Beach camping California is such a novelty. There’s really nothing like waking up to the sound of crashing waves, watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, and having the beach right at your doorstep. That’s why there’s a ton of competition to get California beach campsites, especially during the summer months. Whether you’re looking for oceanfront RV camping, primitive tent sites right on the sand, or campgrounds perched on dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific, the Golden State offers some of the best beach camping experiences in America.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about beach camping in California, from booking strategies to detailed reviews of the best coastal campgrounds from Southern California to Northern California.
How to Book Beach Campgrounds in California
The Reservation System
Most California beach campgrounds can be reserved online six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia.com. The sites are released on a rolling basis, meaning if you want to camp on July 4, you need to make the reservation on Jan. 4. If you want July 5, you try reserving on Jan. 5 and so on.
Expert Tips for Securing Beach Camping Spots
You’ll need to make an account and be logged in before 8am on reservation day. For more detailed strategies, check out these tips on getting campsites at hard-to-get campgrounds. Many campers also love using campsite scanning apps to help snag cancellations throughout the year.
California beach campsites are very competitive, so they will be gone in a matter of minutes. If you log in at 8:01, you will have already missed your shot. I also recommend that you do a trial run a day or two before you want to book. Each year there are minor website changes (or glitches) that you need to be aware of, so doing a trial run will better prepare you more than any blog post can.
Another tip I suggest is that you start off trying for non-premium sites. The oceanfront premium beach sites tend to have a lot more competition. I get campsites every year, but very rarely get a premium site. Even though those oceanfront sites are beautiful, the most important goal for me is to actually get a site. If that means being street side, so be it.
Campsites during non-peak seasons can be easier to reserve. And because weather in Southern California stays nice most of the year, beach camping in SoCal is also a great fall camping destination.
Best Beach Camping California: Southern California Campgrounds
San Diego County Beach Camping
South Carlsbad State Beach
Starting in Southern California and working our way up, we begin in San Diego County at South Carlsbad State Beach. With 215 campsites, South Carlsbad is one of the largest SoCal beach campgrounds. Half of the sites are perched along the cliffside, offering sweeping ocean views, and many have hookups. This is a do-all, be-all California beach campground, good for both RV and tent campers.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Carlsbad, CA (San Diego County)
- Campsites: 215 total, about half oceanfront, mix of hookup and non-hookup
- Beach Access: Long staircases (or ramp on the south end) down to a wide beach; sometimes a long walk to access the staircases
- Best For: RVs, tent campers, and families wanting ocean views
- On-Site Restaurant & Live Music:
- The Camp Store offers wood-stone pizzas, flatbreads, salads, soups, snacks, coffee, beer & wine, all with bluff-top ocean views
- Live music is featured Wednesday through Sunday, typically around sunset, with a casual stage and fire-pit seating setup
- Extras: On-site store sells groceries, supplies, board rentals, firewood & ice
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
- Important Note: Dogs are allowed at this campground, but not down on the beach
For surfers or wannabe surfers, there are a ton of great surf breaks between here and San Clemente, making this an ideal base for catching waves.
San Elijo State Beach Campground
Located in Solana Beach just south of Carlsbad, San Elijo offers 156 campsites with a mix of coastal, street-side, and interior spots. Premium oceanfront sites are very hard to snag. Unique to San Elijo State Beach Campground is the hike or bike campsite, available on a first-come, first-served basis, ideally for those hiking or biking through who need a San Diego County stopover.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Solana Beach, CA (North San Diego)
- Campsites: 156 total, some hookups, coastal sites are the largest; there is a group campsite here
- Beach Access: Multiple staircases to the beach (shorter on the south end)
- Nearby Amenities: 7-11, Seaside Market, Starbucks, and restaurants across the street
- Best For: Families, tent campers, and RVs under 35 feet
- Special Perks: Dogs allowed on the far south end of the beach near the lagoon; nearby reef for snorkeling and diving
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
For surfers, or wannabe surfers, Eli Howard Surf School operates out of San Elijo State Beach. Between the surf, nearby reef for snorkeling and diving, and warmer water and temperatures, San Elijo State Beach is highly recommended for a proper Southern California beach camping experience.
For more detailed information about this campground, check out this guide specifically about camping at San Elijo State Beach.
Orange County Beach Campgrounds
Doheny State Beach – Beach Camping California on the Sand
This 118-site campground is one of the few SoCal beach campgrounds where you camp directly on the sand. Premium sites get fire pits on the beach, but there are no hookups in this campground.
Camping on the beach is amazing, but in full disclosure, I will say that the actual beach at Doheny doesn’t tend to be our favorite. It’s pretty rocky in the water, and the waves aren’t great for surfing. But it is still a gorgeous beach, and I know plenty of families who choose to go here year after year.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Dana Point, CA (Orange County)
- Campsites: 118 total, all steps from the beach, no hookups
- Beach Access: Level with the ocean—no cliffs or stairs
- Best For: Tent campers and small RVs (sites are compact)
- Perks: Premium beachfront sites with fire pits right on the sand
- Things to Know: Rocky beach and smaller waves—not ideal for surfing
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
San Clemente State Beach
This 160-site campground has nearly half full-hookup spots, a steep (but stair-free) walk to the beach, and a more peaceful, natural feel despite being near the freeway.
Quick Facts:
- Location: San Clemente, CA (Orange County)
- Campsites: ~160 total, nearly half with full hookups; group sites available
- Beach Access: Steep path down to the beach, no stairs
- Best For: RVs and tent campers who want a quieter feel
- Perks: Some sites with ocean views, spacious layout (except RV section)
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
Dogs are allowed in the campground, but not at the beach.
San Onofre State Beach Campground
If you have commuted from San Diego to Orange County on the 5 freeway, you have likely noticed that campground that is right along the freeway just south of San Clemente, north of Pendleton. That is part of the San Onofre campground. And it’s a little bit less competitive to book than some of the other beach camping options in SoCal.
San Onofre has 309 sites split between the Bluffs Campground (ocean views right off the freeway) and the San Mateo Campground (inland, with hookups and a trail to Trestles Beach).
Quick Facts:
- Location: Between San Clemente and Camp Pendleton (Orange/San Diego County line)
- Campsites: 309 total across two campgrounds
- Bluffs Campground: No hookups, accommodates vehicles up to 25 feet, ocean views, steep beach access trails
- San Mateo Campground: Some hookups, 1.5-mile trail to Trestles Beach
- Best For: Last-minute reservations (easier to book than most)
- Vibe: More rustic and simple—expect a parking-lot-style layout at Bluffs
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
The Bluffs Campground very much reminds me of a parking lot, but it does offer beautiful ocean views.
Los Angeles & Ventura County Coastal Camping
Leo Carrillo State Park (Malibu)
Located along the Malibu coast, Leo Carrillo offers a mix of beach and canyon camping with access to tide pools, sea caves, and over a mile of sandy shoreline. It’s one of the few campgrounds near Los Angeles where you can easily explore both the beach and hiking trails in one trip.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Malibu, CA (Los Angeles County)
- Campsites: 135 total (tent, RV, and trailer sites, many with shade)
- Beach Access: Short walk to the beach; easy access to tide pools and caves at low tide
- Best For: Families, surfers, and campers who want both beach and hiking options
- Perks: Ranger-led junior ranger programs for kids, nature center, and hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains
- Nearby: Only a 10-minute drive to Point Mugu and other Malibu beaches
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
Point Mugu State Park
Now this is beach camping! Located on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), just north of Malibu, Point Mugu really comprises everything that makes Greater Los Angeles great. Here you’ve got everything from miles of ocean shoreline, to rolling mountains, to miles of hiking trails, to canyons, to rugged bluffs.
Point Mugu State Park has two campgrounds, Sycamore Canyon (just inland) and Thornhill Broome (primitive camping directly on the sand by the crashing waves). What’s more, this is one of a few places along the Southern California coastline where you can have a fire actually on the beach.
Real talk: This stretch of the Southern California coast, between Point Mugu and Point Dume, is among the favorite corners of California for many outdoor enthusiasts. For hiking, surfing, paddling, and outdoor adventuring, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better stretch of 15 miles in Southern California.
Silver Strand State Beach Campground
Another prime spot for beach camping in SoCal is the Silver Strand State Beach Campground, located in beautiful Coronado. This campground is located right on the sand of Silver Strand Beach, however, only fully contained vehicles are allowed to camp here (meaning RVs, trailers and camper vans). No tent camping (or sleeping in cars) is allowed at this campground.
All 120 sites have hookups and sit right on the sand.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Coronado, CA (near San Diego)
- Campsites: 120 total, all with water and electric hookups
- Beach Access: Beachfront sites back directly to the sand—no cliffs or stairs
- Rules: RVs, trailers, and camper vans only (must be fully self-contained)
- Vibe: Wide, open beach; campground feels like a large parking lot
- Perks: Dump station on site; some of the easiest beachfront access in SoCal
- Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
The beachfront sites at this campground are some of the most sought after campsites because they back right up to the sand. No stairs or steep hills to walk up. However, there is a long stretch of sand between the RV sites and the beach, so keep that in mind.
Central California Beach Camping
Santa Barbara County
Refugio State Beach
Continuing up the coast into Santa Barbara County, Refugio is really just fun to say, but also a great beachfront campground along a stretch of California lined with coastal campgrounds.
Refugio State Beach’s campground is small, just 66 campsites, and nothing to write home about, but that’s why it’s charming. It’s just a simple, small, California beachfront campground. One of the best perks, however, is that during the summer months, kayak tours are offered by the state park lifeguards. With the lifeguard presence it has during the summer, Refugio State Beach is definitely highly recommended for families.
Big Sur Region – Iconic California Beach Camping
Limekiln State Park
Limekiln, located in the middle of Big Sur, played host to one of the most memorable solo nights of car camping when Big Sur became an island during highway closures. With no traffic, and no crowds, getting a last-minute beachfront campsite on a weekend night was possible.
While many may consider it a downside that the beachfront campsites at Limekiln are directly beneath the PCH underpass, a new moon night in Big Sur made it one of the most beautiful beach camping nights imaginable.
If you think Refugio is small, then you’ll really think Limekiln is small, with only 12 beach campsites (29 campsites all total). But that’s what camping is all about, right? The contrast of the redwoods and Pacific Ocean in the middle of Big Sur makes it one of the favorite California state parks for camping.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Big Sur, CA
- Campsites: 12 beachfront sites, 29 total
- Special Features: Falls Trail to 100-foot waterfall, redwood groves, picnic areas
- Best For: Those seeking an intimate Big Sur experience
- Booking: Reserve months in advance due to limited availability
Limekiln also has day use access, for picnicking at the beach or amidst redwood groves, and hiking trails, such as the Falls Trail that meanders to a 100-foot waterfall.
Kirk Creek Campground
Listen, I’m just going to say it: you probably won’t find a better ocean view campground in all of California. Where else do you have the combination of open bluff campsites, Pacific Ocean sunsets, star-filled skies, and dramatic views of the mountains meeting the ocean?
However, be aware that there is no water and no hookups. As such, it’s best for tent camping, with 32 campsites all-total. Literally down the street from Limekiln State Park, Kirk Creek offers views that do all the talking.
Important Note: With Big Sur camping and hiking, beware of poison oak from here on north up the California coast.
Treebones Resort
Can a resort really be considered camping? I’ll let you be the judge. Camping or not, Treebones is one of the most unique properties in all of California. The view does the talking.
Truth be told, Treebones Resort at its core is glamping. So consider Treebones like California’s gateway to beach camping. Most of their accommodations are yurts, equipped with plush beds, hot and cold running water, towels, and linens, while the property has a garden-to-table restaurant and sushi bar. However, they also have campsites, and the “Human Nest,” which is basically an open-air hut made of tree branches.
Monterey Bay Area
Manresa State Beach Campground
Continuing up the California coastline we come to Manresa State Beach on Monterey Bay. Sorry RVers, this is for walk-in tent camping only. And that’s exactly what makes Manresa State Beach special, because it feels like beach camping as it should be.
Conveniences here are more in the way of bathrooms and showers, albeit the showers are coin-operated. Since it’s walk-in camping (60 campsites), consider bringing a cart to carry all of your things to your campsite. There is 20-minute parking that’s relatively close to the campsites, then it’s a short walk to the beach.
Northern California Beach Camping
With over 400 miles of coastal land to explore, California’s Northern coast has tons of amazing camping spots right by the beach. There are lots of scenic drives in Northern California, lots of hikes to explore in Northern California, and several awesome places to see on the California Coast.
Sonoma County
Doran Regional Park
Doran Regional Park is a 120-site campground in one of the favorite corners of Northern California, Bodega Bay in Sonoma County. It was the result of a last-minute camping trip, which showed upon arriving and experiencing some of the windiest camping conditions to date.
Nonetheless, Doran Regional Park is a pretty special stretch of land, jutting out into Bodega Bay, just 60 miles north of San Francisco, and less than a half-hour from Sonoma County vineyards. With Bodega Bay, Salmon Creek, and the Russian River all nearby, it’s a great spot for water sports.
Compared to many of the other beach camping spots listed here, Doran Regional Park tends to have more availability. In other words, you won’t necessarily have to book a campsite six months in advance.
Sonoma Coast State Park
I’m just going to go ahead and say that Sonoma Coast State Park is a favorite state park in California for many outdoor enthusiasts. It’s like a mini Big Sur, with dramatic landscapes, hiking trails atop bluffs, beautiful beaches, and giant rocks (namely Goat Rock, which sticks out into the Pacific Ocean).
Sonoma Coast State Park has several campgrounds. A couple, Willow Creek and Pomo Canyon environmental campgrounds, are typically open seasonally. Year-round campgrounds include Bodega Dunes and Wright’s Beach, of which Wright’s Beach is particularly beloved.
Quick Facts:
- Wright’s Beach doesn’t have showers, but registered campers can use the token-operated showers at Bodega Dunes (a few miles south)
- Dogs are allowed on a leash at Wright’s Beach, while they’re only allowed in the campground of Bodega Dunes
- Like most of California’s North Coast, due to cold water temperatures and strong rip currents, the Sonoma Coast beaches are not for swimming
Casini Ranch Family Campground
This campground is about 2 miles away from the California Coast and nearby beaches in the beautiful Sonoma Coast State Park. This is a very popular camping spot that has you staying in a beautiful forest, by a river. Another option that is literally right by the beach and near Sonoma Coast State Park is Wright’s Beach Campground. But if that option is taken, Casini Ranch is your next best campground.
Mendocino County
Russian Gulch State Park
Russian Gulch State Park is an absolutely stunning location, and the fact that there is a campground right inside it makes it even better. You will have tons of things to do in this park aside from camping, including kayaking, hiking and more.
It’s a mixture of very scenic views, an absolutely stunning panorama, a beautiful beach and nice hikes to explore on the coast and in the forest near the beach (including Redwoods). For those interested, check out 7 Adventures to Try at Russian Gulch State Park California.
Gerstle Campground
Gerstle Campground is located very close to another beautiful coastal state park in Northern California known as Salt Point State Park. Like many other campgrounds on this list, the campgrounds are right off Highway 1 on the Pacific Coast Highway, which makes this one of the best spots to access in addition to having hundreds of very highly favorable reviews.
Cleone Campground
A little further north of Fort Bragg is where you’ll find this popular campground. It’s in a section of the Northern California coastline that is absolutely stunning. For one, the coastal drive in this region is amazing, but there’s also the popular Fort Bragg and its Glass Beach you can explore.
Nadelos Campground
This is a campground you’ll find about 1 mile from the beach and specifically a beautiful coastal spot known as Little Black Sands Beach. If trail hiking the Northern California Coast is something you want to do, then this area is where you’ll get a lot of that!
Point Reyes National Seashore
Sky Campground
This campground is in the region of Northern California known as Point Reyes National Seashore and is located on the top of a mountain overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The beach is literally within 1 mile of this campground so you can get there pretty quickly. It is also a very highly rated campsite for people who are in the Northern California area. In addition, it’s not too far from San Francisco. You will have plenty of hikes, attractions and beautiful places near and right in this campground to explore and enjoy.
Redwood National and State Parks Region
Clam Beach State Campground
There are several reasons why Clam Beach State Campground comes highly recommended, and the biggest one is that it’s close to the Redwoods National Park (and state park too). California actually has several sections in the northern region that have Redwoods, but this one is, in experience, less crowded (and also stunning).
It’s located very close to the Redwoods Forest and that forest goes straight to the beach that you can explore. Whenever visiting the Pacific Northwest and driving through California, this Redwoods region is what many travelers drive through! And if you’ve never seen the Redwoods, this is a great place to explore them and their beauty!
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Last, but certainly not least, is Gold Bluffs Beach Park, way up the California coast. And there’s one word for it: Redwoods. This, and the solitude of the Redwood Coast, is why this corner of the West Coast is so special. But it takes a little work, since the closest major metro, San Francisco, is 325 miles away.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, several miles off Highway 1, accessible only by dirt road. Yes, you’re in the cut. And with campsites amidst the dunes mere feet from both the Pacific Ocean and towering redwood trees, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more uniquely California camping experience.
Note that sites can only be reserved during the summer months, but are otherwise available on a first-come, first-served basis. Just don’t feed the elk (yes, seriously, elk).
Olympic National Park Beach Camping (Washington State Bonus)
While not technically California, if you’re continuing your Pacific Coast adventure northward, Olympic National Park in Washington offers some incredible beach camping opportunities:
Second Beach
While you can stay overnight on Second Beach (located in Olympic National Park), you’ll need to acquire a Wilderness Camping Permit. It’s easy to get and worth staying right on the beach sand in this quiet location. Be careful not to set up camp too close to the shoreline though – you’ll need to make sure your tent is pitched above the high tide area.
It’s a great spot to watch for the whale migration from spring to October. This is an area for raccoons and bears so make sure you take proper care of your food and garbage. While you’re in the area, La Push is a great place to visit!
Rialto Beach
Another great spot to camp at in Olympic National Park is on Rialto Beach, which also requires a Wilderness Camping Permit. You’ll definitely want to check out some of the coastal rocks here including “Hole-in-the-Wall”. Don’t forget to properly store all food and garbage due to raccoons and bears and be certain of where you pitch your tent in regards to the high tide lines!
Kalaloch Beach & South Beach
Kalaloch Campground is situated on a bluff of varying heights with a quick walk down the stairs for beach access. They do also have cabins and a lodge if you prefer something a little more lush. While Kalaloch is open year-round, South Beach is only open in the summer for camping. If you want to visit the famous Hoh Rain Forest, it is about a 45 minute drive.
Essential Tips for Beach Camping California
Location Considerations
Location is everything in regards to your camping experience! California will have the most beach campsites and be more RV friendly, but many will be very close together with plenty of people due to its population size (which also means more noise!).
Oregon will have much fewer and further between campsites but with less people and more tidal pools. And Washington will be more “off the beaten path” camping with little to no desire to actually swim in the water – and you’ll need to be more physically fit to access many of these campsites which may require hiking in – but they come with prettier views and wilder nature.
Tide Safety
CRITICAL SAFETY TIP: One thing to be very cautious about is don’t get too excited to sleep on the beach and pitch your tent too close to the shoreline! Make sure to check the high tide time and set up camp far enough off the shoreline!
What to Pack
Pack your s’mores, favorite beach games, and a cozy hoodie for those breezy nights, and get ready to fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific Ocean.
Best Times to Visit
Summer (June-August): Peak season with the warmest weather, but most crowded and hardest to book. Perfect for families and those wanting classic beach camping weather.
Fall (September-November): Excellent choice! Weather in Southern California stays nice, crowds thin out, and snagging a site is much easier. This is a great fall camping destination.
Winter & Spring: Off-peak with fewer crowds and easier bookings, but weather can be unpredictable. Southern California remains mild year-round.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Several campgrounds allow dogs, but policies vary:
- Dogs allowed on beach: San Elijo (south end near lagoon), Leo Carrillo, Wright’s Beach
- Dogs allowed in campground only: South Carlsbad, San Clemente, Doheny
Always check current regulations before bringing your furry friend.
Planning Your California Beach Camping Adventure
Whether you’re planning family camping in Southern California or seeking a solo adventure along the rugged Northern California coast, beach camping in the Golden State offers something for everyone.
If you want the experience of beach camping in SoCal but with more amenities, check out the Newport Dunes Resort in Newport Beach. It’ll cost you a premium, but this campground offers full hook-ups, cottages and easy bay access.
Final Thoughts
Beach camping in Southern California is one of those bucket-list experiences every camper should try at least once. Whether you want to wake up to the sound of crashing waves in Carlsbad, enjoy sunset live music after grabbing a wood-fired pizza at The Camp Store, or snag a rare beachfront site at Doheny or Silver Strand, there’s a campground for every style of camper.
The key is planning ahead—especially during peak summer months. Reservations open six months in advance, and the most coveted oceanfront sites can disappear within minutes. If you can be flexible with dates, consider a fall trip when the weather is still warm, crowds thin out, and snagging a site is much easier.
No matter where you end up, beach camping California offers a front-row seat to some of the Golden State’s most beautiful coastline—and it’s an experience your family will never forget. From the magnetic sand at Point Mugu to the towering redwoods meeting the ocean at Gold Bluffs Beach, California’s coastal campgrounds provide memories that last a lifetime.
Sources
This comprehensive guide was compiled from multiple expert sources on California beach camping:
- Family Adventures Blog – Ultimate Guide to Beach Camping in SoCal (July 21, 2025)
- Whiskey Tango Globetrot – 11 of the Best Beach Campgrounds in California
- The Nature Seeker – 7 Best Beach Camping Spots on the Northern California Coast
- Exploration America – Where to Camp on the Beach on the Pacific Coast
- California State Parks – Official park websites and reservation information via ReserveCalifornia.com
