December can be a tricky month for families. You want the holidays to feel magical, but crowded airports and stores, pricey hotels, and packed schedules often leave everyone worn out before the new year arrives.
Campland on the Bay offers a simpler plan. For more than 50 years, families have gathered at this waterfront campground on Mission Bay. In December, that means holiday décor, daily activities, and a New Year’s Eve party, all just minutes from home.
Why December Is a Great Time to Camp in San Diego
While much of the country is scraping ice off windshields, San Diego’s mild winter keeps outdoor life easy. Beach walks, bike rides, and campfire evenings are all still on the table. Friday nights around the fire, with s’mores and stories worth telling twice, quickly become a weekend tradition. You’ll also find a slower pace and fewer crowds than in summer.
Campland makes winter camping comfortable, even for first-time campers. The resort has a heated pool, two heated hot tubs, an arcade, gym, restrooms and showers, laundry, and free WiFi. With 595 RV and tent sites near the water, you get resort comforts and real camping fun in one place.
Holiday Fun at Campland All Month Long
Festive Décor and Campsite Spirit
Throughout December, seasonal decorations go up across the resort. An evening bike ride or stroll through the campground after dark quickly becomes a family favorite.
Want to join in? Pack a strand of lights, a tabletop tree, or a few ornaments for your own site. Decorating together is an easy way to make your campsite feel like home for the holidays.
Daily Activities for Every Age
Campland’s recreation program runs seven days a week during the holiday season, so kids always have something to look forward to. Seasonal favorites include:
- Candy Bar Bingo
- Holiday-themed arts and crafts
- Dodgeball, kickball, and wiffle ball
- Ping pong and bean bag toss tournaments
- Pickleball, including adults-only open play
Soccer, basketball knockout, and photo scavenger hunts round out the lineup. Activities are subject to change, so check the Activities & Events calendar before you arrive. The Holiday Weekends at Campland page can also help you plan your dates.
Holiday Dining at the Cantina and Ice Cream Parlor
Nobody wants to spend vacation days hunched over a camp stove. The Campland Cantina adds special holiday menu items during the season. Family favorites like pizza, tacos, burgers, and salads are still on the menu, and many guests order takeout to enjoy at their campsite.
The Cantina kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it’s a popular spot to catch holiday football games. For dessert, the Ice Cream Parlor is a guaranteed hit with kids. Hours can shift seasonally, so confirm before you go.
Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas by the Bay
Campland welcomes families of every tradition. Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 4, 2026, and lighting the menorah beside the bay makes for a memorable moment. Pair it with a sunset walk along the resort’s public beach.
At Christmas, you can trade the stress of hosting for a relaxed morning outdoors. Christmas Day falls on a Friday this year, which makes it easy to stretch the holiday into a long weekend. The on-site Market full of souvenirs also saves you last-minute errand runs.
Ring in 2027 at Campland’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
Campland’s New Year’s Eve party takes over the resort’s large event tent and is open only to registered campers. It’s a family-friendly alternative to crowded downtown celebrations. Highlights include:
- A lively DJ dance party
- An East Coast countdown and toast at 9:00 p.m.
- A West Coast countdown and toast at midnight
The early countdown is a gift to parents of young kids. Little ones can celebrate at 9:00 p.m. and head to bed while older kids and adults keep the party going. See the full 2026 holiday lineup announcement for details.
Exploring Mission Bay in Winter
Campland’s location is one of its biggest advantages. Step away from your campsite, and you’re in the largest aquatic park of its kind in the country.
Why Mission Bay Is Perfect for a Family Winter Getaway
Mission Bay offers families much more than a waterfront place to camp. According to the City of San Diego, Mission Bay Park covers more than 4,235 acres. It includes 27 miles of shoreline, 19 miles of sandy beaches, and close to 14 miles of bike paths.
That scale makes it easy to plan a full day outdoors without traveling far from Campland. Families can stroll beside the water, cycle sections of the bay path, or picnic on the grass. Playgrounds and quiet stretches of shoreline are also easy to reach at a relaxed pace.
Bird-Watching and Nature Walks
Mission Bay is home to many species of birds, fish, and other animals. It also has a nature reserve at its northern end near Crown Point. The City’s Mission Bay birds guide can help kids identify what they spot.
Campland sits next to the Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve, so nature is right at your doorstep. For a longer outing, follow the City’s self-guided tour of Mission Bay’s wildlife preserves. Bring binoculars for your budding naturalists.
December Water Safety for Families
Beach time is still worthwhile in December, even if swimming isn’t on the agenda. Just plan around seasonal conditions. According to the City’s Mission Bay beach guidance, no lifeguards are on duty in Mission Bay between November and spring break.
The City also warns that some Mission Bay beaches drop off steeply. A child standing waist-deep could be fully submerged with a single step. Supervise kids closely, keep weak swimmers off floats, and treat the bay as an unsupervised swimming area this time of year. Review Campland’s safety guidelines as well.
Biking, Paddling, and Fishing
Calm bay water makes Mission Bay a gentle place to try new activities. Campland’s marina offers kayaks, pedal boats, and pontoon boats. Adventure Watersports offers stand-up paddleboard rentals. Check availability ahead of time, and have every paddler wear a life jacket.
Prefer dry land? Rent bikes, carts, or surreys and explore the bayside paths. Anglers can cast from the jetty with bait from the Campland Market or try Crystal Pier, where no license is required. See Campland’s fishing guide for tips.
Day Trips to San Diego Holiday Favorites
Some of San Diego’s best family outings are a short drive from your campsite. Distances from Campland include:
- SeaWorld San Diego: 3.2 miles
- Old Town San Diego: 5.6 miles
- Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo: 8.6 miles
- USS Midway Museum: 9 miles
- Gaslamp Quarter: 9.3 miles
Pacific Beach is just 2.5 miles away, which makes it an easy bike ride to Crystal Pier. Find more ideas on the Things to Do page or in Campland’s guides to Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Coronado.
Planning Your December Stay
Choosing the Right Campsite
Campland offers full hookup, water-and-electric, and dry sites, plus some pull-through sites for larger rigs. Review the campsite descriptions and resort map to find a spot near the pool, playground, or water.
Want a specific site? Site-specific reservations are made by phone at (858) 581-4200 or online by paying a site selection fee. Families new to Campland can read why busy families love Campland on the Bay before choosing.
What to Pack for December Camping
San Diego’s December days are usually mild, but evenings by the water can turn cool. Pack these essentials:
- Layers and a warm jacket for campfire nights
- Swimsuits for the heated pool and hot tubs
- Bike locks if you plan to stop along the trails
- Holiday lights or décor for your campsite
Staying Longer This Winter
San Diego’s winter weather makes Campland a favorite with snowbirds and traveling families. If you’d like to stay through the holidays and beyond, explore Campland’s extended stay options. Call reservations for current monthly availability and rates.
Save 30% on Your December Stay
Campland is offering 30% off select stays for campers between November 29 and December 26, 2026, a window that includes Christmas. The window opens the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so you can skip the shopping lines and spend the weekend outside. Use promo code FALLFUN26 at Step 4 when you book online, or mention it when you call (858) 581-4200.
- Valid on new reservations only
- Two-night minimum and six-night maximum
- The Super Site and Beachfront Sites are excluded
Full terms are on the fall offer page. The offer ends December 26, so New Year’s Eve stays aren’t included. Compare current camping rates when you plan your dates.
More Ways to Save and Give
Campland offers discounts for San Diego City residents (20% off), active military, Good Sam and AAA members, and seniors 65+. Proof is required at check-in. Don’t own an RV? Explore RV rental options for your stay.
Shopping for someone who loves the outdoors? Campland gift vouchers are available online and make a thoughtful present under the tree. A future camping trip is a gift the whole family can share.
Make This December One to Remember
The holidays go by quickly, and the memories you make together are what last. Campland on the Bay brings festive décor, daily activities, holiday dining, and a New Year’s Eve party together on the shores of Mission Bay. Some families have been making memories here for generations. Read stories from our guests to see why they return year after year.
Holiday sites fill quickly, so plan ahead. Book instantly online or call (858) 581-4200 to reserve your December campsite. Remember to use code FALLFUN26 to save 30% on select stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Campland on the Bay open in December?
Yes. Campland is open throughout the holiday season with decorations, daily activities, holiday dining, and a New Year’s Eve party for registered campers. The City of San Diego also voted to extend Campland’s lease for 15 more years, so the tradition will continue.
Are there lifeguards at Mission Bay beaches in December?
No. According to the City of San Diego, no lifeguards are on duty in Mission Bay between November and spring break. Some beaches also drop off steeply, so watch children closely and keep them out of deep water.
Who can attend Campland’s New Year’s Eve party?
The New Year’s Eve celebration is open only to registered campers, so you’ll need a campsite reservation. The party is held in Campland’s large event tent and includes a DJ, a 9:00 p.m. East Coast toast, and a midnight West Coast toast.
Can I bring my dog during the holidays?
Yes, with some breed restrictions. At Campland, dogs must stay on a leash no longer than six feet and aren’t allowed on the beach or in buildings. Certain breeds aren’t permitted, so review the pet policies first.
Outside the resort, the City’s Mission Bay rules prohibit dogs in the park from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Leashed dogs are allowed before and after those hours, and Fiesta Island permits off-leash dogs at any time.
Do I need an RV to stay at Campland?
No. Campland offers tent sites as well as RV sites, and you can explore RV rental options if you’d like more comfort. The First-Time Guests page has helpful tips for families new to camping.
What is Campland’s cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 72 hours before arrival, you’ll receive a full refund minus a $30 fee. Cancellations within 72 hours are charged for the first night. Reservations made at least 72 hours ahead can also be canceled within 24 hours of booking at no cost.
How far in advance should I book a holiday campsite?
As early as possible. Campland accepts reservations up to two years in advance, and waterfront sites fill quickly during the holidays. Check-in is at 2 p.m., and check-out is at noon. Find more answers on the FAQs page.
