Beach camping in California Coast

Pick your camping spot along some 800 miles of Pacific coastline, from Crescent City to San Diego.

93% (967 reviews)

United States
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California
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California Coast

93% (967 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California Coast

Community favorites in and near California Coast

Public campgrounds in and near California Coast

100%

(4)

China Camp Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Los Padres National Forest

98%

(32)

Arroyo Seco Campground

38 sites · RVs, Tents In Los Padres National Forest

100%

(12)

Lupine Camps

22 sites · RVs, Tents In Manresa State Beach

100%

(16)

Bay Camps

14 sites · RVs, Tents In Manresa State Beach

98%

(884)

Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

174 sites · RVs, Tents In Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

100%

(7)

Seacliff State Beach Campground

35 sites In Seacliff State Beach

95%

(51)

Sunset Campground

85 sites · RVs, Tents In Sunset State Beach

93%

(40)

Andrew Molera Trail Camp

24 sites In Andrew Molera State Park

Right after the storm passed through. The pelicans were going nuts!

99%

(69)

New Brighton Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents In New Brighton State Beach

One of the Redwood sites in the morning light.

99%

(108)

Limekiln Campground

28 sites · RVs, Tents In Limekiln State Park

The primitive campsites are just about everything a campsite needs - table, grilll, fire pit, shade, wildlife, conveniently located near the I5 for those trips throughout California as a stopover

100%

(3)

Medeiros Campground

1 site In San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

98%

(130)

Kirk Creek Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents In Los Padres National Forest

Stories from the community

Maureen

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

We loved this place! We only stayed on night along our drive home. Really nice coming from the north even though Hwy 1 north of the property was closed. A beautiful/ kinda scary drive but if you go slow, it’s an experience. Reminded me of the road to Hana! lol! You gotta be into rustic vibes. Epic view, full moon rise. Creek side fire. We are it up! The redwood Gazebo is up a steep hill. We backpacked up with our sleeping bags, pillows and other little essentials. We wish we would have done all our business down low before we hiked up. I’d bring a couple libations and snacks. Chilling up in the perch is epic! We will be back!!

4 nights at San Juan Bautista Dog Friendly

We really enjoyed our four nights at Mi Querida ranch. It was so beautiful and peaceful. It is close to a lot of pretty places. We loved giving carrots to Daisy the donkey and Hannah the horse. We had a wild turkey staying in a pine tree near our campsite. What a charming place and Nancy is a very nice host.

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

We camped here for a night in a tent. The place has all the facilities mentioned including hot water, kitchenette and a shower. Some of the camping sites were a little overgrown (but still flat) but the ones by the river are definitely very nice! The steam flows through the property and sounds so peaceful. The beach is right opposite the property and is a very short walk. The host seemed pretty helpful and has done a good job maintaining all the provided facilities. I would definitely recommend camping here!

Weekend Trip to Beach RV Pleasure Point

the site was perfect, staff friendly, and great location.

Jasmine

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

This was our second time camping here and it was just as lovely as the first. All the little animals are adorable. The kitchen is always helpful. The Redwood Room Gazebo was a great site! Worth the short hike up and down.

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

We loved camping at Dabudage. Great location, easy to access from the South and an awesome way to camp in Big Sur without having to plan a year in advance. Lots of space between tent sites. Kid and dog friendly! We’ll be back :)

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

Incredible weekend stay. My boyfriend and I go to school in the city and Dabudage was exactly the escape we were hoping it to be. Green, cozy, safe, rustic. The owners are very nice amenable people who we enjoyed talking too. Very chill vibe in general. I would absolutely reccomend !

1 night at dabudage Big Sur

This place was amazing! 10/10, will, do, and have recommended. It’s so peaceful and quiet. Please remember keeping it clean is a team effort!

1 night at dabudage Big Sur

What a beautiful property! Very friendly hosts along with friendly visits from the cats and dogs. Easily one of the most unique campsites I’ve ever been to and plan on returning someday!

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

I’ve set up camp here on two different trips up the coast now and it’s becoming one of my favorite places to call home base! Gene and his family have built a small paradise here, are accommodating to any requests we’ve ever had, and are just as open to hanging around the campfire for dinner as they are to letting you have your space or explore the land. Will def be coming back to hang with the cats, dogs, and chickens too!!

1 night at San Juan Bautista Dog Friendly

There was enough space to park and comfortably camp in our 15’ trailer while our dog wandered the property. It was a great evening and there was a nice, clean bathroom to use. We were able to say hi to the horse and donkey in the morning while we cooked breakfast. Super friendly host.

1 night at Beach RV Pleasure Point

We loved the location! We took advantage of the location in the morning and walked to Verve coffee and then the amazing coastal neighborhoods! Hosts were attentive and gave great dinner and restaurant recommendations!. Super close to beach and the boardwalk!

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

Nothing short of magical. Beautiful location with convenient amenities and great hikes close by. Host and his family were very pleasant! Will definitely visit again in the future.

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

Amazing spot to rest up for a night and enjoy a little canyon in Big Sur. We parked in their second drive way with our van, Arrival from Cambria was easy, right off the PCH in Late March 2025. Super nice family, were fun to chat with about life on the coast and shaping surf boards. Will come by again if we are on the south side of Big Sur

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

Beautiful location, we had a great experience and would definitely come back!

1 night at Beach RV Pleasure Point

A welcoming little RV park, conveniently located close to Santa Cruz marina. The showers were hot, the bathrooms were clean and the sites were easy to park in. We enjoyed our stay!

The Casita trailer was comfy and cozy, in a great location. It was a perfect overnight stop while visiting the SC area. Hosts were welcoming and responsive.

2 nights at dabudage Big Sur

Loved camping out at this site. Was my 2nd time here! Creek is nature's best white noise. Just wished it wasn't rainy and windy this trip haha.

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

Definitely a great place! Recommend getting there before dark as it can be hard to find. Be prepared for minimal to no cell service during your stay. The host(s) were great and willing to assist in any way possible. We would definitely stay again!

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

Beautiful spot with cats roaming everywhere. Me and my friends stayed over night and it was so beautiful, quiet, and so fun. You can walk down to the beach and hangout my the creek. Lots of exploring.

3 top beach campgrounds in California Coast

95%

(600)

dabudage Big Sur

9 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CA

DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. ***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. *We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site. There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity. Hwy 1 is currently closed to the north of this land. The only access is through Cambria from the south or over the mountain from King City off of Hwy 101 There is a small communal guest kitchen, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers. A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the previous structures. It is in the process of rebuilding. Children are welcome. Alcohol is discouraged. No electronic music devices. Fires in designated pits only. Dogs are welcome off-leash. Pack out trash. TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from. *YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED Requests are usually checked once daily. You can also visit our site on the web at dabugage dot com for more info

Beach RV Pleasure Point

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Santa Cruz, CA

Nestled between Rodeo Creek and Corcoran Lagoon, on the edge of the iconic Pleasure Point neighborhood, our small, no-frills 16-space RV park is now open to vacationers for the first time in over three decades! We offer one of the rarest stays in Santa Cruz—a full-hookup RV spot just steps to the beach. Our snug, mostly-gravel, creekside spaces accommodate RVs up to 40', with nightly or weekly stay options. Stay like a local, right in the mix of the best Santa Cruz has to offer. Beach RV Pleasure Point is the only park between the Harbor and Aptos, and we're minutes from the The Hook, Capitola, downtown Santa Cruz, and the Boardwalk.

99%

(162)

San Juan Bautista Dog Friendly

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · San Juan Bautista, CA

Known to many in the Bay Area as the "Nearby Getaway," Mi Querida is a quick and easy drive from the SF Bay Area. Come to relax in peace and quiet, pleasant outdoor. A short drive away but far from troubles you've left behind! Relax and rejuvenate. The weather is always temperate, sometimes the evening marine layer lavishly blankets the rolling hills like cotton. Evening campfires are cozy and relaxing. Easy access to Highway 101 for "Nearby Getaways" or convenient stops along your travels. Nearby attractions include whale watching, Elkhorn Slough Safaris, fishing, Monterey Zoo, Fisherman's Whart, world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and miles of beaches, redwoods, miles of bike trails from the new Coastline Trail to Fort Ord and Niscene Marks Redwoods, wine tasting and more. Host is a well-experienced event and tour planner. Simply ask for recommendations. Come to your "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great sky views, and pleasant country walks, or step back in time to the Mission-era town of San Juan Bautista without commercialism! Well, we do have a gas station, a market, the active mission, of course, a step back in history, a few quaint restaurants, craft beer and local wines in our "one-horse" historical town. For the ultimate Nearby Getaway book the entire property and bring along your own selected guest list of friends or family. We invite private groups to exclusive use of the property for Getaways, family & friends picnics, celebrations, reunions, even weddings. Day use or overnite facilities. Groups of 1-100. NEWS FLASH: Skip the long stopover at urban EV charging stations. Charge your EV overnite! Special rates for stopover charging! Easy off and on to Highway 101, 129. 156 and on your way! Learn more about this land: This is a large flat site with rolling hills, lovely rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoarde. Spot the breeding pair of Bald Eagles who swoop down almost low enough to touch! Wildlife abounds. Easy access from Highway 101, yet private and secluded. Historic San Juan Bautista Mission and town nearby. Monterey/Carmel 30 minutes. Santa Cruz/Beaches 20 minutes. Hollister, Salinas, or Gilroy 20 minutes. Site will accommodate RV, Sprintervan, or trailer 50/30/20 amp service. Tents welcome too! Water. Ranch "outhouse" with flushable composting style toilet, running hot & cold water, shower and electricity. Bunkhouse rustic accommodations available. Contact Host for details. Tent and Car Top Tent sites also available. Contact Host for details. Beautiful peaceful historic San Juan Bautista. Quaint historic mission town nearby with restaurants. Hiking trails nearby Horseback riding woods & beach. Equine Facilities available. 20 min to beach or redwoods. Beautiful rural area. Weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life; event camp; event site. Family groups and events always welcome! Call for more information. NOTE: This property is located in a very private country area. It is approximately 8 minutes from the small historic town of San Juan Bautista. We meet our first time guests at the Park & Ride as a welcome courtesy so you can easily follow us in and around the potholes on our rural roads! Let us know if we can assist you with any special interests or attractions in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast Area. As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

96%

(438)

Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

97%

(36)

Manresa State Beach

La Selva Beach, California

98%

(884)

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Carmel Valley Village, California

Pajaro Dunes, California

93%

(40)

Andrew Molera State Park

Carmel Valley Village, California

99%

(69)

New Brighton State Beach

Pine Canyon, California

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

88%

(14)

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

Santa Nella, California

Other options in and near California Coast

Booked 3 times

Cotillion Gardens RV Park

2 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Felton, CA

Campers looking to explore the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods can spend their nights at Cotillion Gardens RV Park, a rare spot bordering Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park off of Highway 9. Here, you’ll find an array of pet-friendly RV sites, San Lorenzo River-front camping cabins (bring your own bedding!), and four designated tent camping sites with wooden platforms, fire pits, and picnic tables. Take advantage of direct state park access to discover beautiful Redwood Grove Loop Trail and other hiking trails, home to some of California’s oldest redwood trees. RV sites can accommodate up to 6 guests in travel trailers, big rigs, and fifth-wheel trailers up to 36 feet, with options ranging from 30-amp electrical service to full hookups and sewer connections. Standout amenities include a heated swimming pool (May to October), laundry facilities, redwood forest horseshoe pits, and for the kids, a playground and clubhouse filled with games. Choose site #68 if you need pull-through access—also, look out for offseason discounts and even extended-stay RV sites.

100%

(2)

Fernwood Resort

24 sites1 acre · Big Sur, CA

Fernwood Resort stands out as a unique all-purpose facility nestled within a stunning redwood forest, offering a diverse range of accommodations and amenities for every type of traveler. Our property features a cozy 12-unit motel, charming Forest and Meadow View cabins, and a delightful Redwood Bar & Grill. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of our General Store & Espresso Bar, as well as a welcoming tavern. For those seeking outdoor adventure, our 60-unit campground is perfect for large RVs up to 30 feet and includes tent cabins situated along the picturesque banks of the Big Sur River. We also offer Adventure Tents for glamping enthusiasts, providing a luxurious camping experience. Stay connected with our Calendar of Events, where you can find information about weekend music, festivals, and various activities. Fernwood Campground is conveniently located adjacent to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, granting easy access to breathtaking hiking trails and a memorable winter camping experience. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, Fernwood Resort has something for everyone.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping in California Coast guide

Overview

Looking to pitch your tent or park your RV while soaking up the sun on the California Coast? Look no further than Hipcamp. With over 480 options available in California Coast, you'll find the perfect beachside campsite to suit your needs. Whether you prefer a secluded spot or a lively campground, we've got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and SLO Country Camp (394 reviews) to see why they're so popular. And with amenities like potable water, trash disposal, and pet-friendly policies, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, with activities like fishing, whitewater paddling, and hiking nearby, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained during your beach camping adventure. So pack your sunscreen and get ready to experience the beauty of the California Coast.