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Moving to Campo CA 🚂 Here’s What You’ll Love About Living in Campo
Bill Lovejoy

Moving to Campo CA? 🚂 Here’s What You’ll Love About Living in Campo

Last Updated On: 4th September 2026, 12:38 pm

Indigenous communities lived in Campo CA for thousands of years until American settlers arrived to build Morena Dam, which was built between 1896 and 1912. When the dam was completed, Campo became a railway stop for the San Diego and Arizona Railway and soon after became a popular agricultural community. 

During World War II, Campo California transformed into a military town called Camp Lockett, being home to a veterans’ hospital and a prisoner-of-war camp. The community was renamed to Campo after the war. “Campo” in Spanish means “field.” 

Today, living in Campo CA is a real treat. The census-designated community is best known for its rich history and unique attractions, including the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. It is also a very nice place to live, with beautiful parks and hiking trails, a welcoming community, and low crime rates

Moving to Campo CA is perfect for everyone, especially families with young children and single professionals. But before you head out to Campo CA, you should learn more about living in Campo CA. Here’s your quick guide on this special community.

Is Campo CA a Good Place to Live?

Campo CA is a good place to live. When living in Campo CA, you can enjoy top-rated schools, easy access to San Diego, and some of the best weather in the country.

Where Is Campo California?

 

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What county is Campo CA in? Campo is in San Diego County, inside the San Diego metro area and the Mountain Empire. When living in Campo CA, it is just 49.6 miles from San Diego to Campo. It forms a small part of the United States-Mexico border, and it borders Canyon City and Pueblo Siding. Campo CA is in a predominantly undeveloped and rural area with rolling hills and mountains. It has a few winding paved roads, businesses, and homes, but it’s mostly unsettled and barren land

Campo CA does not receive public transportation services from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS San Diego). Most residents use their cars to get around, though you can also walk or bike on the paved streets. Some roads are sand roads without paved concrete, so your car should have four-wheel drive. 

If living in Campo CA sounds great to you, then give our experienced Campo movers a call. Our Campo moving company can get you to Campo, San Diego, and beyond.

Campo Population and Demographics

The population of Campo California was 2,729 people in 2026; the population has decreased by 22.17%  since the 2020 US Census. The population density of Campo CA is currently 116 people per square mile, five times lower than the population density of San Diego County. So, those living in Campo CA can enjoy a small-town feel while still having access to the big city.

When living in Campo CA, you'll be near several Indian reservations belonging to the Kumeyaay people, including the Campo Indian Reservation, which has a small plot inside Campo California. These Campo reservations are self-governing, with reservation leaders and members owning businesses and land in and around Campo. Notable residents of Campo and nearby reservations include Ralph Goff, Harry Paul Cuero, and Annah Ceballos.

Campo demographics include:

  • 53% male, 47% female
  • Median age: 45.7
  • Racial and ethnic composition: 48.6% White, 45.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% two or more races, 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, 
  • Median income: $79,327
  • Educational attainment: 84% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 20.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Foreign-born population: 11.4%

Source: Census Reporter

Is living in Campo CA safe? Campo is a safe community to live in. Here are the community’s latest crime rates:

  • Total crime rate: 1,620 offenses per 100,000 people 
  • Violent crime rate: 307 crimes per 100,000 residents 
  • Property crime rate: 1,313 offenses per 100,000 people 

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement services for people living in Campo CA. The Campo Substation is in Campo. The department employs over 4,000 employees. 

Cost of Living in Campo CA

Is living in Campo CA affordable for you and your family? Campo cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you can use San Diego cost of living figures to estimate. The San Diego cost of living index is 142, meaning items in the area cost 42% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $110,158 a year ($9,180 a month) to cover their expenses in San Diego County. As such, living in Campo CA is on the expensive end.

The cost of living in Campo CA can be high, but the Campo real estate market is fairly affordable. Unlike the rest of California, Campo boasts low housing prices. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Campo CA is $435,000, with a median price per square foot of $356. This median home price makes living in Campo far more affordable. Campo CA apartments for rent are rare.

 

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Typical Campo* Living Expenses

  • 1 pound of white rice: $2.00
  • 1 pound of apples: $2.01
  • 1 head of lettuce: $2.27
  • 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.36
  • Average Campo* utilities per month: $247.64
  • 1 pair of running shoes: $110.47

Source: Numbeo

*Expenses actually for San Diego, but you can expect similar figures when living in Campo CA.

Campo Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Campo

This inclusive community does not have formal neighborhoods, but it has three distinct settlements: Campo, Cameron Corners, and Morena Village. Here are some details on each of them, including where you can find affordable Campo CA real estate when living in Campo CA.

Campo | Best Campo CA Neighborhood for Outdoor Activities and Shoppers

Campo is the southernmost settlement in the CDP, and it’s located along State Route 94, making it easy to access. It contains the most public services and stores, including the Campo post office, a grocery store, and a Veterans of Foreign Wars branch. The Pacific Crest Trail starts in Campo and runs through the countryside, so Campo is a good place for outdoor enthusiasts. The settlement has some single-family homes for sale, all of which cost less than $500,000. These homes contain three bedrooms and comfortable amenities like open-concept kitchens and walk-in closets. 

Cameron Corners | Quietest Campo CA Neighborhood 

Cameron Corners is just north of Campo, and it’s located along Route 94. Cameron Corners is similar to Campo, containing a few small businesses and public services near suburban cul de sacs. The neighborhood is also near farms, truck stops, and gas stations. The community has few homes for sale, but you can buy four-acre plots for less than $100,000 and build properties on them

Morena Village | Best Neighborhoods and Homes for Sale in Campo CA

Morena Village is in northern Campo, and it’s a predominantly residential community. The homes in Morena Village are small, containing two bedrooms and covering less than 1,000 square feet, making them more desirable for singles or couples. Campo homes for sale cost around $400,000. If you want a bigger home with more amenities, you can buy a half-acre lot for $120,000. 

Climate and Weather | Campo CA

What can you expect from the weather when living in Campo CA? Campo has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with hot and humid summers with long but mild winters, similar to the San Diego climate. August is the warmest month of the year, with an average temperature of 73 degrees and an average high of 90. 

January is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 47 and an average low of 36. Campo California can experience excessive heat during the summers, with temperatures rising above 100 degrees, so follow the news for weather in Campo and avoid going outside on these days. 

When living in Campo CA, you can expect consistently clear and sunny weather; the cloudiest month is February, but only 41% of days are overcast and mostly cloudy. September is the clearest month, with 89% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days. 

Campo receives only 8.9 inches of rain, most of it between December and March, and no snow. Despite the hot Campo weather, the community experiences very little humidity, so you can remain comfortable while being outside. 

June is the best month for moving to Campo CA and visiting attractions in the community. The average temperature is 66 degrees, so you can enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about heat sickness. 88% of the days are clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy, and there is no rainfall on average each year. 

Most people moving to Campo CA in June wear a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, though you may want to bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen. 

Things to Do in Campo CA

What attractions should you check out when living in Campo CA? Campo CA may be small and in a rural area, but you can find many unique and cool things to do in the community. The top store in Campo CA is the Campo Green Store and Deli, a locally-run grocery store known for selling craft beers and wines. East County Lumber and Ranch Supply sells cleaning, pet, lawn, and garden supplies as well as lumber and tools. 

You can also shop at Dollar General Campo, purchasing household goods and groceries for around $1. These are a few of the best things to enjoy when living in Campo CA.

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum is the best family-friendly attraction for those living in Campo CA. The museum has over 120 pieces of railway equipment and artifacts, and you and your kids can ride in vintage trains from the early 1900s. 

750 Depot Street, Campo, CA, 91906, 619-478-9937

Lake Morena County Park

Visiting Lake Morena County Park is one of the best things to do with kids in San Diego. It’s a kid-friendly outdoor park with eight miles of multi-use trails, a unique fishing and boating lake, and 86 campsites you can use whenever you want. You can rent boats to fish or explore the lake, making it an affordable point of interest for couples and teens.

2550 Lake Morena Drive, Campo, CA, 91906, 619-579-4101

Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail stretches 2,650 miles along the Pacific Coast, ending at the American-Mexican border in Campo. The trail snakes in between hills and mountains, giving you scenic and romantic views of southern California and northern Mexico that are perfect for photographs and drawings. 

Starts at 2541-2569 Lake Shore Drive, Campo, CA, 91906

Additional Things to Do in Campo

The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department manages Lake Morena County Park and other public spaces for those living in Campo CA. The department also arranges free special events in the community, including house tours, yoga classes, and hikes. You can learn more about these events and sign up for them using the San Diego County Parks and Recreation calendar.

Campo CA Restaurants

Campo California restaurants offer many different dishes and experiences for residents living in Campo CA, often using fresh produce, meat, and grains bought from local farms. Here are just a few of the best restaurants in Campo.

Campo Cafe

The Campo Cafe is a casual and family-friendly cafe that serves burgers, wraps, and sandwiches at very low prices. Residents living in Campo CA can order burgers and sandwiches to go for less than $15, making the cafe a perfect place for quick meals. 

1247 Sheridan Road, Campo, CA, 91906, 619-478-5415

Oak Shores Malt Shop

Oak Shores (also known as the Lake Morena Malt Shop) is a grocery store and deli with an extensive menu of sandwiches, including options you can’t find in other restaurants in Campo like tuna melts, reubens, and breakfast sandwiches. Oak Shores also serves ice cream sundaes, so you can stop by at night for dessert. 

2425 Lake Morena Drive, Campo, CA, 91906, 619-478-5845

Campo Creek Vineyards

Campo Creek Vineyards is one of the largest vineyards in the Mountain Empire, with 10,000 grape vines over 400 acres. You can enjoy Campo wine tastings with food from Wednesday through Sunday, including steaks. 

29556 CA-94, Campo, CA, 91906, 619-478-5222

Campo Jobs

Thinking about getting a job when living in Campo CA? 1,289 people have jobs in Campo CA. The community’s job market is rising rapidly, with nearly 200 jobs added between 2020 and 2021. By contrast, the countywide job market shrank by 17,000 jobs in the same time period, so Campo is one of the best communities for job seekers in the county

Construction is the largest job sector in the community, accounting for nearly 25% of all jobs. Arts and recreation and finance are the second and third largest sectors. 

According to Payscale, the average base hourly rate for Campo jobs is $17.00. Many people in Campo CA work hourly, so it can be hard to find estimates on annual base salaries. Construction workers in Campo CA make median earnings of $43,333 a year, while arts employees make $30,609 and finance employees make $56,926. 

Major employers in Campo CA include US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), San Diego County, and the University of California. If you’re looking for Campo California jobs, you can use Indeed, or you can apply for jobs in San Diego County on the county government’s website.

Campo Schools

Students living in Campo CA can expect a high-quality education. The Mountain Empire Unified School District serves students living in Campo CA. Campo Elementary School is the only elementary school in Campo California. The school employs 18 full-time teachers, all of whom are certified and nearly all of whom have at least three years of teaching experience. 

67.7% of students identify as a racial or ethnic minority, with 49.4% identifying as Hispanic or Latino and 8.7% identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native. 

Camp Lockett Middle School is also in Campo, and it’s the only middle school in the community. 91.6% of students identify as a minority, with 84.1% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 

Campo does not have any high schools. The only high school in the Mountain Empire Unified School District is Mountain Empire High School in Canyon View. The high school has a graduation rate of 97%, one of the highest among high schools in the San Diego metro area.

Campo does not have private schools, colleges, or universities. The Campo-Morena Village Branch of the San Diego County Library system is in Campo, just down the street from Camp Lockett Middle School. The library is a community hub with rentable spaces for clubs, school groups, and special events, including book readings for kids. 

Campo Statistics and Information

  • County: San Diego County
  • Campo area: 23.51 square miles
  • Campo California zip code: 91906
  • Campo area code: 619
  • Campo elevation: 2,802 feet
  • Campo time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
  • Closest airport to Campo: Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), 38.8 miles from Campo

Campo California Map

You can use this Campo California map to find the best Campo restaurants, schools, and homes for sale. Living in Campo CA is perfect for everyone! Families will enjoy the safe communities close to superb parks and walking trails, while young professionals will love the convenient access to San Diego and the affordable homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hot Is It in Campo, California?

Campo has an inland climate that has cool winters and hot summers. Temperatures are often in the upper 80s to lower 90s in Fahrenheit for July and August. Winter’s daytime highs are in the low 60s. Campo feels hotter during the day and cooler at night due to its higher elevation than coastal areas.

Does Campo Get Snow in the Winter?

Yes. In Winter, Campo may get snow. However, it’s usually light and inconsistent. Average snowfall in the colder months, around December through February, may occur in Campo. Keep in mind that cold rain is more common than snow despite Campo’s elevation and location, making snow more likely than in other areas of San Diego County.

What Is the History of Campo CA?

Campo CA’s history is deep with indigenous and frontier-era history. It’s been the home of the Kumeyaay, Campo, La Posta, and Manzanita bands. It became a well-known settlement in the late 1800s for ranching, trade, and transportation. There are multiple historic landmarks in the area, including the famous Gaskill Brothers’ Stone Store and the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum.

Is There a Risk of Fire in Campo?

Yes. Wildfire is a risk in Campo CA. The area is rural with many bush–covered parts surrounded by dry and hot weather. Its low humidity and seasonal winds increase the chances of a fire. California has a fire hazard mapping system that maps out regions for fire hazard severity zones for appropriate action and risk mitigation.

Is Campo, California a City?

No. Campo is not a city. It is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place located in California. While the community is recognized and has its own census, it does not operate with its own city government. Instead, Campo is part of the Campo/Lake Morena planning area in the southeastern part of the United States.

 

Book Your Campo California Move With Republic Moving!

Does living in Campo CA sound great to you? You can start your new life in Campo CA once you figure out moving to Campo CA. Republic Moving employs a team of top Campo movers, with a customer referral rate of 97%. Our team can get you to Campo, San Diego, and beyond. Call (619) 591-0079 for a free moving estimate now.

 

Bill Lovejoy
Bill Lovejoy is the president of Republic Moving and Storage. Purchasing the assets of Republic Relocations in May 2008. In 2008, Republic did $700K of business and today is over $15 Million. Republic was named AMSA’s 2010 Agent of the Year for Service Excellence after only two years in business. Bill is proud that he grew up doing every facet of the business from a local mover, over the road driver, salesperson, operations manager, and general manager. (and just about everything else in between) Before purchasing Republic, Bill was with Bekins Moving and Storage where he served as a Senior Vice President and was a partner. He was responsible for three HHG companies as well as two logistics companies. A proud Father of six children, and a lovely wife, Carol, Bill constantly works to keep a balance between work and family Life. Bills “stress relieving” hobbies include racket ball, basketball, tennis, and golf.
Read more by Bill Lovejoy

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