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The best camping near Moonlight State Beach

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Moonlight State Beach adventure.

This family-friendly beach makes it easy to go swimming, surfing, and fishing all summer long.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Moonlight State Beach

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Moonlight State Beach

97%
(639)

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

31 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres ¡ Fallbrook, CA
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
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$32
 / night
94%
(934)

Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

19 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres ¡ Palomar Mountain, CA
This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.
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$60
 / night
99%
(289)

Campo Nopalito

5 sites ¡ Lodging15 acres ¡ Valley Center, CA
Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on this beautiful property! In case you’re interested, here are a few interesting things about our farm. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits.
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$90
 / night
97%
(32)

Faye Park

7 sites ¡ Tents2 acres ¡ Vista, CA
Hello beautiful humans! Welcome to Faye Park; an Integration Sanctuary. Come here to stop doing and start being. Slow down, connect with nature, lay under elder trees, or sit by the fire. We are located 10 miles inland from the coast, where the ocean breeze still kisses our trees. This neighborhood is pretty rural, where everyone has land and a host of wildlife to encounter. A few artists live on site and love to share live music jam sessions and projects. We also offer add-ons such as fire cupping/body work, meals, and integrative therapy. Just being here will reset your mind, body, and spirit. We and the land look forward to holding space for you.
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$22
 / night
95%
(116)

San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ El Cajon, CA
As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space. It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip. The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher. It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer. Today there are just a few bees in the area.
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$39
 / night
96%
(38)

Black Canyon Family Farm

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents53 acres ¡ Ramona, CA
A few acres of natural land. There is a seasonal creek running through the area. It's a very quiet area. It's primitive, natural and we love it that way. The creek runs into the Cleveland national forest and down to the Mesa Grande Indian reservation. There is hiking and exploring! Come throw a tent up in one of the two camp sites or a hammock in the trees.. Hike the nature preserves in Santa Ysabel. Go to Wynola enjoy craft beverages, Josie's live music off the 76. Or just enjoy the peacefulness of the forest here and hike and reset your mind. The top 13 are residential, the bottom 40 will be open for exploring, camping, hiking and gardening! We are new homesteaders trying to do things more organically and real free range for our animals. We have a farm on the top 13 acres with cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. More animals will come soon. We will eventually like to offer food from our farm to our guests. That way they can actually see where the food comes from and how ours raised!
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$50
 / night
92%
(78)

Apple Blossom Farms

2 sites ¡ RVs20 acres ¡ Bonsall, CA
Our farm is quiet and private but still central to all the fun of Southern California. We are 15-20 minutes to the beach (13 miles) Disneyland: 68 miles San Diego Zoo Safari park: 29 miles Legoland: 18 miles Sea World: 47 miles We are fun, friendly farmers who are looking for friends who can support us in our journey to revitalize the trees on this amazing property. Apple Blossom Farms recently got our certification as CCOF Organic but it has been organically growing with different owners for 20+ years. If you like the movie, Biggest Little Farm, you will love what we are doing with restoring this regenerative farm to its former glory before fires and aging owners.  If you like the movie, Biggest Little Farm, you will love what we are doing with restoring this regenerative farm to its former glory before fires and aging owners. We wanted a place for our sons to learn how food was grown, hard work, and to appreciate nature. It felt like a miracle when our offer was accepted to buy it. We are learning so much and have more to learn but we can see how God has led us here and is sending lots of amazing people to help us overcome the obstacles and succeed! Thanks for being a part of our dream.
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$30
 / night
100%
(4)

Grey Blooms Flower Farm

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Vista, CA
Welcome to our cozy gated piece of paradise! Located just 10 miles away from the beautiful coastline, our property offers the perfect getaway for nature lovers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, we have you covered. Situated only 5 miles from the popular Wave Water Park, you'll have easy access to endless fun and excitement. After a day of splashing around, retreat back to our peaceful and quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you're in the mood for some exploration, head to the quaint town just 5 miles away. Discover charming shops, local eateries, and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, our property provides the ideal base for your stay. Book your stay now and experience the serenity and convenience that our cozy gated piece of paradise has to offer. We can't wait to welcome you!
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$65
 / night
100%
(28)

Las Palmas

3 sites ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Oceanside, CA
The oldest neighborhood in Oceanside, Plumosa Heights has ocean breezes with views of the Oceanside coast and mountains. In fact, the first house ever built in Oceanside is behind our property. A very walkable community with a Farmers Market located in downtown on Thursday mornings and a Sunset Market in the evening with tons of food vendors and music. If you are a lover of good food, microbrews and/or coffee, there are many amazing spots within a mile of our neighborhood that you can experience. Oceanside is between Los Angeles and San Diego which makes for a good jumping off point to these larger cities. Learn more about this land: Our neighborhood is the oldest in Oceanside and we live up against a canyon which makes it very private. This rare, very clean 1967 Boles Aero Vintage Trailer has been completely restored and placed into a large gated space with a private entrance for comfortable glamping that is within walking distance to Oceanside's best coastal restaurants, cafes, vintage stores, and the pier. The train station is located less than half a mile away for easy travel to downtown San Diego or Los Angeles. The Sprinter station, which is within blocks can take you West to East and runs every half hour. There is shade and views of the eastern corridor of North County San Diego. Towels and linens are provided as well as dishware. The kitchen is supplied with a 2 burner electric stove and cookware, utensils to make simple meals. The bathroom has a full shower and a clean composting toilet. Sustainability is front of mind so please be conscious of any waste. Hot water is included.
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$119
 / night
95%
(64)

Thundering Hawk Retreat

10 sites ¡ Lodging50 acres ¡ Valley Center, CA
Welcome to our hipcamp located on a 50-acre flower farm in the heart of Valley Center. As soon as you arrive, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery, and the sound of the creek flowing nearby will immediately put you at ease. Our serene setting is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Our property is bursting with color and nature, thanks to the many types of flowers and plants that we cultivate here. You'll love wandering through the fields and taking in the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful getaway, our hipcamp is the perfect place to disconnect and recharge. At night, the stars shine bright overhead, and the peaceful sounds of the creek and wildlife create a calming atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're camping in a tent, staying in a camper, or enjoying one of our clamping bell tents, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our farm. We can't wait to share our little slice of paradise with you! Follow us on Instagram @thunderinghawkretreat
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$99
 / night
92%
(151)

The Crest Co-Op

3 sites ¡ RVs1 acre ¡ Spring Valley, CA
After spending a few years traveling around the world and working remotely, we chose San Diego to settle down and start a family. Given our unconventional lifestyle and the old-school mentality of mortgage lenders, it took us a while to buy our first home. It is a fixer-upper house with about an acre of land. We recently added a garden, citrus trees, grill, patio, and plan to add more amenities for campers. We love our home and the land around it, and we hope you do too! Since we chose San Diego out of anywhere in the world to live, we have tons of great recommendations to enhance your stay. We are open to both short-term and long-term stays. We thank you for sharing our space that we call the Crest Co-op, and we thank you for contributing to our never-ending-projects-fund. People that stay with us love our views, both facing north where you will see the 3 largest peaks in the region, and at the top of our driveway where you can see the ocean and downtown San Diego. The sunsets are unreal! Our guests also love the recommendations. As avid travelers, we can help you find the best restaurant, beach, brewery, hike, or whatever you are into. **PLEASE READ TO ENSURE THIS IS A GOOD MUTUAL FIT** When you submit a request or message, please let us know what kind of vehicle you have, especially the length. Please note that if the total length of your vehicle (for those with trailers that includes the length of the truck) should be under 35 ft. This is a general guideline since we've found larger vehicles are difficult to back down our driveway. We have backed a 33 ft airstream down the driveway with a 20ft truck so it is doable if you are a pro at backing up, but please note this before booking. Also please let us know if you plan to use electricity or water, and add on the electricity since this costs us a lot of money. San Diego Gas and Energy is the most expensive energy in the country and our average electricity bill is over $700 per month, so we unfortunately have to pass on some of these costs if you decide to plug in. Wifi and water are free. Last, if you tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking to do in San Diego we can try to make your stay more enjoyable with conversation and recommendations. See ya soon!
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$40
 / night
98%
(319)

Bailes Farm

4 sites ¡ Lodging80 acres ¡ Fallbrook, CA
One of the last remaining undeveloped parts of Southern California, De Luz Heights is located adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest, and the Santa Margarita River (just a few miles from the campsite). This 12-month flowing river is the only one in Southern California that has never been altered or dammed by humans, and features a state-managed hiking trail with many water holes along the way with clear, clean water to dip into. On my 80 acres, there are no major roads going through or next to the property. My land is 13 miles from the Pacific ocean and enjoys a relatively mild yearly climate. Giant boulders provide topographical relief and offer platforms from which to enjoy the view of the nearby Santa Margarita Mountains. The valley views are filled with olive and avocado groves, vineyards, and horse ranches. The Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base is nearby, so you might hear some artillery in the distance on some occasions. The campsite embraces all the comforts of "glamping": a hot shower, composting toilet, beds with sheets provided, gas grill with a stovetop, pots and pans, kitchenware, a sink, picnic table, shaded deck, sofa, lounge chairs, and propane fire pit. The basics are provided: toilet paper, paper towels, purified drinking water, towels, sheets, cooking oil, etc. Campers need to bring their own blankets. I've created a network of hiking trails for especially fit hikers looking for a more rigorous hike than the nearby Santa Margarita River Trail. My trails lead through creek beds, over boulders, through rocky crags, with views of the Pacific ocean on a clear day. Hikers on my trails need to wear proper hiking boots with good traction. Sections of my trails will require bouldering with hands and feet. Expect to have fatigued quadriceps, some scrapes, and a sweaty hat brim. The campsite is accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle; I drive a Kia Forte out there regularly. However, some tips when driving a two-wheel drive car: when going uphill on a dirt road, try to keep some momentum of about 12-15 MPH. If you stop and try to start again, your tires will spin out. If that happens, just reverse down the hill, and try it again with more momentum.
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$129
 / night

The best camping near Moonlight State Beach guide

Overview

About

There’s a reason Moonlight Beach is consistently listed among the top-rated beaches in the region. The flat sand, free parking, and state-of-the-art playground make it a popular spot for San Diego County residents, especially during the height of summer. The beach has many amenities—recreational equipment rentals are available for tennis and volleyball courts, with a snack bar to supplement your family picnic. There’s no campground at Moonlight, but you can find camping at South Carlsbad State Beach or San Elijo State Beach, each located nearby on Highway 101.

When to go

The park is open daily at dawn, with beach parking available from 5am until 10pm. Lifeguard towers are open from 10am to 6pm during the summer season, from late June to Labor Day. Expect crowds on holiday weekends and during peak season. The ADA-accessible viewpoint at the Moonlight Beach Overlook is available on a first-come, first-served basis—arrive early to find on-street parking or come to watch sunset.

Know before you go

  • All City of Encinitas beaches are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • No dogs, portable grills, alcohol, smoking, or glass are allowed.
  • Moonlight State Beach and its parking lot are ADA accessible.
  • Restrooms, showers, and picnic facilities are available year-round.

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