Tips and Locations for Southern California Beach Camping.
The experience of setting up camp on a beach in Southern California is really one of a kind. There aren’t many areas in the lower 48 states that can compete with the range of options and beautiful weather that you’ll find along the coast of Southern California when it comes to beach camping.
Campers who go to Southern California’s various shore-side campgrounds may look forward to experiencing long, sunny days, pleasant weather, and breathtaking scenery throughout their stays.
You will have to deal with crowds at many of these spots; but, if you put in the effort and plan ahead, you will be able to discover the perfect camping area for you.
The Best Beach Camping Areas in Southern California
Although there is some disagreement on the precise limits of Southern California, it is generally acknowledged by the vast majority of people that this area include all of the coastline that is located south of Point Conception in Santa Barbara.
Even though there are a lot of sites to camp on the beach in Southern California, almost all of them need reservations and fees to stay the night, particularly during the summer months when demand is the highest.
Both Gaviota State Beach and the Campground Can Be Found Here
Gaviota State Beach is a popular destination.
This section of the coast of Santa Barbara is known for its natural beauty, and this state beach is located there. The Gaviota Pier, as well as extremely nice fishing options, exceptional surf locations, and hiking paths, are located in close proximity to the campsites.
The Gaviota Campgrounds are accessible from the 101 and are located just west of Santa Barbara. They provide guests with all the views, activities, and conveniences of Southern California beach camping.
Tent camping at Gaviota State Beach Campground may be challenging and uncomfortable at times due to the presence of strong winds, but the campground is equipped to accommodate recreational vehicles (RVs) as well.
If you want to set up a tent here, remember to bring and utilize tent pegs. The campground is open from April through the end of October, and it has a shop as well as bathing facilities.
However, depending on the weather, there is a possibility that campsites will be accessible on weekend days during the off season. There is a total of 38 campsites, each of which costs $45 per night to reserve, and reservations are necessary.
Campground located near South Carlsbad State Beach
State Beach is located in South Carlsbad
The South Carlsbad State Beach campsite is perched on a hill overlooking the ocean and offers breathtaking panoramas, particularly during the golden hour of the day. Local beaches are conveniently located nearby, since Carlsbad is just 5 kilometers (3 miles) away. There is a set of steps leading down to the beach that may be accessed straight from the campground.
A number of campsites are located close along the edge of the cliffs, and a chain-link fence that is just a few feet long keeps campers safe.
Guests have access to showers, a camp shop, and laundry facilities at this location. There is a need for reservations.
There are 215 camping spots available, several of them are designed specifically for RVs. The cost of a night at a regular site ranges from $35 to $50, depending on the area, while the cost of a night at a hook-up site ranges from $60 to $100, depending on the location.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach
This state beach campsite includes various local attractions, including the Harbor Seal Preserve, a play area, a tar pit park, and Jellybowl Vista Point, which is an exposed reef break and surf point. It is comprised of four campgrounds with the names Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel.
This beach can be found to the west of Santa Barbara, and it offers easy access to the many local facilities as well as a variety of activities that families may enjoy.
The price of a campsite may vary anywhere from $45 to $80, with sites that are located closer to the shore being priced more than others.
There are spots for both tent camping and RV parking, as well as spots for groups. The campground has a variety of amenities, including full hookup sites, a shop, a tourist center, and showers.
Campground located in Bolsa Chica State Beach
Beach in Bolsa Chica State Park
The shore and the waves are the main attractions of this campsite, which is located just to the north of Huntington Beach. Tent camping is not permitted in any of the Bolsa Chica parks; only RVs are allowed.
Accessibilities include beach volleyball, surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, in addition to a bike route.
Because there is a large expanse of open beaches at Bolsa Chica, you should prepare to spend most of your day basking in the sun while you are there.
There are 55 available campsites, each with its own electrical and water connection. The premium plots that are located closer to the coast give stunning views of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The nightly rate for standard sites is $55, while the rate for premium sites is $65. There is a need for reservations.
Campground located near Doheny State Beach
Doheny is a particularly popular destination since it is situated near the city of Dana Point, which is home to many convenient facilities.
As a result, it is often quite busy. The campgrounds are within walking distance of a variety of activities and attractions, including tide pools, surfing, fishing, picnicking, and other forms of outdoor entertainment.
There are a few campsites located directly on the beach, while others are located farther back from the water.
It is necessary to make a reservation in order to stay at one of the 118 campsites, which are available at any time of the year.
There are a total of 73 sites, of which 33 are classified as premium beachfront sites. Additionally, there are 16 sites allocated specifically for RV use. The cost of a night at a standard site in the interior is $40, while a deluxe site by the beach is $60.
Campground located on San Onofre State Beach
Although these campsites are not situated directly on the beach (the San Mateo Campground is located farther inland, and the Bluffs Campground overlooks the Pacific Ocean), they do provide access to the beach as well as views of the decommissioned nuclear reactor that was located at San Onofre.
Those who aren’t bothered by the landscape have access to some of the best surfing, fishing, and facilities the area has to offer.
Between the two campgrounds, there are more than 300 available campsites, and guests are needed to make reservations. The cost of a night at a standard tent site is $40, while the cost of a site with RV hookups is $65.
El Capitan State Beach has a campground that you may use.
The tidepools, oak and sycamore trees, and access to the beach are some of the attractions that tourists may enjoy at this state beach.
The campground allows for activities such as fishing, swimming, surfing, and bicycling, in addition to providing camping options for tents and recreational vehicles (RVs). Five choice group campsites are also available.
There are 128 paid campsites available at the El Capitan State Beach Campground, 119 of which are conventional campsites that may accommodate either tents or RVs, and another 9 sites that are restricted to RVs and trailer camping exclusively.
The campground has a camp shop and showers. During the peak season (March to November), sites cost $45 for ordinary lodgings and $55 for premium sites. This price difference is due to the increased demand.
Campgrounds located inside Crystal Cove State Park
State park located in Crystal Cove
Within this region lies Moro Campground, which is situated in close proximity to the beach and just opposite the 1 motorway from the Pacific ocean. Crystal Cove also has hike-in tent sites that are farther away from the beach and are more rustic than these sites that are closer to the shore.
Crystal Cove is a very desired location for campers, SCUBA divers, and visitors due to its proximity to forested canyons, hiking possibilities, the local Historical District, more than three miles of open beach, cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and an offshore underwater park.
Even though the majority of the Moro Campground is undeveloped and hence considered to be basic, there are RV sites accessible, and there are showers provided close on-site.
There is a total of 57 sites, with 27 of them being dedicated specifically for RV campers. There is a nightly fee of $55 for standard campsites, and reservations are necessary.
Set up your tent somewhere along the coast of Southern California.
Because beach camping is so popular, you need to make reservations well in advance if you want to secure a place during the vacation days of your choice.
Even during the shoulder months, many of Southern California’s campsites are packed to capacity because to the region’s consistently pleasant weather and its abundance of internationally acclaimed tourist attractions.
It is well worth the time and effort to go to Southern California’s beach campsites in order to take advantage of all the exciting outdoor activities the region has to offer.
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