San Diego Beach Camping

After doing some internet searches for camping at the beach, I realized that most sites that are for beach camping in Southern California focus on places from Los Angeles to Orange County. Sometimes I feel the rest of the world does not realize that San Diego, is the most southern part of California. So I decided there should be some information about beach camping in San Diego. The places included in this article are places where I have personally camped and my experience at each one. I understand there may be a few more, but I just have not camped there yet.

Camp Pendleton: First, my ultimate favorite beach camping spot, is exclusive and not everyone will be able to go, but this is the only exclusive one I promise. If you are in the military or have a good friend in the military that is willing to sponsor you, I highly recommend going to Camp Pendleton. This is on a military base, so follow the rules. I have not experienced any other place where you can camp right on the sand. This place allows tent and RV camping. It also has some great cabins with all the amenities. There are bathrooms with showers and you don’t have to pay for their use. Camp Pendleton is great for surfing and swimming. Some portions of the beach are very rocky, which makes for difficult wading, but as the waves roll in and the smaller rocks are crashing upon the bigger rocks, the sound is soothing. Like little firecrackers in the distance. Also, one of the most amazing sunsets I have seen in a long time. Since you are on a military base, the store is right down the street. So if you happen to forget anything, like syrup for the French toast, it only takes a few minutes to go pick some up. Keep in mind the store hours before you make the trip.

San Onofre: If you cannot get into Camp Pendleton, then San Onofre is the next best bet. It is practically the same stretch of beach, although more south and off the base itself. San Onofre allows tent and RV camping also, however you will be camping on the bluff. This is nice for looking at the sunset and hearing the waves, but there is quite a hike down to the beach. This stretch is less rocky, which is much better for young children to play. If you do have young children, you should be aware that if you decide to take a walk along the beach going south, you will eventually come to the section of beach that has been designated as a nude beach. Surprising to myself and my cousins one year when we decided to see how far we could walk down the beach. The camping spots themselves are situated on what used to be old Pacific Coast Highway. Mostly parking lot, with some dirt areas for tents. There are several hiking trails and a bike trail for added adventure and fun. (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=647)

Silver Strand State Beach is for RV-only camping, so if you have a tent, this is not the place for to go. The Silver Strand is a stretch of beach that connects Coronado with Imperial Beach. Pull your RV in the parking lot along side other RV’s and trailers. Close quarters for some, but you are only steps away from the beach. There are bathrooms with outside and inside showers. (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=654)

San Elijo State Beach located in the Northern part of San Diego, along Coast Highway 101. San Elijo allows tent and RV camping. There is surfing and swimming as well as an amazing reef nearby, where you can go snorkeling or diving. Camping is on the bluff here as well with a hike down to the beach. The camping spaces themselves are one of the nicest and allow for some shade with trees and bushes. There are on site bathrooms with showers. (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=662)

Campland on the Bay: The last one, is not really a Beach camping spot, but rather on the bay. Campland on the Bay allows for tent and RV camping. The area where the tents camp is shaded by trees that feel somewhat like you are in the mountains, depending on the spot. There is a clubhouse with arcade games for the kids, and a laundry area. Also a pool, playground and a market all in the same area. This camp ground is right on Mission Bay and rents pedal boats, kayaks, catamarans, pontoon boats, wave runners and more for your water adventure. There is also a nearby water preserve where you can view some of San Diego’s bird life. This place is really self contained, and centralized. There are always events going on, just look at the calendar of events to see what might be happening during your stay. (http://www.campland.com/)

I hope you get a chance to experience all the wonderful beach camping San Diego has to offer.