While there is no camping at El Capitan Reservoir there are several nice campgrounds available nearby as well as some RV parks.
Our sister website, California's Best Camping, has full coverage of San Diego area campgrounds, including Lake Jennings, Santee Lakes, and Kumeyaay Lake Campground in Mission Trails Regional Park.
9535 Harrit Road, Lakeside, CA
(619) 390-1623 or Lake Jennings
Amenities: Open year-round, fishing (fee), weekend boating and boat rentals WiFi, pavilion, outdoor lounge, restrooms, hot showers, games, playground
RV Sites 35 Full Hook-up sites, 35 sites with water and electricity
Tent Sites 26 sites, no hook-ups
9310 Fanita Pkwy., Santee, CA
(619) 596-3141 Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Park Amenities: Biking, boating, bird watching, playgrounds, picnicking, fishing
Campground Amenities: Restrooms and showers, laundry, clubhouse, activities, 2 swimming pools, Jacuzzi, covered community shelters, exclusive fishing at lakes 6 & 7.
RV Sites 300 full hook-up campsites, WiFi, some with cable TV
13468 Interstate 8 Business, Lakeside, CA
(619) 443-2025 Rancho Los Coches RV Park
Amenities: Heated pool, spa, laundry, recreation hall, restrooms and showers, games, dump station, dog run, fitness room
RV Sites Full hook-ups, extended cable TV hook-up, WiFi, campfire rings
4 Tent Only Sites Basic with shared electric and water, Premium large site with electric and water
15141 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon, CA
(619) 443-0262
Resort Amenities: Trees and creek setting, laundry, pool, convenience store, restrooms,
RV Sites: Large sites
Lake Jennings Campground
1581 E Main St., El Cajon, CA
(619) 442-4865
Vacationer RV Park
Clubhouse, heated pool, spa, WiFi, restrooms and showers, TV lounge with games, full kitchen, dog run, picnic area
147 sites, tropical landscaping, 50/30 amp, cable TV and phone hook-ups
1835 E Main St., El Cajon, CA
(866) 468-9034
Circle RV Resort
Clubhouse, swimming pool, spa, BBQs, TV lounge, laundry, restrooms and showers, WiFi (fee)
165 RV sites with full hook-ups, 30/50 amp, cable TV
1251 Tavern Rd., Alpine, CA
(619) 445-5800 Website: Ayres Lodge Alpine
Amenities: Bed and breakfast style hotel, flagstone fireplace, heated pool, spa, patio, continental breakfast, fitness room
Accommodations: Cable TV, WiFi, refrigerator and microwave available in deluxe rooms
10726 Woodside, Ave., Santee, CA
(619) 449-2626 Website: Best Western Santee Lodge
Amenities: Outdoor heated pool, spa, sun deck, complimentary continental breakfast, free parking
Accommodations: WiFi, satellite TV, refrigerator, microwave