Southern California Beach Camping – 7 Bets Spots

You’ll find Southern California’s coastline dotted with incredible beach camping spots that won’t break your budget. From San Diego to Santa Barbara, these seven locations offer distinct experiences for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re seeking world-class surf breaks, hidden coves, or secluded beaches, each destination provides unique amenities and natural wonders. Let’s explore these coastal gems where you can wake up to crashing waves and fall asleep under star-filled skies.

Take Aways

• San Elijo State Beach offers 150+ ocean-view campsites with amenities like showers and RV facilities near San Diego’s prime surfing spots.
• Leo Carrillo State Park provides 135 campsites near Los Angeles with access to tide pools and sea caves along Malibu’s coast.
• Crystal Cove State Park spans 2,400 acres with diverse camping options from developed sites to primitive backcountry spots along Orange County’s coastline.
• San Onofre State Beach features two distinct campgrounds with 157 sites and direct access to the famous Trestles surf break.
• El Capitan State Beach combines oceanfront camping with 2,500 acres of hiking trails and Pacific Ocean views near Santa Barbara.

San Elijo State Beach: Perfect Waves and Ocean Views

Nestled along the scenic San Diego Coast in Encinitas, San Elijo State Beach offers an ideal camping destination where you’ll find pristine waves and panoramic ocean views.

With over 150 campsites perched atop coastal bluffs, you can choose between tent and RV spots, some featuring electrical hookups. Sites range from inland $35 nightly to premium ocean-view locations. You’ll have access to restrooms and token-operated showers, plus a dump station for RVs.

Enjoy stunning blufftop camping with modern amenities, including full RV facilities and convenient shower access at this premier coastal destination.

The beach’s reef creates perfect conditions for surfing, snorkeling, and diving, while designated picnic areas provide comfortable spots for meals with ocean vistas.

Make your reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer months. While exploring, remember to follow beach safety guidelines for rip currents and respect the protected San Elijo Lagoon wildlife area.

Don’t forget your fishing permit if you plan to fish from shore.

Leo Carrillo State Park: Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Moving up the Southern California coast from San Diego, you’ll find Leo Carrillo State Park tucked along Malibu’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway, less than 50 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

You’ll discover 135 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, accommodating both tents and RVs under 31 feet. Essential camping gear should be packed for your stay.

The park offers 1.5 miles of beach access via an underpass, where you can explore tide pools, sea caves, and rock formations at low tide.

Your campsite options include both shaded and sunny spots, with the outer loop providing more privacy. Experienced campers recommend sites #40, 44, 46, and 116 on the east side for privacy.

While sites don’t have potable water hookups, you’ll find drinking water stations, restrooms, and coin-operated showers centrally located.

For budget-conscious travelers, free roadside parking is available during daytime hours, and seasonal Junior Ranger programs add value to your stay.

Refugio State Beach: A Coastal Paradise

Paradise awaits at Refugio State Beach, just 20 miles west of Santa Barbara along Highway 101. This crescent-shaped haven offers 67 standard campsites and 3 group sites, perfect for both tent and RV camping up to 30 feet. The maximum speed limit within the park is 15 mph, ensuring a safe environment for all visitors.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by swaying palm trees with breathtaking views of four Channel Islands and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Camping has been shown to improve mental well-being, which can be further enhanced by the serene coastal setting.

Make the most of your stay with these essential features:

1. Budget-friendly amenities including coin-operated showers, flush toilets, and fire rings with grills
2. Family-oriented facilities featuring a playground, basketball court, and campfire center
3. Year-round activities from swimming and kayaking to hiking and geocaching

Don’t miss the December to March walk-in season for spontaneous trips, or book up to six months ahead through ReserveCalifornia.com during peak season.

Crystal Cove State Park: Hidden Gem of Orange County

Along Orange County’s pristine coastline, Crystal Cove State Park serves as a 2,400-acre natural treasure that won’t break your bank.

You’ll find diverse camping options, from Moro Campground’s 58 developed sites to 32 primitive backcountry spots accessible by a challenging 3-4 mile hike. Essential camping gear is recommended for the backcountry experience.

For budget-conscious travelers, the main campground accommodates up to eight people per site and includes clean restrooms and token-operated showers.

If you’re seeking solitude, grab a permit from the ranger kiosk for backcountry camping, where you’ll find basic amenities like pit toilets and picnic tables. The park’s focus on primitive camping experiences helps visitors connect more deeply with nature.

Remember, you can’t have wood fires there, but backpacking stoves are allowed.

Don’t forget that while dogs are welcome in the campground, they’re not permitted on the beach or backcountry trails.

San Onofre State Beach: Legendary Surf Camping

Nestled between San Clemente and Oceanside, San Onofre State Beach offers two distinct camping experiences that’ll satisfy both comfort-seekers and primitive camping enthusiasts.

You’ll find San Mateo Campground with 157 sites featuring water and electric hookups, while San Onofre Bluffs Campground provides primitive oceanview sites for a more rugged stay. The campground welcomes pets with a limit of two pets allowed per site.

For surf enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, here’s what makes San Onofre special:

1. Access to legendary Trestles surf break via a 1.5-mile nature trail from San Mateo Campground
2. Both campgrounds offer essential amenities including fire rings, grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers
3. Dog-friendly trails and campgrounds (though beaches are off-limits to pets)

RV Camping is Better than Tent Camping for those seeking more comfort and convenience during their beach getaway.

Remember to book San Onofre Bluffs up to six months ahead for summer stays, while San Mateo typically requires walk-in reservations.

Point Mugu State Park: Wilderness by the Shore

Located where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, Point Mugu State Park delivers an exceptional coastal camping experience without breaking the bank. At $45 per night, you’ll find 58 well-equipped campsites that accommodate tents and RVs up to 31 feet, each featuring fire pits, BBQ grills, and picnic tables.

You’ll have access to over 70 miles of hiking trails in the Boney Mountains wilderness, plus direct beach access with lifeguard supervision. The campground provides modern amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and potable water. The park’s Mediterranean climate makes spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping. Beach camping with your RV is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors along the Southern California coast.

While dogs aren’t allowed on trails or beaches, they’re welcome at campsites on leash. For budget travelers, $10 Hike & Bike sites offer an affordable alternative.

Don’t forget to make reservations in advance through Reserve California.

El Capitan State Beach: Blufftop Beach Adventure

Standing majestically on coastal blufftops, El Capitan State Beach offers you a unique camping experience where sycamore and oak trees provide natural shelter for 132 diverse campsites. You’ll enjoy expansive Pacific Ocean views while camping in tent-only areas or spots suitable for motorhomes and trailers, though without hookups. The park’s rules enforce quiet hours at night to ensure a peaceful experience for all visitors.

Perched high above the Pacific, El Capitan’s wooded campsites blend coastal grandeur with natural serenity beneath ancient sycamores and oaks.

For budget-conscious campers, here’s what you’ll get for about $10 per night: 1. Basic amenities including flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers (25¢ for hot water) 2. Shared fire pits and picnic tables at each site, plus access to a well-stocked beach store 3. Direct beach access via stairs and 2,500 acres of hiking on the Bill Wallace Trail. Preparing for new camping locations is important to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Book ocean-view sites up to six months ahead, as they’re particularly popular during peak seasons.

The Last Word

You’d think camping on Southern California’s pristine beaches would break the bank, but these seven spots offer surprisingly affordable adventures. While you won’t find room service or five-star amenities, you’ll discover something far better: million-dollar ocean views at campground prices. Don’t wait too long to book, though – these budget-friendly paradises fill up fast, especially during summer months when everyone else has the same brilliant idea.