Searching for the ideal location to set up your tent and take in the mesmerizing Pacific Ocean views? Look no further than the breathtaking beachside campgrounds in Southern California. Southern California has some of the most stunning and sought-after beach campsites in the nation thanks to its miles of unspoiled coastline. Camping spots on the beach in Southern California is an experience not to be missed, whether you’re an enthusiastic surfer, a nature lover, or just looking for a quiet retreat.
These campgrounds, which stretch from San Diego to Santa Barbara, provide a special chance to take in the area’s natural splendor while getting up close and personal with its breathtaking coastline. So gather your camping supplies, prepare your cooler, and get ready for the greatest beach camping experience in Southern California.
Read Also: CAMPGROUNDS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: Top 10
#1. Jalama Beach County Park
One of the nicest camping sites in Southern California to set up a beachside camp is Jalama Beach County Park. with seven cozy cabins and 100 campsites with coastal views. Just south of Vandenberg Air Force Base, Jalama Beach is located north of Santa Barbara. The most remote campground on our list is this one, so make sure to pack everything you need.
The renowned Jalama Burger is the only service provided, but there is also a small restaurant and a store on the premises. The location of this park and campground in Santa Barbara County is 9999 Jalama Road in Lompoc, California.
#2. Santa Rose Island
Do you want to support a national park while simultaneously seeking a more secluded beach camping adventure? Both of those activities are available on Santa Rosa Island. Santa Rosa Island is accessible by ferry or private aircraft. You’ll have a camping experience that most people wouldn’t get to have if you make the trip to Santa Rosa Island to set up camp.
#3. Silver Strand State Beach
Coronado Peninsula’s Silver Strand State Beach is located there. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length can fit there. They provide an oversized vehicle charge if your large car would obstruct two campsites. Every RV must be self-sufficient. The closest campsites to the shore are sites 101 through 137, but none are more than a few steps away.
#4. Gaviota State Park Camping
Before turning inland toward Buellton and Solvang, Route 101 makes its final stop at Gaviota State Park. There are 41 constructed campsites that can hold RVs up to 27 feet in length and tents. There are hiking paths connecting Gaviota State Park to Los Padres National Forest.
Both a fishing pier and a sandy beach can be found in Gaviota SP. Due to the small size of this park, you will likely camp near other campers. The address of Gaviota State Park in Goleta, California, is 10 Refugio Beach Road.
#5. Point Mugu State Park
This is one of the camping spots in Southern California to have fun. You can set up camp not far from the charming Point Mugu Beach, which has rocky cliffs, driftwood, and a lot of spots to unwind and go fishing. Campsites include hammock-friendly trees and breathtaking nighttime sky views.
Point Mugu State Park’s beach is just distant enough from the busy town of Malibu and its well-known beaches to make you feel like you are still alone in nature. Camping at Point Mugu’s Sycamore Canyon Campground is a fantastic way to be close to the beach and easily access it whenever you want.
#6. San Elijo State Beach Campground
You can camp with ocean views on the bluff and watch the Pacific Ocean’s sunset from there. A fantastic area to camp overall, close to the San Elijo Lagoon for a quick trek or run, and close to stores for food and beverages.
This campground is situated close to both the San Elijo Lagoon and the beach. Go swimming at the beach during the day. The sunsets here are really spectacular. You can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the campground if you want to get some exercise and stretch your legs.
#7. Faria Beach Park – Ventura County
Another tiny beach campground managed by Ventura County is Faria. 38 campsites are available at Faria Beach Park, which is a few miles south of Hobson Beach. With unhindered views of the Pacific, numbers 7 through 34 are situated right on the water. Every camp is only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not accepted. It can be very difficult to find a spot here, especially over the summer and on weekends with holidays. A little bistro nearby offers breakfast and lunch. Old Rincon Highway, 4350, Ventura, CA 93001.
#8. Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park
With 124 sites for tents and RVs, Jumbo Rocks Campground is the biggest campground in Joshua Tree National Park. It is in the middle of the park and close to some notable landmarks, like Skull Rock. It is one of five campgrounds that accept bookings from October through May when it is busiest. Other campgrounds that accept reservations include Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Ryan Camping. Three constructed, first-come, first-served campgrounds, Hidden Valley Campgrounds, and a variety of basic camping options are also available in the park.
#9. Serrano Campground, San Bernardino National Forest
Some of the nicest lake camping in California can be found at Serrano Campsite, which is close to Big Bear Lake’s cool waters in the San Bernardino National Forest. There are more than 100 campsites there that can accommodate both tents and RVs. It is a seasonal attraction that is only open during the summer and shoulder seasons and is reachable via the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. The Dogwood Campsite is five minutes drive from Lake Arrowhead, a close-by town that welcomes tourists.
#10. Green Valley Campground
Located an hour to the west of San Diego, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers relief from the summer’s oppressive heat. It has a lush oak and conifer forest, meandering streams, and elevations above 4,000 feet within the Peninsular Range. With more than 80 campsites close to the Sweetwater River and its several swimming holes, the park’s Green Valley Campsite is a well-liked family campground. Another well-liked location to set up a tent or leave an RV is the Paso Picacho Campsite, which has space for up to 40 campers. These campgrounds frequently have nighttime skies that are so dark that they are ideal for seeing the Milky Way.
#11. Fern Basin Campground
This primitive campground, which is close to the alpine town of Idyllwild, has 22 sites and a wide range of recreational options. For the summer months, reservations are encouraged for this well-liked campground. All overnight visitors have access to potable water and vault toilets.
The campground’s Marion Mountain Trailhead offers a challenging 11.8-mile trek to Mount San Jacinto’s summit. However, the nearby San Bernardino National Forest has a number of less challenging hiking paths that connect to the campground, making it popular with both peak baggers and casual hikers.
The amiable town of Idyllwild, which is one of California’s best small towns, is just under seven miles away and offers supermarkets, restaurants, live music, and other conveniences. It is indeed one of the must-visit camping sites in Southern California.
#12. Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley National Park
Even while the idea of camping in a place called Death Valley might not sound all that tempting, the vast desert environment of the park is far from hostile.
One of Death Valley’s easiest campgrounds to get to is Furnace Creek, which is also close to the park’s most well-known visitor center. The Golden Canyons and the inspirational Zabriskie Point, two of Death Valley’s most beautiful locations, are close to Furnace Creek.
The Furnace Creek region of the park is also home to two additional well-liked campgrounds, including the Sunset Campground, which has 270 sites available. In Death Valley National Park, it seldom happens that every campsite is taken. In Death Valley National Park, the majority of campgrounds, including Furnace Creek and Sunset, offer running water and flushing toilets.
How Much Do Composites Cost in California?
The cost of a campsite in California can range from $40 to $90 per night, depending on the place and kind of campervan. Often, a site in a national park is less expensive than a private property. The supplier KOA also has special deals available (Kampgrounds of America).
Is California Good for Camping?
The fact that camping in California is some of the best in the nation shouldn’t come as a surprise. The setting and climate make it simple; there is almost too much natural beauty to pick from, including cliffs, marshland areas, and beaches that are always warm.
Are You Allowed to Camp on the Beach in California?
Beach camping is a little different in California than it is in other areas due to the rugged cliffs that line much of the state’s coastline. Others are more like a coastal cliff stronghold than an exquisite expanse of white sand, and other places only permit camping a short distance back from the beach.