San Diego - Metro KOA (Chula Vista)

[Steve-o-bud]

We spent four days last weekend at the San Diego - Metro KOA. I tend to go for camping in a more natural setting, however, for RV Park style camping, we enjoyed it quite a bit. This was the first time that I didn't feel dusty and grimy after 4 days of camping.

Location: Located in Chula Vista, in an area that is somewhat secluded, being bordered by the Sweetwater River. This is South of San Diego, Mission Bay, etc. About 20 minutes away is Imperial Beach. The US - Mexico border is about 7 miles south.

Campground: This is an RV Park that seems to be geared towards the big rig, or 5th wheel crowd. However, there are a number of tent sites, and a number of smaller 'back in' sites for those of us with smaller trailers and RV's.

The smaller 'back in' sites are real nice. They are laid out so that they form kind of a triangle, with a common grassy area in the middle. The grass was nice, and there were plenty of shade trees. The pads are paved, (some concrete).

The primary tent section is configured so that there are two rows of tent sites, with a common grassy area in the middle. Parking is adjacent to and directly in front of each site. The size of each tent site was relatively small, about one vehicle long and probably 12 feet deep. There was no barrier between each tent site, so it would probably seem pretty much on top of one another. Adjacent to the tent area was a Kamper Kitchen: a nice covered pavilion with sinks, electric ranges, etc. for cooking. This was the first time I've seen this, and looks like it would be real convenient for tent campers. I used it for washing our dishes, and it was much more convenient than trying to wash dishes in our little trailer sink.

The pull through sites were pretty standard, with a grassy area adjacent to each site, and plenty of nice shade trees.

There was also a group of Kamping Kabins, which are small cabins with no restroom.

Other Amenities:
The campground has a pool and spa area, nicely maintained. There is a nice little play area/park. They have bike rentals, with some three wheeled recumbent style bikes that the kids just loved. The store is nicely stocked, fair prices, and friendly staff.


Our site had a portable Barbque. We sent the girls to ask about renting a fire pit. 5 minutes latter, a staff member pulls up in a cart, delivering a fire pit, no charge!

Each night was some sort of activity, an ice cream social (nominal cost), a root beer float night (nominal fee), a hay ride (no charge), kids movie in the park (no charge). Sunday, they had a pancake breakfast (I presume for a nominal charge), and a kids jumper which was no charge.

The park was quite clean and very well maintained. The staff was friendly. On Saturday night, everyone in my group had hit the sack, so I was sitting alone quietly by the dwindling fire. One of the staff members came around, and politely made sure that my neighbors and I knew that quiet hour had arrived.

If I had any criticism of the campground, it would be that there is one main bathhouse, which was located near the main tent and Kamping Kabin areas. There were times when the restroom and showers were pretty crowded, for the size of campground, I would think there should be more facilities. Another smaller bathouse is located at the other end of campground, near the pool.

On a scale of 1 - 10, I would rate the campground as a 9 for cleanliness, a 10 for amenities and activities, a 6 for location, and a 9 for staff.

[Sue Hardee]

We just got reservations for this campground over labor day..We have stayed there once this summer already...Before we bought our Jayco popup.  We have done some work on it and will be making our maiden trip in it on Labor day...can't wait.

[OC Campers]

I agree with Steve.  We really enjoy this CG.  You hear horror stories about KOA's but this one is the exception.  My older dtr (13) loves this park.  She can roam freely and safely and I don't have to worry about her.  Another nice feature is if you have friends that don't have an RV or tent, they have cabins that you can rent fairly inexpensively.  I think a 1 room cabin runs apprx $45 a night and a 2 room is about $65.  

Jacqui