The best camping in South Carlsbad State Beach, CA

About a half-hour drive north of San Diego, South Carlsbad State Beach offers direct access to around three miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline, making it among the more popular spots to camp in the area during the sunny summer months. The 223-site campground is set on bluffs overlooking the beach and over half of the sites have direct ocean views, perfect for taking in the sunset. Stairs lead down to the shore, and there’s ramp access for those who need it. Other facilities include a camp store, laundry facilities, a dump station, and free wifi.

1. You can reserve your campsite at South Carlsbad State Beach up to six months in advance on the California State Parks website or over the phone.
2. There are only 15 hookup sites at the campground, all clustered together near the camp store. If you require a hookup site, reserve as early as possible.
3. The maximum length for RVs in the campground is 35 feet for all sites.
4. Sites 1-72 and 156-223 look out directly on the beach.
5. If you’re unable to secure a site at South Carlsbad State Beach, you may have better luck with one of the private campgrounds or Hipcamps in the area.

South Carlsbad State Beach is a year-round destination, but the weather is at its most pleasant for swimming and sunbathing from July through September. Crowds begin to dissipate after the Labor Day weekend, but warm temperatures generally last well into October. This is also a good time to surf, though seasoned surfers may prefer the larger swells that come in the wintertime. Note that lifeguard towers are staffed during summer, with limited staffing in spring and fall.

• There are plenty of spots to pick up supplies (including a supermarket) within a few minutes’ drive of the campground.
• The park offers extensive accessible features, including picnic areas, parking, beach wheelchairs, and an accessible beach ramp. Campsites 16, 77, 87, 108, 119, 126, 148, 153, and 184 are accessible, as are the camp store, laundry, and the restroom and shower facilities.
• Leashed dogs are allowed in the campground, but only service animals are permitted on the beach.
• Rip currents are common in this part of the coast. If you get caught in one, make sure to swim parallel to the shoreline.