Beach Camping In Southern California: A Guide To The Best Spots

This is the second part of the camping in souther California series. You can find the other blog post Camping in Southern California: A Guide to the Best Spots.

Beach camping in Southern California offer the perfect blend of sun, surf, and sand. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top beach camping spots in the region, providing detailed information on pricing, locations, open hours, and how to reserve spots.

Top Spots for Beach Camping in Southern California

A popular spot for beach camping. It has bluff-top campsites with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The campground is open year-round, and campsites can be reserved online up to 6 months in advance.

Campground Address: 2050 S Coast Hwy 101 Cardiff, CA 92007.

Campground Map: The campground map can be found here.

Dogs Allowed: Yes. Dogs allowed only in campground. Dogs not allowed on beach.

Location: Encinitas, San Diego County.

Phone Number: (760) 753-5091

Pricing: Campsite fees range from $35 to $50 per night.

Open Hours: The campground is open year-round. It is open from dawn to dusk. The park is open from dawn to sunset.

Reservation: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the California State Parks reservation system. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

South Carlsbad State beach is located 3 miles south of Carlsbad. The beach features camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking

Campground Address: 7201 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Campground Map: The campground map can be found here.

Dogs Allowed: Yes. Dogs allowed only in campground. Dogs not allowed on beach.

Location: Carlsbad, San Diego County.

Phone Number: (760) 438-3143

Pricing: Campsite fees range from $50 to $65 per night.

Open Hours: The campground is open year-round. The park opens everyday from dawn to sunset.

Reservation: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the California State Parks reservation system. Secure your spot early, especially during peak seasons.

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Bolsa Chica State Beach is a popular state beach located in Huntington Beach, Orange County. It extends three miles from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Avenue along Pacific Coast Highway.

Campground Address: 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.

Campground Map: The campground map can be found here.

Dogs Allowed: Yes. Dogs allowed only on the multiuse trail (bike path). Dogs not allowed on sand.

Location: Huntington Beach, Orange County.

Phone Number: (714) 377-5691

Pricing: Campsite fees range from $70 to $80 per night.

Open Hours: The campground is open year-round. The park opens everyday from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. The gate closes at 9:00 PM. The office hours is from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Reservation: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the California State Parks reservation system. Due to its popularity, early booking is highly recommended.

Doheny State Beach is located in the city of Dana Point. It is one of the most popular state beaches in California with almost one million visitors per year.

Campground Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA, 92629.

Campground Map: The campground map can be found here.

Dogs Allowed: Yes. Except for service animals, dogs not allowed on beaches. Dogs must be leashed and attended to by an adult at all times.

Location: Dana Point, Orange County.

Phone Number: (949) 496-6171

Pricing: Campsite fees range from $40 to $60 per night.

Open Hours: The campground is open year-round. The park is open everyday from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Reservation: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the California State Parks reservation system. Popular sites tend to book quickly, so plan ahead.

Crystal Cove State Beach is located in Orange County, CA. Crystal Cove State Beach provides beach campground called Moro Campground.

Campground Address: 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Campground Map: The campground map can be found here.

Dogs Allowed: Yes. Dogs are only welcome on the 3-mile paved multi-use bluff trail on the coast side of PCH. In parking lots, on the ramps, or on any paved surfaces, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted on any of the backcountry hiking trails, on the beach, or at the Beachcomber Cafe.

Location: Newport Beach, Orange County.

Phone Number: (949) 494-3539

Pricing: Campsite fees range from $35 to $75 per night, depending on the season and amenities.

Open Hours: The campground is open year-round.

Reservation: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the ReserveCalifornia website or call (800) 444-7275. Due to high demand, booking early is recommended, especially for peak seasons and weekends.

Conclusion

Beach Camping in Southern California offer the perfect blend of sun, surf, and sand. Whether you choose San Elijo State Beach, Doheny State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Crystal Cove State Beach, or South Carlsbad State Beach, you’ll be treated to breathtaking coastal views and memorable camping experiences.