Ultimate Guide to the Best Beach Camping in California

August 26, 2024

Best Beach Camping in California

California's coastline has a magnificent range of beach camping opportunities that will have you falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves and waking up to unforgettable ocean views. In this ultimate guide, we've selected 33 of the best beach campgrounds throughout the state, from rugged cliffside retreats to family-friendly sandy shores. If you're drawn to the surf, eager to hike coastal trails, or simply want to relax by the water, our list covers the top spots where you plan your next beach camping trip on the California coast.

1. San Elijo State Beach Campground

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Yes.
Google Stars? 4.5 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Encinitas, CA (San Diego is about 40 miles south).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: San Elijo State Beach Campground
Campground Map

Located in San Diego County, San Elijo State Beach Campground offers easy access to the Pacific Ocean with sandy beaches perfect for relaxing and exploring tide pools. This popular campground provides tent camping and RV sites, with picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets for a comfortable stay. Just a minute drive from long beach stretches, it’s a great spot for water activities during the summer months.

2. Crystal Cove State Beach Moro Campground

On or near the beach? Near the beach (within walking distance).
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Yes, water and electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Laguna Beach, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Crystal Cove Moro Campground
Campground Map

Nestled in Orange County, Crystal Cove State Park’s Moro Campground offers stunning ocean views and easy access to the historic district of the park. This 3.2 mile stretch of Pacific coastline is known for its coastal caves and volleyball courts, with tent sites and RV beach camping options available. The camp store ensures you have all the essentials, while the nearby beach access offers some of the best beach views in southern California.

3. Two Harbors Campground

On or near the beach? Near the beach (Catalina Island).
Accommodates tents and RVs? Tents only.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.5 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required.
Nearest major city? Avalon, CA (Catalina Island).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Two Harbors Campground

Located on Catalina Island, Two Harbors Campground offers tent camping with views of the Pacific Ocean. This popular spot is a great place to enjoy water activities, hiking, and exploring marine life in the surrounding waters. The camp store, picnic tables, and fire pits ensure a relaxing experience with easy access to beach access and scenic trails.

4. Refugio State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Goleta, CA (Santa Barbara is about 20 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Refugio State Beach
Campground Map

Refugio State Beach is a popular beach located along the California coast, offering tent camping and RV campgrounds. This great place for beach access features picnic tables, hot showers, and running water, making it a favorite for families visiting during the summer months. With ocean views and nearby trails, it’s just a short drive from Santa Barbara.

5. Kirk Creek Campground

On or near the beach? On a bluff overlooking the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.8 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via Recreation.gov.
Nearest major city? Big Sur, CA (Monterey is about 55 miles north).
Sandy or rocky beach? Rocky.
Link to website: Kirk Creek Campground
Campground Map

Perched on high cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, Kirk Creek Campground in northern California offers some of the best camping with panoramic ocean views. The tent sites provide easy access to sand dunes and trails along the California coast, while the flush toilets and fire pits make it a great spot for adventurers exploring Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park nearby.

6. Doran Regional Park

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Limited electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via Sonoma County Regional Parks.
Nearest major city? Bodega Bay, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Doran Regional Park
Campground Map

Located near Bodega Head and Bodega Harbor, Doran Regional Park offers easy access to miles of beach along the Sonoma Coast State Park. This popular campground includes tent camping and RV sites, with picnic tables, potable water, and running water. With the Russian River nearby and the park’s day use area, it’s a great spot for fishing, birdwatching, and beach walks.

7. MacKerricher State Park

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.8 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Fort Bragg, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy and rocky.
Link to website: MacKerricher State Park
Campground Map

In northern California, MacKerricher State Park features tent camping and RV campgrounds with beach access to sandy shores and coastal caves. The park is a great place to enjoy marine life viewing, especially during the summer months, when the tide pools are teeming with creatures. Facilities include flush toilets, fire pits, and a camp store to accommodate your needs.

8. Emma Wood State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.4 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Ventura, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Emma Wood State Beach
Campground Map

Just a minute drive from Ventura, Emma Wood State Beach offers RV beach camping right on the California coast. The popular beach is perfect for water activities like surfing and fishing, with picnic tables and potable water available on-site. Sandy beaches and easy access to nearby towns make this a great spot for a weekend getaway.

9. San Onofre State Beach

On or near the beach? Near the beach (walking distance).
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.5 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? San Clemente, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: San Onofre State Beach.
Campground Map

San Onofre State Beach offers tent camping and RV beach camping along the California coast in San Diego County. This popular campground is known for its surfing spots, sandy beaches, and easy access to scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Facilities include picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets for a comfortable beach camping experience.

10. Silver Strand State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Only RVs.
Hookups? Yes, water and electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.5 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Coronado, CA (San Diego is about 12 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Silver Strand State Beach
Campground Map

Located in Southern California near Long Beach, Silver Strand State Beach is one of the best places for RV beach camping with easy access to sandy beaches and water activities. This great spot offers hot showers, picnic tables, and fire pits, making it perfect for a summer months retreat on the Pacific Ocean.

11. Doheny State Beach Campground

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have water and electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Dana Point, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Doheny State Beach Campground
Campground Map

In Orange County, Doheny State Beach is a great spot for tent camping and RV sites with beach access to sandy beaches and coastal caves. With hot showers, flush toilets, and running water, this popular campground is a great place for families during peak season. The camp store and nearby day use area make it a convenient destination.

12. Dockweiler State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? RVs only.
Hookups? Yes, full hookups (water, electric, and sewer).
Google Stars? 4.3 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via Los Angeles County Reservations.
Nearest major city? Los Angeles, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Dockweiler State Beach
Campground Map

Located near Los Angeles, Dockweiler Beach offers RV beach camping with easy access to the Pacific Ocean. With hot showers, picnic tables, and a parking lot, this great spot is ideal for a weekend getaway. The sandy beaches are a short walk from your campsite, making it a popular beach in the California state parks system.

13. Carpinteria State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have full hookups.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Carpinteria, CA (Santa Barbara is about 12 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Carpinteria State Beach
Campground Map

Carpinteria State Beach, located in Southern California, is a popular spot for tent camping and RV sites along sandy beaches. Known for its easy access to tide pools and picnic tables, this great place offers flush toilets, hot showers, and running water. The day use area and camp store provide all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.

14. South Carlsbad State Beach

On or near the beach? On a bluff overlooking the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have water and electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Carlsbad, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: South Carlsbad State Beach
Campground Map

South Carlsbad State Beach is one of the best places for RV beach camping with ocean views along the California coast. This popular campground offers picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets, perfect for a relaxing stay by the Pacific Ocean. Sandy beaches and easy access to nearby shops make it a great spot for family camping.

15. Wrights Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via Sonoma County Regional Parks.
Nearest major city? Bodega Bay, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Wrights Beach
Campground Map

Located within Sonoma Coast State Park, Wrights Beach is a great spot for tent camping with easy access to miles of beach along the Pacific Ocean. The campground offers picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets, making it a comfortable base for exploring Bodega Head and the surrounding coast.

16. Leo Carrillo State Beach

On or near the beach? Near the beach (short walk).
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Malibu, CA (Los Angeles is about 30 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy and rocky.
Link to website: Leo Carrillo State Beach
Campground Map

In Southern California, Leo Carrillo State Beach offers tent camping and RV beach camping along sandy beaches. The popular beach is perfect for water activities like surfing and exploring coastal caves. With picnic tables, fire pits, and running water, this great place is ideal for a family getaway.

17. Francis Beach Campground (Half Moon Bay State Beach)

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Half Moon Bay, CA (San Francisco is about 30 miles north).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Francis Beach Campground
Campground Map

table and supplies set up overlooking the beach

Situated on the northern California coast, Francis Beach Campground offers easy access to sandy beaches and spectacular ocean views. Known as a great spot for tent camping, it provides picnic tables, flush toilets, and hot showers for your convenience. This popular campground is just a short drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it a great place for a quick coastal escape.

18. Morro Strand State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have water and electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Morro Bay, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Morro Strand State Beach
Campground Map

Located along the California coast, Morro Strand State Beach offers tent camping and RV sites right next to sandy beaches. With easy access to ocean views, fire pits, and picnic tables, this campground is a great place to relax during the summer months. Flush toilets and hot showers are available, with the nearby Morro Rock providing stunning scenery.

19. Sunset State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Watsonville, CA (Santa Cruz is about 15 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Sunset State Beach
Campground Map

Perched along the California coast, Sunset State Beach offers tent camping and RV sites with easy access to miles of beach and rolling sand dunes. This great spot is perfect for families, providing picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets. Ocean views and water activities abound, making this one of the best camping destinations near Watsonville.

20. Sycamore Cove (Point Mugu State Park)

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Malibu, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Point Mugu State Park
Campground Map

Nestled in Southern California's Point Mugu State Park, Sycamore Cove offers tent camping and RV sites with easy access to sandy beaches and scenic hiking trails. The campground includes picnic tables, hot showers, and running water, making it a great place for beachgoers and nature lovers. A minute drive from Malibu, this popular spot is perfect for a weekend escape.

21. El Capitan State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have water and electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Goleta, CA (Santa Barbara is about 20 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: El Capitan State Beach
Campground Map

Located along the California coast, El Capitan State Beach offers tent camping and RV beach camping with ocean views and easy access to sandy beaches. The campground features picnic tables, fire pits, and hot showers, making it a great spot for families. It’s just a short drive from Santa Barbara, making it an ideal place for a peaceful retreat on the Pacific Ocean.

22. San Clemente State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have water and electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? San Clemente, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: San Clemente State Beach
Campground Map

In Southern California, San Clemente State Beach is known for its sandy beaches and easy access to the Pacific Ocean. The campground features picnic tables, flush toilets, and hot showers, with both tent camping and RV sites available. It’s a great place for a family vacation or a weekend getaway, offering water activities and stunning coastal views.

23. Jalama Beach County Park

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have water, electric, and sewer hookups.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via Santa Barbara County Parks.
Nearest major city? Lompoc, CA (Santa Barbara is about 60 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Jalama Beach County Park
Campground Map

Jalama Beach County Park is a great spot for tent camping and RV beach camping along the rugged California coast. With picnic tables, fire pits, and hot showers, this popular campground provides easy access to the beach, making it a great place for surfers and beach lovers alike. The sandy beaches and nearby trails offer plenty of exploration opportunities during the summer months.

24. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Oceano, CA (San Luis Obispo is about 20 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Oceano Dunes
Campground Map

For those seeking adventure, Oceano Dunes offers one of the best places for RV beach camping along the California coast. Known for its expansive sand dunes and easy access to water activities, this popular spot features tent camping and RV sites. Facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, and picnic tables, with plenty of space for off-roading and other activities.

25. Seacliff State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Only RVs.
Hookups? Yes, full hookups (water, electric, and sewer).
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Aptos, CA (Santa Cruz is about 10 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Seacliff State Beach
Campground Map

Located in northern California, Seacliff State Beach is a great spot for RV beach camping along sandy beaches. With easy access to beach access and ocean views, this popular campground provides picnic tables, hot showers, and flush toilets. It’s a great place to enjoy the coast, with the nearby pier offering excellent fishing.

26. North Beach Campground (Pismo State Beach)

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Pismo Beach, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: North Beach Campground
Campground Map

North Beach Campground at Pismo State Beach offers tent camping and RV sites along sandy beaches on the California coast. With easy access to the Pacific Ocean and sand dunes, this great place provides picnic tables, flush toilets, and fire pits for your comfort. A short drive from San Luis Obispo, it’s one of the best places for a seaside camping trip.

27. Gaviota State Park Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.4 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Goleta, CA (Santa Barbara is about 33 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Gaviota State Park
Campground Map

Located near Bodega Head, Gaviota State Park Beach offers tent camping and RV sites with easy access to sandy beaches and ocean views. The campground includes picnic tables, hot showers, and flush toilets, making it a great spot for a peaceful escape. It’s just a minute drive from Santa Barbara, providing a serene atmosphere for campers.

28. Manresa Uplands State Beach

On or near the beach? On the beach (bluffside with stair access to the beach).
Accommodates tents and RVs? Tents only.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Watsonville, CA (Santa Cruz is about 16 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Manresa Uplands State Beach
Campground Map

Nestled on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Manresa Uplands State Beach is a great spot for tent camping along the northern California coast. With picnic tables, fire pits, and hot showers, this popular beach offers easy access to miles of sandy beaches. The great place is perfect for enjoying water activities or simply relaxing by the sea.

29. Faria Beach Park

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have water and electric hookups.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via Ventura County Parks.
Nearest major city? Ventura, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Rocky.
Link to website: Faria Beach Park
Campground Map

Faria Beach Park on the California coast is a great spot for RV beach camping with easy access to the Pacific Ocean. The popular campground offers picnic tables, fire pits, and hot showers, making it a comfortable option for beach lovers. Located near Bodega Harbor and Bodega Head, it’s a great place for fishing and scenic views.

30. Anchor Bay Campground

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? Some sites have full hookups (water, electric, and sewer).
Google Stars? 4.8 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required.
Nearest major city? Gualala, CA (Fort Bragg is about 55 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Anchor Bay Campground
Campground Map

Nestled along the northern California coast, Anchor Bay Campground offers tent camping and RV sites with ocean views and easy access to sandy beaches. This great spot features picnic tables, fire pits, and running water, making it an excellent option for a peaceful retreat by the sea. Located a short drive from Bodega Harbor, it’s a great place for relaxation and exploration.

31. Bodega Dunes Campground

On or near the beach? Near the beach (short walk).
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, both.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.7 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Bodega Bay, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Bodega Dunes Campground
Campground Map

Part of the Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Dunes Campground is a great place for tent camping and RV sites with easy access to the Pacific Ocean and nearby sand dunes. The campground offers picnic tables, flush toilets, and hot showers, making it a comfortable and scenic base for exploring Bodega Head and the surrounding Sonoma coast.

32. Andrew Molera State Park

On or near the beach? Near the beach (hike-in access to the beach).
Accommodates tents and RVs? Tents only.
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.6 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Big Sur, CA.
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy and rocky.
Link to website: Andrew Molera State Park
Campground Map

Situated along the California coast in Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park offers tent camping with easy access to sandy beaches and coastal caves. The campground provides picnic tables, fire pits, and running water, with breathtaking ocean views. It’s a great place for hiking and exploring the marine life along the rugged shoreline.

33. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

On or near the beach? On the beach.
Accommodates tents and RVs? Yes, but limited to small RVs (under 24 feet).
Hookups? No.
Google Stars? 4.8 stars.
Do you have to register? Yes, registration required via ReserveCalifornia.
Nearest major city? Orick, CA (Eureka is about 45 miles away).
Sandy or rocky beach? Sandy.
Link to website: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Campground Map

Located within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground offers tent camping and small RV sites right on the sandy beaches of northern California. With easy access to coastal caves and 70 miles of hiking trails, this popular spot is known for its magnificent ocean views and proximity to the redwoods. Facilities include picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets, making it a great place for nature lovers and adventurers.

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