California is the place to go for the health-conscious traveler to enjoy the natural splendor of coastlines and the dozens of activities that the beach camping locations provide. Depending on which state parks and beaches you camp at, you may have access to hiking, fishing, swimming, surfing, tide-pool exploration, rock climbing and even river rafting. Whether you are tent camping or traveling by RV, the California coast will not disappoint.
Northern California
Within redwood forests, along black-sand and pebble beaches and amongst towering coastal cliffs, lie some of California’s most scenic and remote coastal camping locations.. Try camping in the Kings Range National Conservation Area in the Lost Coast for remote beach camping and solitude. Camp at the Mattole Campground on Lighthouse Road where there is access to both the ocean and the Lost Coast trailhead. For day hikes, use the Lost Coast trail along the Black Sands Beach and beyond, or alternatively, tackle the entire 24.6-mile Lost Coast trail and sleep at back-country campgrounds along the way. A popular alternative is the 8.3 mile Hidden Valley-Chinquapin-Lost Coast trail loop which eventually leads to the top of Chemise Mountain before connecting back to the Lost Coast trail.
Central Coast
The Central Coast also offers beach camping in close proximity to California redwoods as well as coastal bluffs and meadows. Views range from the Monterey Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Camping opportunities abound from Half Moon Bay to Carmel and Big Sur and beyond where you can go kayaking and explore kelp beds below coastal cliffs. One of the campgrounds with access to the world renowned Big Sur hiking trails is Andrew Molera State Park, approximately 20 miles south of Carmel off of Highway 1.
Southern California
Off Highway 101 and 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara is Carpinteria State Beach and campground. Carpinteria is a mile-long beach where you can explore tide pools, go fishing, surfing and swimming. If you plan on going further into Southern California, another recommended option is Point Mugu State Park in Malibu. Point Mugu State Park is extremely varied in its geography containing coast access, river canyons, native forests and the craggy ridge lines of the Boney Mountains. It has more than 70 miles of hiking trails as well as other activities such as surf fishing, body surfing and swimming.
Orange County and South
Head farther south to lower Orange County and San Diego County for mild year-round weather and beach camping opportunities wrought with outdoor activities. San Clemente State Beach has hiking trails along coastal bluffs, abalone and lobster skin diving as well as swimming and surfing. In San Diego County, make your way to Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado where visitors commonly take part in surfing, boating and water skiing, beach volleyball and fishing.
Considerations
Many of the parks listed here are among the more popular locations, and reservations are recommended, especially if you plan your visit on a weekend. For parks that do not accept reservations, consider arriving on a Thursday to avoid the crowds that appear on Fridays and the weekends. Some parks also have guidelines on the length of RVs. If you are getting around with a trailer or motor home, call in advance to ensure that there are spots to accommodate your vehicle.
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