!

    Ladies, restroom, and showers.
    Debbie C.

    Ladies facility are so unacceptable. If you don't have full hook ups, this is what people are forced to use for a shower. She put some money into the facility instead of trying to build all these little new cabins. Shame on you KOA

    Darci M.

    5th annual camping trip and we'll all had a great time There was 6 campers all together and we really enjoyed our visit! Lots of kids riding electric bikes and scooters- lots of adults driving golf carts - we even noticed a CutWater cart going around and it was all set up for Halloween and plenty of bands playing music and kids events

    Stocked with lots of towels.
    Joy K.

    We rented a cabin at Vail Lake from Sunday 9/24/23 to check out on Tuesday. This was our first time visiting Vail Lake, ever! I didn't see any recent reviews here on the cabins, so I was a little hesitant and didn't really know what to expect. Overall, it was a very nice stay! We rented a one bedroom with loft cabin, #MC03. It was super clean at check in. It's pretty small, but it was perfect for a 2 night stay. The cabin is stocked with pretty much everything you will need. The kitchen has a 2-burner stove, dishwasher, microwave, small keurig coffee maker, full size refrigerator, plates/utensils, pots/pans, no oven. There were lots of bath towels and beach towels too. The covered patio has a high table and chairs, and was nice for enjoying a morning cup of coffee. Outside is a picnic table, gas BBQ, and a fire ring with seating for six on Adirondack chairs. There are 12 cabins total, called "Merlot" Cabins. The one we rented was the smallest one. The loft area has a very low ceiling with a queen/double bed and two small twin mattresses on the floor. The loft could sleep up to 4 people (small kids would be ideal for this space). The bedroom has a queen bed, ceiling fan, TV and is very small, but comfortable enough. There is another TV in the dining area off the kitchen. Our cabin had a six person dining table off the kitchen. I think it would have been nice if there was a small couch/love seat and coffee table instead. However, the dining table was good for playing games. The property covers a lot of acreage and is maintained very well. There is a store, bar and cafe. Check their website to see all of amenities available on the property. There are lots of walking paths and trails. We walked the road to the lake, but didn't make it all the way there because it got a little too hot for our dogs on the day we were there. It was probably close to a two mile walk on a paved road, which is open to bikes, not open to vehicles. The pool area was pretty empty when we were there. It's a nice area, but could use umbrellas for shade. Helpful information/tips/hints: 1. Call the resort with any questions you may have. The staff was very helpful! 2. Check the website for Bar and Cafe hours. Hours are limited on Sunday-Tuesdays. 3. Golf cart rentals are not available on Sundays. 4. Weekdays offer a book one night, get one night free deal. 5. Pets are welcome. 6. We didn't need their Wi-Fi. Spectrum cellular service kept us connected. 7. Cabin rentals get you 2 parking spots. More than 2 cars pay a $10 entry fee. 8. Be sure to bring your own seasonings and condiments. 9. Bring plastic or paper plates for outdoor eating. The kitchen is supplied with heavy ceramic plates. 10. There is an alternate trail to the lake that is about a mile. It's a dirt trail with some elevation. Take the walk to the lake in the early morning hours before it gets too hot. Again, we never made it to the lake, so not sure what you would see there. Long review . . . I hope it's helpful.

    John M.

    Unimpressed with the quality of facilities at Vail Lake KOA. We stayed in the Chardonnay area and the men's showers are discussing. I wouldn't even shower in there with all the mold and run down fixtures. Was like a 3rd world prison but they be cleaner. The mini golf is totally in need of updating and repairing the entire course. Seems there is more interest on their part to keep putting in cabins while ignoring the rest of the campground. Not sure if i will return

    Cabins

    See all

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hollie B.

    Hollie B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Toby M.
    110
    20
    9

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hollie B.

    Hollie B.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G M.
    5
    68
    0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hollie B.

    Hollie B.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hollie B.

    Hollie B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul A.
    582
    1385
    1600

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Holly B.
    26
    112
    69

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul S.
    108
    11
    9

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maria V.
    82
    197
    599

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marie S.
    3
    133
    549

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hollie B.

    Hollie B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hollie B.

    Hollie B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Debbie D.
    130
    21
    5

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian M.
    13
    36
    27

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe H.
    3
    34
    42

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    The bed place to go for camping , theirs lots of trumpies but it's fine and theirs so much to do

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Troy F.
    257
    13
    1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of NB J.
    0
    52
    14

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sylvia V.
    90
    80
    66

    14 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alisa M.
    1571
    1194
    240

    17 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of jenna a.
    146
    24
    0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 5 of 9

    Ask the Community - Vail Lake Resort

    Is there cell phone service?

    Yes, there is cell service, but it is spotty in some areas.

    Can you set up a tent next to your rv in the same spot?

    I've been going there with a large group for years and many of us have shared a friend's RV space and set up a tent next to them. As long as you're in their space, not encroaching on anyone elses, you can set up a tent within your RV site.

    How many cars can you have per camp site?

    Two, you can have additional in the overflow parking.

    Can you go fishing?

    We saw a fair amount of people walking to the lake with poles. I'd check with the campground to be sure.

    Do the showers have hot water?

    Yes very hot!

    Is it possible to walk from one campground to the other? For instance, from Arroyo Seco to Chardonnay Mesa?

    Yes. It's a big campground tho, but totally walkable. Many people use golf carts or bikes to get around.

    Is the campground near the lake?

    Unfortunately, the lake has been closed for a few years.

    Can we set up a tent in addition to our RV at Lower Merlot?

    Is this the old Butterfield Country campground site?

    yes, it is.

    Has anyone used uber/Lyft from here to go wine tasting?

    Can we swim in the lake and also do we have to pay to get in?

    No you cannot swim in the lake there is a pool and yes you do have to pay to get it

    Does Chardonnay or Chardonnay Mesa areas all have picnic tables and fire pits at each site now that they are a KOA?

    I stayed in upper Chardonnay and there were no picnic tables. There was a fire pit.

    Is it open to public? If so, is there a fee to go in and What's the earliest to go hiking on a Saturday?

    The park is open to the public for camping, there is no day use, the $5 fee you are talking about is for mountain bike and hiking trails only.

    How far from South Coast Winery?

    about five miles from Vail RV Resort to South Coast Winery.

    View All 20 Questions

    Review Highlights - Vail Lake Resort

    Many activities for the entire family: miniature golf, swimming pools, frisbee golf, hiking, etc.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Campgrounds 1,851 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Mountain Shadows RV Resort - Mountain Shadows RV Resort. 2023

    Mountain Shadows RV Resort

    4.2(11 reviews)
    17.7 mi

    The park itself is very nice. The problem with this place is the HOA have lost their mind. If you…read morepark your vehicle in a parking spot across from your property you forget to move your vehicle your car will be towed away it' will cost you $412 to go pick it up 3 miles from where they stole my vehicle from in the first place.. The funny part is there's nobody even in the parking spots, I believe someone is getting paid off by The tow company is the only conclusion I can come up with.. You are only allowed only one dog. When walking anywhere inside the park where it's safe. You can only walk your dog to the gate to go outside of the gate to walk your dog. I'm riding my bike with my dog when I stopped with my dog at the I'm riding my bike I stopped at the corner so my dog can do her usually smelling the fire hydrant. . A lady from the HOA walked up to me with a piece of paper demanding I take it so I will know where me my dog is allowed to walk to the outside gate.

    I cannot believe with all these older people they have nothing better to do than walk around with…read moreclipboards trying to find things things that bother the hoa. They make new rule in whatever bothers hoa. We actually own and pay the HOA to oversee the facility. Crackheads come through the gate all day and all night. Security Locks the pool up at 10 o'clock s nobody can go in to get ice or the bathroom if needed. They rap a Chang around the gate stupidest thing I've ever seen the only thing that does is stop the people that need to get in there.I come in late sometimes I enjoy getting ice, running through the waterfall to take a shower before I hit the sack.. . The problem with California there's regulations on top of regulations. Also I can't understand how hoa can't find a little space for dogs to go play with other dog smell grass hang out. Considering we're all senior citizens. A lot of people have dogs because everybody else in their life has passed away already. It's much safer to stay inside the gate yet your requesting we should take or dogs outside the gate. I will never abide by this ridiculous restriction. Hoa think they can enforce whatever they decide. They think they're right and what they say goes what happened to democracy we the people. HOA is not God judge and jury. Whatever bothers them hoa will come up with some new regulation .There's plenty of places where dog can socialize with other dogs. My truck was literally Stolen under false pretense .I forgot my truck across from my space I was unloading my truck I forgot I left it in the parking spot .I wake up the next morning somebody stole my truck imagine that. When I talk to the lady at the tow company she Informed me she was woken up the caller insisted the truck has to be picked up tonight. At first she refused yet they Insisted it had to be done that night. Somebody in the HOA is getting a kick back as well as the loser security guard. I support motorcycle and car accidents .I am very familiar with the tow truck company. Somebody from the HOA insisted my truck get hauled away it will never happen again. You can't park in a parking spot where every single parking spot is open. You can't walking your dog inside the RV resort It would be so easy to pay the same loser security guard driveing around with this flashing lights looking to steal a Senior citizens car living on a pension. The problem would be reduce by 95% with A security guard at the front gate with cameras is all it would take. If the security guard Stays at the front whatever goes in the front gate has to come out. Instead of him driving around looking to make a profit, By having vehicles towed from this facility if he sit at the front gate from 11p and 6am 95% of all the thefts and the crackheads that funnel through here 20 times a night would stop.

    Photos
    Mountain Shadows RV Resort - MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RV RESORT. A little piece of heaven.

    MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RV RESORT. A little piece of heaven.

    Mountain Shadows RV Resort - Large RV's

    Large RV's

    Mountain Shadows RV Resort - Small motormomes

    See all

    Small motormomes

    Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort

    Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort

    4.3(501 reviews)
    29.6 mi

    When we pulled into the driveway (after hours) we were greeted by August who got us all of our…read moreimportant info for our stay. He got parked on our pad and we were set. The facility is extremely well taken care of and walking distance to public transit which we took to the SanDiegoZoo. The bathrooms are clean, the pool and spa are sparkling and the onsite store is stocked with necessities. The laundry is open 24hours, super clean though I don't use the facilities. We will be back as soon the summer hits. Walking distance to a beachy peninsular area. Onsite cornhole, chess, & connect four are in the hang area. There are trains all day long but never found it to be a major issue. The loudest noise is the duly and diesel trucks that are onsite inside camp. You can hear the ocean mostly. Definitely will be rebooking in the summer

    I do love this spot. We have been here a few times and each time is a different experience. I will…read morestart off with the pros Friendly and helpful staff Pool and spa fantastic 2-3 min Walking distance to the beach Wonderful vigilante coffee shop 3 min walk if not less The Seahive shop that has a little of everything from antique to small local crafters A ton of restaurants within a half mile walk A cute little grocery store/taco shop around the corner The sound of the train(for some they find this a con) Cons The parking is tight you will be on top of your neighbors if you want privacy, you won't get any It's a little pricey(it's worth it to us) for some Can't really have a visitor come by and chill for a few hrs unless you pay for the parking $20 The showers the back area are smaller then the one in coach but it gets the job done if they redo the bathrooms it would be better if it was one shower so you have room to move in it. People smoking cigars and cigarettes We will be coming back and staying again the pros totally out way any cons. You should give it a try if you are coming to Oceanside

    Photos
    Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort - Enjoy a treat from our camp store

    Enjoy a treat from our camp store

    Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort - Pull Thru's Available!

    Pull Thru's Available!

    Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort - Best Beach Access of Any Southern California RV Park

    See all

    Best Beach Access of Any Southern California RV Park

    William Heise County Park - Picnic table at site 19.

    William Heise County Park

    4.1(178 reviews)
    37.8 mi

    This place fills up fast but we booked several months out and were able to choose our campsites…read morebased on proximity to the dumpsters, bathrooms, and even based on whether the sites had shade. We reserved campsites 89 and 90. Campsites were about $37 per night, after the reservation fee, and could fit a maximum of eight people in two tents. Several of us had car set-ups and when we called the reservation office, they confirmed that sleeping in the car wouldn't count towards the two tent limit. Each site also has two dedicated parking spots. If you have additional cars, it'll be $6 per car/night and there's overflow parking scattered around the campground. Quiet hours start at 10PM and all campfires must be out (no embers) by 11PM. The bathrooms were fine, considering this was a campground. Showers are coin-operated and you can get 4 minutes for 50 cents. Make sure to exchange your cash at the ranger station before the sun sets! From my friend group, I heard mixed reviews on the showers. It seemed like the girl's side had poor water pressure and usually was cold. But both times I showered, I had decent pressure and the water eventually turned warm. There's also potable water throughout the campground, with a specific spout with filtered water (for taste). Our campsites were pretty great especially site 90. It's flat and right under a huge tree so it was the perfect spot to hang out and escape the sun. For tents, the ground was kind of rocky so make sure to bring a pad or air mattress if you can. Each site comes with a table and a fire pit. For firewood, you have to purchase from the campground because they don't want you to accidentally introduce any invasive species. Overall, great campsite with decent bathrooms! We didn't get a chance to explore the campground and the trails around it so I would love to come back one day. Oh and dogs are allowed as long as they're on a leash!

    First time at this campground! It's been a while since I've been camping, but this campground seems…read moreto be much nicer compared to what I remember from campgrounds I've been to in the past. The bathrooms were clean and fully stocked with toilet paper and free tampons on the women's side. There were 2 men's and 2 women's showers at the bathroom closest to our site. One of the women's showers didn't have the best water pressure and sprayed more of a mist...but the other was fine. Neither appeared to have warm water, but it wasn't freezing either, so it was bearable. We heard the men's showers did have warm water though. Showers were 50 cents for 4 minutes, and then you could add additional quarters to add on 2 minutes each. There were spigots and bottle refill stations too near the campsites. I'd probably avoid the sites right next to the restrooms unless you want to hear toilets flushing, the loud hand dryer, and foot traffic throughout the night.  There were plenty of trees so most of the campsites around us at least had at least some shade during the daytime. The only issue I really noticed was that some campgrounds were pretty close together so you will probably hear noise from neighboring sites. There was plenty of parking too, but these were also close to the sites, so one night we heard the sound of cars constantly locking throughout the night. Not the biggest issue though and you should probably bring earplugs while camping if you're a light sleeper. Overall, these campgrounds are nicer than a lot of other ones I've been there where you have to drive into town to shower. The tradeoff though is that with the nicer facilities and proximity to neighboring sites, it doesn't feel as remote and sort of feels like you're one step away from civilization. So maybe not the best place to camp if you're looking for a more true camping experience.

    Photos
    William Heise County Park - Valentine's gift from one teardrop gal to another.

    Valentine's gift from one teardrop gal to another.

    William Heise County Park - Loved the snow!

    Loved the snow!

    William Heise County Park - Snow fun, thanks to my friend Anne's gadget find!

    See all

    Snow fun, thanks to my friend Anne's gadget find!

    Pala Casino RV Resort - Pool Area

    Pala Casino RV Resort

    3.9(112 reviews)
    9.4 mi

    Nicely groomed Rv Park, plenty of space between sites, very clean pool and surrounding areas, great…read morestaff, free shuttle service to & from casino. Been visiting this park since it opened.

    It's such a beautiful place with every amenity you'd ever need. For the first time in a while, I…read morefelt really comfortable where I was in my motor home with my partner and pets. There's a dog park, a dog washing station, a laundry room, showers, a pool, picnic areas and hook ups for water, electricity and sewage. I felt at ease. I couldn't wait to come back... Unfortunately things changed and broke my heart. My suv was experiencing power steering issues so security was kind enough to allow my partner and I to gather up some items at auto zone and work on our car in an empty area of the Pala parking lot. As my partner was finishing up, I told him we may as well just pay for another night at the rv resort so we could use their showers because he was covered in sweat and car fluids. I walked over there and spoke to the nice young girl I had communicated with earlier and told her I'd like to reserve another night and I'm happy to pay (my stay was comp'd due to my player status at Pala Casino). Her reply was "I understand but unfortunately your RV is not allowed to be at our resort anymore. We cannot accept it. The photos you submitted were not the same as what we saw in person." See, I had to get my RV approved to even be allowed before I arrived because of the year (1998). I sent in good pictures of course with great angles... I want the vehicle to look as nice as possible. It was the motorhome version of "you can't sit with us" from mean girls. I was stunned. I'm still stunned. We fit in with every other person there at the resort. I'm sorry our motor home wasn't 6 figures. But it's not an eye sore by any means. It's just not a crazy luxury one like the others that surrounded us. I mean, one of the neighbors admitted his vehicle was $400k+ and invited us to come in and look around. It looked like the Taj Mahal without exaggeration. I know my face fell and I simply replied "...oh..". The girl then goes "I see your stay was a casino comp, can't you go to the hotel?" I was mortified. I just said "yeah... I guess." And I walked away. And I cried. Apparently because my RV isn't brand new and expensive, I am undeserving of a nice, comfortable place that feels like a second home to visit with my loved ones and our humble motorhome. Weeks pass and after my partner spoke to the manager, she let him know that two things needed to be fixed on our Class A: the awnings and the apparent unsightly what appeared to be small areas of "rust" towards the top of the RV. We went ahead and removed those issues. I proceeded to attempt to book a few nights there and I received a response stating that although they appreciate us fixing the cosmetic issues, now apparently we are told from our last visit, either the RV or my Mercedes SUV left a, once again, unsightly oil or liquid substance behind on the pad where we were parked. And I quote, "To stay at the Pala RV Resort, all vehicles must be well maintained and in good running condition. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate a stay at this time". Honestly, I don't know why I continue to become shocked by the types of responses I receive from this place. I don't know what kind of training they're given but the elitest vibe and the "you guys aren't good enough" attitude shot back at adults who are just trying to find a comfortable, safe and pleasant area to reside for a few days in our motor home along with our sweet dogs is just so unnecessarily rude, cruel and demeaning. Is the upscale reputation being upheld far more important than respect, kindness and a helpful, welcoming vantage point? In conclusion, as long as your trailer or motor vehicle is pristine, less than 20 years old and you are upper middle, upper class or better yet, a one percenter, this place is PERFECT for you, all your needs will be met, respect will be given to the utmost degree. If you are anything less than that, go find yourself a spot in a Walmart parking lot or the bureau of land management because you won't have a place for yourself here... well, you may get a "pass" for a stay but then you'll be reminded how unworthy you are to be in "such a high standard establishment." Above offended and angry, I'm hurt, upset and appalled by the way this has been handled. Thinking of these interactions actually gives me a great discomfort in my stomach and it's a shame.

    Photos
    Pala Casino RV Resort - View of our street.

    View of our street.

    Pala Casino RV Resort - Dog Wash in Dog Park

    Dog Wash in Dog Park

    Pala Casino RV Resort - Site 36

    See all

    Site 36

    Sundance Meadows

    Sundance Meadows

    2.7(44 reviews)
    4.8 mi

    This place is beautiful and the staff are so helpful. The…read morehorses are so happy and well fed. We stayed for 2 days. It was so relaxing and love being outdoors with the horses. Last year I brought my now wife there where I proposed to her. Sundance meadows will always have a special for me and my wife.

    This place was HORRIBLE!! First, we spoke to one of their reps a number of times in the two months…read morebefore going, and, to make a long, terrible story short, we found out upon arrival that we had been COMPLETELY MISLED. We had booked an entire month to stay here for $125, that we'd have to pay $125 per month for a year (a contract) and then would be allowed to stay there 4 months out of the year. (So $2000 for the year or $500 per monthly stay, which didn't sound too bad to us, given how they described the site and what it offered.) However, upon arrival we were quickly disabused of our previous FALSE information. The caretaker of the property, named John--a very pushy and curt guy--first explained, just minutes after arrival, that we would HAVE to take a tour of the place (with him) and then decide if we wanted to join a very expensive 1-, 3-, or 5-year CONTRACT, that could NEVER be cancelled for ANY reason. And the kicker? If we didn't decide to join, we had essentially 24 hours to vacate the property!! (Out by 12pm the very next day.) Please just imagine how livid and disappointed we were, who had been told we had a 30-day reservation for $125! Even though I was getting over pneumonia and was really looking forward to 4 weeks of R & R, and my wife was extremely tired and needed to rest, we pulled ourselves together and did the only thing we could: prepare to leave the next day and NEVER AGAIN return to this over-priced, dilapidated "dude ranch"--where there's apparently only one "dude"--the caretaker, John. You see, we arrived on a Saturday at the end of May and we were the ONLY guests staying there at the time, at least in the campground area. And we did NOT like what we saw: dilapidation most everywhere. There were a few nicer outbuildings, which didn't really concern us RV campers, But most everywhere we looked we saw things unkempt, run down, and just looking broken. For example--and this is a big one for RVers--all of the pedestals looked 20-30 or more years old. Some of them clearly not working at all. Our own pedestal had two BROKEN 30-amp outlets. One absolutely couldn't be used and was an obvious hazard, the other was broken partly, and our plug was quite loose--and never should have been used. I told John, the caretaker, that both of "my" outlets needed to be replaced. He told me that the one that was partially broken and loose "would be just fine and wouldn't present any problems." Even though I heard arcing/buzzing when I plugged it in! He eventually admitted to us that ALL of the pedestals were long over-due for upgrades. This place has been open for many years but apparently they're not all that interested in upgrades, even to critical--and dangerous--equipment. Btw, if you go on their Facebook page and look at the many pics, notice that are NO pics of the camping area (where it's so run down) except for a POSED image where you see a couple of horses right next to the caretakers own RV! I believe this is deliberate on their part b/c they don't want you to see the very old and broken down pedestals, the ubiquitous holes and mounds created by ground squirrels, the dry, weedy ground (and NOT green grass as we were told and a few of the pics suggest), nor do they want you to see the caretaker's medium-sized dog running amok and unleashed through the property. (We thus didn't take our little Yorkie out for a walk.) Finally, I must say a word about the 2-mile dirt entrance road into the ranch area. (Btw, this is absolutely not a working ranch! It does have several horses which can only be ridden on the weekends, and non-campers can bring their own horses to ride, but just don't expect a working ranch.) Now back to the 2-mile long entrance road: it is nothing but a hard washboard that will shake your vehicle or RV so badly you'll swear it's coming apart at the seams. It is a road from hell for RVs and trailers. I drove the slowest speed humanly possible and still my rig rattled like we were experiencing a 5.0 earthquake. We were never so happy to get out of there, and we'll most certainly not be going back. The only nice things that I feel compelled to describe are that it apparently does have a small, nice and clean pool, and it offers spaces to enjoy archery, basketball, tennis, very limited catch-and-release fishing, and of course horseback riding for young and old. Moreover, the lodge was a very clean and well-kept; it seemed rather new. It also had new (but apparently empty) bunkhouses. (On this particular Saturday in late May, we did not see another soul except for the caretaker.) But, as I've described, the camping area leaves a GREAT DEAL to be desired. Even if they were offering a great deal on memberships, we would never join b/c of the dilapidated condition of the campground. The site definitely has great potential. But in its current condition, it's just not worth paying for a membership.

    Photos
    Sundance Meadows
    Sundance Meadows
    Sundance Meadows

    See all

    South Carlsbad State Beach - Ice cream from our fellow campers.  Perfect for the hot weather we've been experiencing!

    South Carlsbad State Beach

    4.2(382 reviews)
    31.8 mi

    Camping at Carlsbad State Beach is unmatched…read more This campsite offers the best of both worlds: city life + beach life. It sits right on the ocean bluff with two sides, bluff-side (oceanfront) and streetside. Obviously bluff-side is preferred, but staying on the streetside is still a treat. A few things I love about this camping experience: - They allow all forms of camping. Tent, RV, van, etc. - The site has clean bathrooms and warm showers. Just be sure to purchase tokens at the front for the shower. - Dog friendly! You can bring your pet along but they must be on leash and aren't allowed on the beach. - Carlsbad has the most captivating sunsets, and if you're lucky, you'll even see a few dolphins. Truly the most memorable 32nd birthday activity with all my favorite people.

    We were on vacation from AZ on 6/2, driving N bound on Carlsbad blvd. My friend had use the…read morebathroom, so we entered the left turn lane at the entrance, and proceeded to turn left (on green arrow) into the park entryway. We pulled up to the gate and the police turned on their flashers! When I asked the park attendant why, they irritatedly said 'tell it to them', pointing at the police. As we pulled around to stop, the female attendant shrieked and pointed at us, as if we were criminals! The officers were literally sitting in their vehicle, WAITING for this to occur, because it is ILLEGAL to turn LEFT here, even though you are IN THE LEFT TURN LANE, with a GREEN arrow directing you to TURN LEFT! I was astonished at this absurd intersection and the way it MISDIRECTS drivers! I protested to the officer, who said there was a sign posted earlier in the median which stipulated 'U Turn ONLY' (NOT above the traffic light where it might actually have been seen)! I indicated I had NEVER encountered a left turn green arrow at an intersection, with an available roadway, where you were NOT allowed to turn LEFT ON A LEFT GREEN ARROW. I indicated that the generally accepted understanding across the USA is that if you are in the LEFT turn lane, and you get a left green arrow, you turn LEFT! I asked the officer to issue a warning only, he said he could not, it was 'zero tolerance' due to the volume of accidents at this intersection going into South Carlsbad State Beah Park! Their CONFLICTING traffic directions at this intersection is CAUSING these 'accidents'! And there will be more! Now I have fines, possible points on my license. TOURISTS BEWARE! This is a racket! It is also DANGEROUS!

    Photos
    South Carlsbad State Beach - ROTTEN FENCE

    ROTTEN FENCE

    South Carlsbad State Beach - Carlsbad SP Premium site.

    Carlsbad SP Premium site.

    South Carlsbad State Beach

    See all

    Vail Lake Resort - campgrounds - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...