Outdoor enthusiasts can experience camping near the beaches of Southern California. The coast holds beauty, as well as a wealth of recreational activities. Tent camping along the scenic Southern California coast offers an inexpensive yet fun-filled camping adventure. You can find plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, surfing, boogie-boarding, biking, tide-pooling, or just plain relaxing at the many campgrounds located along the Southern California coast.
Securing a Campsite
The California Department of Parks and Recreation manages the majority of the campgrounds in California, and most of the state run campgrounds require advanced reservations through Reserve America, especially during the busy summer months. Jalama Beach Campground, located near Lompoc, doesn’t require reservations. Except for their group campsites, Jalama operates on a first come, first serve basis.
Many of the campgrounds have limits on the number of cars, tents and people at each site, so when making reservations make sure that you check the limitations. For example, Jalama only allow two cars and eight people per campsite. Additionally, there is often a fee for an extra vehicle at a campsites.
Amenities
Coin operated hot water showers, flushable toilets, barbeque grills, fire pits, and picnic tables are found at each of the beach campgrounds. Jalama, Leo Carillo, and El Capitan have camp stores that sell groceries, ice and other camping items. Jalama has a small snack bar that makes hearty breakfasts, lunches and early dinners. Jalama Beach is home of the infamous Jalama Burger.
Campgrounds Close to Hiking
Pt. Mugu State Park and Leo Carrillo State Beach are nestled at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountain Range. Thornhill Broome Beach and Sycamore Canyon are the two campgrounds within Pt. Mugu. Tent camping is allowed at Thornhill but the camping is on the beach and is more appropriate for RVs. Sycamore Canyon is right across from the beach but is more protected from the strong ocean breezes so it's better for tent camping. According to Reserve America, there are more than 70 miles of hiking trails in the hills behind Pt. Mugu State Park. Some of these trails are also open to mountain bikers.
There are also hiking trails behind Leo Carrillo State Beach that start from the campground and connect the mountains to the ocean. Make sure to check out the hike from Leo Carrillo to Nicholas Flat Pond because the pond is worth seeing. Many of the trails in behind Leo Carrillo and Pt. Mugu showcase panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Campgrounds With Good Surf Breaks
McGrath State Beach in Ventura, California is within walking distance to popular surf spots, Fruit Stands and the Ventura Rivermouth. You can also find surfable waves at Jalama and Leo Carrillo beaches. Farther to the south in San Diego, San Elijo State Campground is near decent waves for surfers.
Exploring Nature
Many of Southern California beach campgrounds provide nature explorers with glimpses of wild animals and sea life. Investigating the tide pools at Leo Carrillo during low tide, you’ll find starfish, sea crabs, sea anemones and many other miniature sea creatures. You may also be fortunate enough to spot a pod of dolphins near Leo Carrillo or Pt. Mugu. If you’re into bird watching, then try camping at McGrath because the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve is located there.
The campgrounds at Leo Carrillo and Sycamore Canyon are full of little bunnies and chipmunks scurrying around the sites. Hiking in the trails, you may run into coyotes. You can also spot deer in the very early mornings in the hills behind the campgrounds.
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