8 Spectacular Spots In Southern California Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach
Sometimes it seems that Southern California only has one season: summertime. There’s nothing more incredible than a weekend away, especially when the weather gets warm, and the southern side of the state sure knows how to deliver! With our glorious weather that sticks around all year, we have all the time in the world to soak up the sun.
Even though summer weather may never seem to end, we still like to take advantage of our vacation days with classic summer activities like camping; especially when it’s camping right on the beach. Here are 8 spectacular places in SoCal where you can have your beach and camp on it too. Whether you like to camp in a tent or an RV, there’s plenty of options for everyone to choose from. We’ve got 8 waterfront campgrounds in SoCal on the docket and one of them is bound to be precisely what you’re looking for.
Which spot is your favorite?
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You'll find both RV and tent sites available for reservation at this popular and stunning beachside gem. Insider tip: Reservations fill up quickly and can book up to six months in advance, as San Elijo is one of the top overnight destinations in SoCal. Sometimes it's best just to show up without a reservation and find a no-show spot that you can reserve at the last minute.
Whether you have a tent or an RV, Carpinteria caters to both crowds so there's sure to be a camping spot that's right for you. Located approximately twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, this waterfront campground in SoCal is located on a one mile stretch of sandy beach with captivating ocean views.
You may not see sand in this picture, but this campground in Goleta in Santa Barbara is just a short stroll away from the beach and remains one of the most scenic campgrounds in SoCal. If you love the looks of this campsite, make sure to reserve campsite 61.
4. Moro Campground at Crystal Cove -- Orange County
You'll find sixty campsites to choose from at Moro campground. Each and every site offers stunning ocean views, so no need to fret over which campsite to select. When it comes to camping in SoCal, Moro Campground has an excess of beautiful sites.
Perhaps one of the mst scenic campgrounds in SoCal, Thornhill Broome Beach State Park is a perfect place to camp. Set up your tent right on the sand and the ocean is only steps away. The wind can get nasty, so make sure to weight your tent down so it doesn't blow away.
Leave the tent at home as this spot only allows RV camping. Once the sun goes down it's a perfect location for a campfire as there are lots of fire pits to choose from, unlike other waterfront campgrounds in SoCal where campfires are not allowed.
7. San Onofre State Beach Campground -- San Clemente
This popular camping site in Dana Point offers two locations to set-up camp: a rustic spot next to the train tracks or camping sites right on the beach. Make sure to select the highly coveted beach spots when reserving your space as that is where the real camping magic happens.
Well there you have it! Eight fantastic waterfront campgrounds in SoCal. If camping in a tent isn’t your thing, we have put together a handy dandy list of where you can go glamping in style in Southern California without roughing it. Go check it out!
Address: San Elijo State Beach, Encinitas, CA 92007, USA
Address: Carpinteria, CA, USA
Address: 10 Refugio Beach Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
Address: Thornhill Broome Beach, California 90265, USA
Address: 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293, USA
Address: San Onofre Beach, California, USA
Address: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA 92624, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfront campgrounds in SoCal
June 20, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What’s the most beautiful campground in SoCal?
Camping in SoCal is one of the most beautiful experiences in the state. The weather is great for the majority of the year, and places like Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provide desert landscapes that will drop your jaw. Head to Crystal Cove State Park for ocean views, and Souths Carlsbad State Beach looks like it was torn straight from the front of a postcard. Great hikes begin from Manker Flats Campground, and there’s nothing like hiking Mount San Jacinto from Fern Valley Campground. If you’re looking to camp by the lake, then spots like the Serrano Campground on Big Bear Lake is a great spot to visit.
What are the best beaches in SoCal?
El Matador Beach is known as one of the most stunning beaches in Southern California, with hidden coves and secluded spaces that provide beautiful oceanfront views. Santa Monica Beach is consistently crowded but known as a local and tourist hot spot, and there’s nothing like Zuma Beach off of Point Dume in Malibu. Newport Beach is located on the heels of a lively town and is known for its expansive beaches and harbor. It’s great for walking local piers and getting a great oceanfront view.
What are the best outdoor adventures in SoCal?
There are all sorts of fun outdoor experiences in SoCal, from wandering the miles of coastline to hiking in the mountains. Visit Big Bear Lake for a lakeside retreat, or perhaps head to Joshua Tree National Park for some dessert views. The La Jolla Sea Caves are a sight to see, and Belmont and Balboa Parks in San Diego are a must. From the Los Angeles County Arboretum to Angels Gate Park, there’s something for everyone in SoCal.
