Growing up in California, our family spent many weekends camping. If we weren’t in the mountains, we were at the beach. The state’s coastline stretches for 840 miles, much of it characterized by beaches with golden sands backed by rocky cliffs. Many are known for their tide pools, where one can glimpse all sorts of colorful marine creatures, from starfish to sea anemones, while some are more famous for attracting the rich and famous, with beautiful bodies lined across the sand soaking up the sun. When it comes to camping in California, there are some campgrounds nestled in beachfront forests with sites a bit further back from the ocean, while others may be nestled among the dunes. Whatever type of beach camping you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it among these places, from north to south.
Northern California
MacKerricher State Park - Fort Bragg
Located about four hours north of San Francisco on the wild Northern California coast just outside of the town of Fort Bragg, MacKerricher State Park extends for nine miles along the ocean. There are three campgrounds with over 100 different sites, 37 of which are for tents only, with the others designated for tents, trailers, or RVs. All come with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings, with access to restrooms with flush toilets and tap water. Campers will enjoy access to several beaches, including the famous Glass Beach, known for its colorful sea glass. There are also lots of tide pools, seal watching stations where you can often see the animals lounging on the rocks or popping up through the waves. There are miles and miles of bike trails and opportunities for hiking too.
24100 MacKerricher Park Rd, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA— +1 707-937-5804
Coast Camp at Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Station
Located an hour north of San Francisco, Coast Camp is nestled in the sand dunes near Limantour Beach along the beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore. A hike-in campground accessed via a 1.8-mile hike from the Laguna Trailhead, there are 14 tent-only sites. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in nature away from the sounds of RV generators, with water, vault toilets, and picnic tables all on-site. Driftwood can be gathered from the beach for building bonfires, but you’ll need a beach bonfire permit as well as a camping permit, available through the National Park Service visitor center at 1 Bear Valley Road.
Wright’s Beach Campground, Sonoma Coast State Park - Sonoma
Located in Sonoma Coast State Park, about a 90-minute drive north of San Francisco, Wright’s Beach Campground offers campsites that are inland and along the beachfront, which is the largest sandy beach between Bodega Bay and the Russian River. There are no hook-ups but trailers up to 27′ in length are allowed. Bathrooms are on-site with flush toilets and running water, although there are no showers. Registered campgrounds can use hot showers for a fee at Bodega Dunes Campground, about five miles north. Keep in mind that this area is known for its cool weather, with lots of fog. You’ll need a jacket even in the summer as it can get quite chilly close to the water, but the scenery is breathtaking.
Usal Beach Campground, Sinkyone Wilderness State Park - Whitethorn
Usal Beach Campground offers the chance to camp at one of the most undeveloped stretches of coastline in the state. This is a primitive place with no potable water, although water can be accessed from the creek, which must be filtered or boiled before use. There are outhouses and fire rings, however. Your reward is a breathtaking slice of wilderness that will make you feel as if you’re on an entirely different planet. Hikers also have access to the spectacular Lost Coast Trail, which follows the entire length of the Sinkyone coastline. Watch for gray whales that pass by in winter and early spring, while harbor seals and sea lions are often spotted throughout the year in rocky coves. Roosevelt elk frequently feast on the grasslands, and you’ll find waterfalls, tide pools, and sea stacks too.
Angel Island State Park - San Francisco
Angel Island is the largest island in San Francisco Bay, providing a hidden oasis with picturesque beaches, hiking and biking trails. There are ferries that depart from Pier 41 in the city to bring you there, where you’ll find nine campsites along the coast. They all offer a secluded spot as they’re spread throughout the island while featuring views of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, the cityscape, and the Marin Headlands. Each site includes its own pit toilet and potable water.
Sunset State Beach - Watsonville
One of my favorite campgrounds while I was growing up, Sunset State Beach is home to huge dunes that are lots of fun to roll down. The campsites enjoy a tranquil setting under the pines with fantastic views of Monterey Bay and short trails that lead to the beach, a wonderfully long stretch ideal for walking. There are 85 sites in total, divided up into three different areas, with 11 tent-only sites and the rest can accommodate motorhomes, RVs, and trailers up to 31 feet in length.
Sunset Beach Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA— +1 831-763-7063
New Brighton State Beach, Santa Cruz
New Brighton State Beach is a popular spot for camping, located just five miles from Santa Cruz, one of the world’s best places to surf as well as being home to the world-famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It offers campsites right by the ocean providing breathtaking views of the waves, and all include picnic tables and fire pits, while clean bathrooms with showers are nearby. There are over 100 sites for tents and RVs up to 36 feet in length, 11 of which include RV hookups. Campers can also explore hiking trails and the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center is on-site, complete with a park store.
Central California
Kirk Creek Campground - Big Sur
One of the most scenic places I’ve ever camped along the entire California coast is Kirk Creek Campground. It sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific and includes 40 sites for tents and RVs, each of which have a picnic table and fire ring. The very best are part of a “dry” area, sites 8 through 22, which means there are no RV hookups, but you’ll be right next to the ocean and farther from Highway 1. In addition to the dazzling views, you’ll have access to a beautiful cove with a rocky beach where jade is often found. There are soft, sandy beaches nearby, including Sand Dollar Beach, along with hiking trails that lead to redwood trees, waterfalls, streams, and lush meadows.
Treebones Resort - Big Sur
If you’re looking for something more than a standard campsite, Treebones Resort may be ideal. Located along the breathtaking Big Sur coast, it offers basic walk-in campsites with spectacular ocean views, nearby access to water, and picnic tables, along with access to the resort’s facilities which include a sushi bar and restaurant serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, and four-course dinners. Those who want to enjoy a more luxurious camping experience, AKA glamping, can book one of the yurts like the full ocean view yurts which come with king-sized beds and all linens, comforters, and quilts. They have small tables with chairs, reading lights, and sinks with hot and cold running water, along with large, furnished decks.
Morro Strand State Beach - Morro Bay
Morro Strand State Beach is located near the town of Morro Bay, known for Morro Rock, which dramatically rises out of the Pacific only a short distance from shore. The campground offers 70 campsites, a mix of RV sites with hookups and tent sites with fabulous beach and ocean views. Each one includes a picnic table and fire ring, with flush toilets nearby. Campers can also use the shower facilities at nearby Morro Bay Campground with proof of registration. In addition to the usual fun on the beach, you’ll be close to the harbor for embarking on whale watching tours, and a variety of marine life can be spotted right here too, including sea lions and sea otters.
North Beach Campground - Pismo Beach
Located at Pismo State Beach Park, campers can enjoy many attractions while staying at North Beach Campground, including swimming, kite surfing, digging for the famous Pismo clam, hiking, and horseback riding. The campground is nestled just behind the dunes and hosts large sites for tents, trailers, and RVs, some of which have electric hookups. Each one includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grate. You’ll find many amenities, including showers, flush toilets, drinking water, a campfire center, and an RV dump station. Educational programming is offered during the summer months and if you’re here between October and February, you’ll want to visit the park’s Butterfly Grove to see the thousands of monarch butterflies clinging to the eucalyptus trees.
399 S Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, USA— +1 805-473-7220
Southern California
Point Mugu State Park - Malibu
Malibu may be associated with the rich and famous, with many celebrities living here, but it also offers some fantastic camping experiences, including the Sycamore Canyon and Thornhill Broome campgrounds at Point Mugu State Park. Sycamore is the most popular, just a three-minute stroll from Sycamore Cove Beach, and offers 31 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs with a maximum length of 31 feet. Thornhill Broome has 62 primitive sites located right along the beach – ideal for views, but it can get very windy. Each one has a fire ring and picnic table with water and portable toilets provided. Campers also enjoy access to over 70 miles of hiking trails, with ocean activities including body surfing and swimming.
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA— +1 310-457-8143
Leo Carrillo State Park - Malibu
Leo Carrillo State Park is located just north of the Malibu city limits and boasts a 1.5-mile-long craggy coastline with sea caves and tide pools. Surfing, beachcombing, and swimming are all popular here. There are a total of 130 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs, with some that have electric hookups. Hot showers, restrooms, and a camp store are all on-site. Every campsite enjoys plenty of shade thanks to the oak trees and you’ll find a trail from the campground that leads to the beach. There are seven miles of hiking trails to explore as well.
35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA— +1 310-457-8143
San Elijo State Beach - Encinitas
Located along the San Diego coast, San Elijo State Beach offers a campground with 165 sites, 26 with full hookups, all set atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific, with about a third of the sites featuring unobstructed ocean views. All come with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. Campers have easy access to the beautiful, large sandy beach popular for swimming and surfing, with diving and snorkeling possible at the nearby reef. Campground facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, and even a “doggie beach.” You’ll also find a camp store and snack bar near the entrance, and there are numerous restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance.
