San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, and one of the best ways to experience them is by camping right on the sand. Beach camping in San Diego offers a unique experience that allows you to sleep to the sound of waves, wake up to a beautiful sunrise, and spend your days relaxing on the sand or swimming in the ocean.

There are several options for beach camping in San Diego, including state parks, private campgrounds, and even RV parks. Here are some of the best places to camp on the beach in San Diego:

South Carlsbad State Beach Camping

Located in the city of Carlsbad, this state beach offers camping right on the sand. The campsites are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and there are restrooms and showers available.

In addition to camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing, and picnics are available at this San Diego beach and campsite, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The campground enjoys a lot of popularity throughout the summer because of its attractive location overlooking the lovely Carlsbad Beach below.

Even better, there are clean stairs at the campground that provides direct access to the beach. Due to its popularity, the campground only accepts reservations; if you arrive without one, it’s possible that you won’t be able to stay.

When you’re done with the beach, explore the surrounding California landscape and a few of the park’s trails. Many Campfire Programs, Junior Ranger Programs, and Nature Walks can be available if the beach isn’t your thing. Yet, program accessibility varies with the season, so during your visit, be careful to check signs displayed on washroom stalls and at the entrance station addressing park information.

“Easy check-in, surrounded by everything you need from supermarkets/restaurants etc. Bathrooms were plenty & clean. Overlooking and waking up next to the ocean, can’t beat it.” – Kenny T a traveler

Campground Details:

• Price: No hook-ups – $35-$50 per night. Hook-ups – $60-$100
• Number of sites: 223
• RV sites: Yes
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Carlsbad City Beach, Carlsbad Seawall Promenade, bicycle rentals, Carlsbad Lagoon, South Ponto Beach, Legoland
• Online Reservations: South Carlsbad State Beach Campground Reservations
  or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

Silver Strand State Beach Camping

This state beach is located in Coronado, just south of the famous Hotel del Coronado. The campground is situated right on the sand, and there are restrooms, showers, and fire rings available.

Activities: Silver Strand State Beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. The beach is also popular for surfing, although the waves can be rough at times. Additionally, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the nearby Silver Strand State Beach Park.

Weather: The weather at Silver Strand State Beach is generally mild year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, it’s always a good idea to bring warm clothing, as the nights can be cool.

Rules and Regulations: It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations at Silver Strand State Beach. Pets are allowed in the campground but must be on a leash at all times. Fires are only allowed in the designated fire rings, and alcohol is prohibited on the beach.

Silver Strand Camping is available for self-contained recreational vehicles, motorhomes, or trailers only, per Coastal Commission regulations. The minimum requirement is a built-in sink with an enclosed drain system and a portable toilet with a holding tank. Vehicles not meeting the minimum requirements will be turned away.

Campground Details:

• Price: $65 per night for a premium site. $50 per night for standard site
• Number of sites: 120
• RV sites: Yes
• Fires allowed: Yes 
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Crown Cove Aquatic Center, Crown Cove swimming beach, nature walks, kayak tours, campfire programs, Junior Rangers, San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, bike path, Coronado Cays Park
• Online Reservations: Silver Strand State Beach Campground Reservations
  or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

Campland on the Bay

This private campground is located on Mission Bay, just a few miles from the ocean. The campground offers beachfront campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as RV sites and cabins. There are plenty of amenities on-site, including a pool, hot tub, and boat rentals.

Activities: Campland on the Bay is a great place for families, as there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. There are also on-site bike rentals and a skate park.

Rules and Regulations: It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations at Campland on the Bay. Pets are allowed in the campground but must be on a leash at all times. Fires are only allowed in the designated fire pits, and quiet hours are enforced from 10 pm to 7 am.

Campground Details:

• Price: Standard campsites – $35 per night
  Premium oceanfront (no hook-ups) – $50
  Standard hook-up sites – $60
  Premium oceanfront with hook-ups – $75
• Number of sites: 165
• RV sites: Yes
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Cardiff State Beach, Fletcher Cove Beach Park, bike rentals in Solana Beach, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, San Diego Botanic Garden
• Online Reservations: San Elijo State Beach Campground Reservations
  or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

San Elijo State Beach

Located in Encinitas, this state beach offers camping on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. The campsites have fire rings and picnic tables, and there are restrooms and showers available. The beach is great for surfing and swimming, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the nearby town of Encinitas.

A camp store and snack bar located near the campground entrance operates from March through December and provides all the amenities a camper may need including some RV supplies, boogie boards, and firewood.

Rules and Regulations: It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations at San Elijo State Beach. Pets are allowed in the campground but must be on a leash at all times. Fires are only allowed in the designated fire rings, and alcohol is prohibited on the beach.

Weather: The weather at San Elijo State Beach is generally mild year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, it’s always a good idea to bring warm clothing, as the nights can be cool.

Campground Details:

• Price: Standard campsites – $35 per night
  Premium oceanfront (no hook-ups) – $50
  Standard hook-up sites – $60
  Premimium oceanfront with hook-ups – $75
• Number of sites: 165
• RV sites: Yes
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Cardiff State Beach, Fletcher Cove Beach Park, bike rentals in Solana Beach, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, San Diego Botanic Garden
• Online Reservations: San Elijo State Beach Campground Reservations
  or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

La Jolla Indian Campground

This private campground is located in the foothills of the Palomar Mountains, about an hour’s drive from San Diego. The campground offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and teepees. There is a small lake for swimming and fishing, as well as hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.

Amenities: The campground at La Jolla Indian Campground offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a camp store that sells firewood, ice, and other camping essentials. There are also picnic areas and a playground for children.

Activities: In addition to hiking and biking, there are plenty of other recreational activities to enjoy at La Jolla Indian Campground. The campground has a swimming pool, riding bike, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court. There are also nearby opportunities for fishing, boating, and golfing.

Rules and Regulations: It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations at La Jolla Indian Campground. Pets are allowed in the campground but must be on a leash at all times. Fires are only allowed in the designated fire pits, and alcohol is prohibited in the campground.

Online Reservations: La Jolla Indian Campground

Cardiff State Beach

This state beach is located in the city of Cardiff-by-the-Sea and offers campsites on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. The campsites have fire rings and picnic tables, and there are restrooms and showers available. The beach is great for surfing and swimming, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.

Campsites: The campground at Cardiff State Beach offers 34 campsites, including tent sites and RV sites. The sites can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers up to 35 feet in length. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and access to restrooms and showers.

Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended for camping at Cardiff State Beach and can be made up to six months in advance. It’s important to book your site early, as the campground tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

Amenities: The campground at Cardiff State Beach offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a camp store that sells firewood, ice, and other camping essentials. There are also picnic areas, a children’s playground, and a campfire center.

Weather: The weather at Cardiff State Beach is generally mild year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, it’s always a good idea to bring warm clothing, as the nights can be coolRules and Regulations: It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations at Cardiff State Beach. Pets are allowed in the campground but must be on a leash at all times. Fires are only allowed in the designated fire rings, and alcohol is prohibited on the beach.

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

This private campground is located in the city of Santee and offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and yurts. There are several lakes for fishing and swimming, as well as hiking trails and a playground.

Campsites: The campground at Santee Lakes offers 300 campsites, including tent sites and RV sites. The sites can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers up to 45 feet in length. Each site includes a picnic table and access to restrooms and showers.

Amenities: The campground at Santee Lakes offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, a laundry facility, and a camp store that sells firewood, ice, and other camping essentials. There are also picnic areas, playgrounds, and a swimming pool.

Activities: In addition to fishing and boating, there are plenty of other recreational activities to enjoy at Santee Lakes. The park has miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as horseshoe pits, a basketball court, and a disc golf course.

By following these tips, you can have an enjoyable and safe camping experience at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. With its beautiful lakes, great amenities, and easy access to nearby attractions, it’s a great destination for a family-friendly camping trip.

Tamarack Beach

Tamarack Beach is a small beachfront campground located in the city of Carlsbad, California, just a few miles north of San Diego. Here are some important things to know before you go camping at Tamarack Beach:

Location: Tamarack Beach is located on a beautiful stretch of beach in Carlsbad, with easy access to swimming, surfing, and fishing. The campground is also close to several nearby attractions, including LEGOLAND California and the Sea Life Aquarium.

Amenities: The campground at Tamarack Beach offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a camp store that sells firewood, ice, and other camping essentials. There are also picnic areas and a children’s playground.

Campsites: The campground at Tamarack Beach offers 43 campsites, including tent sites and RV sites. The sites can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers up to 31 feet in length. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and access to restrooms and showers.

Weather: The weather at Tamarack Beach is generally mild year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, it’s always a good idea to bring warm clothing, as the nights can be cool.

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

This state park is located about two hours from San Diego and offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. The lake is great for swimming and boating, and there are hiking trails and a nature center on-site.

Amenities: The campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a camp store that sells firewood, ice, and other camping essentials. There are also picnic areas, a children’s playground, and a nature center.

Activities: In addition to swimming, boating, and fishing, there are plenty of other recreational activities to enjoy at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as guided nature walks and campfire programs.

Rules and Regulations: It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. Pets are allowed in the campground but must be on a leash at all times. Fires are only allowed in the designated fire rings, and alcohol is prohibited in the park.

Campground Details:

• Price: $45 per night for a standard site,
  $50 for a site with Hook-ups (sites #96 – 135 in New Mesa)
• Number of sites: 142
• RV sites: Yes
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Amphitheater, Trails, Silverwood Lake, Cleghorn Day Use Area
• Online Reservations: Silverwood Lake SRA Campground Reservations or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

When planning your beach camping trip to San Diego, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to make reservations well in advance, as beach campsites can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. Also, be aware of the rules and regulations for the campground you choose, such as restrictions on campfires and alcohol.

Overall, beach camping in San Diego is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the comfort of a campsite. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family vacation, there’s a beach camping spot in San Diego that’s perfect for you.