Camping Near Encinitas Beaches

San Diego County

Encinitas   Beach, San Diego County, California
Encinitas   Beach, San Diego County, California

Camping Near Encinitas Beaches

San Diego County


South Carlsbad State Beach Camping

The campsites in South Carlsbad State Beach are located along the bluff overlooking the ocean. The entrance to the campground is at Poinsettia Lane and Carlsbad Boulevard. Sites are arranged in parking lot style, with a row of bushes separating many of the sites. Sites in the ocean-front row are designated as Premium ($50), while the back row offers Standard Sites ($35). Hook-up sites have recently been added, including some dual hook-up sites.

The campground is divided in half, with sites 1 - 130 north of the entrance kiosk and the rest to the south. A seasonal camp store (April - October) sells firewood, ice, and basic supplies. Laundry facilities are available there. During the summer campfire programs are held at the campfire circle near the store.

Access to the beach is via a number of convenient stairways or a ramp near the south end of the campground (between sites #179 and #180). Restrooms with token operated showers are situated all along the campground.


Campground Information Worth Noting

  • Trailers or RVs longer than 35 feet will not be admitted.
  • Camp sites are designated for a maximum of 8 people and 3 vehicles (if the vehicles fit within the limits of the site). Extra fees for more than one vehicle.
  • Pets must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
  • Recycling bins are provided.

South Carlsbad State Beach Reservations and Fees

  $35 for Standard Sites
  $50 for Premium Sites
  $60 for Standard hook-up Sites
  $75 for Premium hook-up Sites
  $100 for Premium Dual hook-up Sites
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia:
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

Regulations (partial list)

  1. No dogs allowed on beach, on leash and attended in campground
  2. Do not feed wildlife.
  3. No fires are allowed on the beach.
  4. Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted outside campsites

Overnight Camping at
Oceanside's Harbor Beach

Two parking lots at Oceanside's Harbor Beach allow overnight camping for RVs. No tents are allowed. Parking Lot 11B has year-round, overnight camping, while Parking Lot 12 allows overnight camping from September 15 to May 15 only.

No reservations can be made. Camping is first-come, first-served. There is a 5-day limit during any 30-day period. Pop-outs, slide-outs, and awnings are not allowed. BBQs or stoves are not permitted in the parking lot area, but they are allowed on the beach. No portable fire pits are permitted.

Fees

4:00 AM to 8:00 PM - $8
8:00 PM to 4:00 AM - $20
Total for a full day of camping: $28


Find the Best Camping in California


California's Best Camping logo
  • All along the San Diego County coast
  • Beach camping from San Diego to Humboldt
  • And campgrounds everywhere else up and down the Golden State

    Complete campground information, including fees, reservations, photos, facilities, and nearby recreation.


Guajome County Park Camping

3000 Guajome Lake Road, Oceanside, CA
(7.5 miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 76)
(760) 724-4489   Guajome County Park

Campground and Park Facilities

  • 33 campsites with partial hook-ups (electricity and water)
  • Suitable for trailers or RVs up to 45' and tents
  • Playground, basketball court, 2 fishing ponds, caravan pavilion

Regulations (partial list)

  1. Pets kept on leash are permitted.
  2. All natural features are protected.
  3. Use of generators is prohibited.
  4. Alcohol is permitted as long as alcohol content does not exceed 20%

Rates and Reservations

Rates: $29 per night
Reservations: San Diego County Parks Reservations

Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, CA

Moonlight Beach



San Elijo State Beach Camping

Reservations at San Elijo State Beach campground fill quickly, partly because it is one of the southern-most state beach campgrounds in California. The bluff-top location offers wonderful views of the ocean coupled with the sounds of the surf. Access to the beach from most campsites is via long stairways.

Among the popular amenities at the campground are token-operated hot showers, a camp store, a fast food restaurant (Bull Taco), campfire programs in the summer, and a good number of sites with hook-ups.

Among the drawbacks of camping at San Elijo are the horn-blowing trains that roll by on the nearby tracks at night. Previous campers suggest avoiding sites (such as #163) that are close to the rinse-off showers for people returning from the beach.



San Elijo Reservations and Fees

Inland Sites no hook-ups: $35
Inland hook-up sites: $55
Ocean hook-up sites: $65
Ocean no hook-ups: $50
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia:
San Elijo State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

Greater Area RV Campgrounds

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina

1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA
949) 729-3863
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
RV Sites: 382 RV sites, tent sites
Amenities: Back Bay Bistro, banquet facilities, market place, pool and spa, watersports and beach rentals, playground, fitness center, laundry, restrooms, marina, boat launch
Rates: $$$$

Huntington by the Sea RV Park

21871 Newland Street, Huntington Beach, CA
At the end of Imperial Highway
(714) 536-8316
Huntington by the Sea RV Park
RV Sites: Full hook-ups (no tents), cable TV
Amenities: Laundry, club house, swimming pool, rec room, games, internet
Rates: $$ - $$$


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety