Hear the waves roll into the shore as you fall asleep at your campsite at one of California’s State Park beach campgrounds. Scattered up and down the Pacific coastline and divided into six shoreline regions, are many campgrounds from which to choose. Camping at a California State Park is a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy the 280-mile state park coastal area--swim, hike, fish, or just relax. Be mindful of the fragile beach environment when camping along the coastline.
California State Park Rules
Campsites can be reserved and others are first-come, first-served. Nightly rates, as of 2010, range from $10 for primitive sites, to $65 for premium, full hookup sites. You may occupy your site after 2:00 p.m. and depart by noon. You must be age 18 or over to reserve a campsite in any California State Park. Reservations are made by telephone, mail or online. Two vehicles are allowed per camp site—a travel vehicle, camper, boat and/or utility trailer. Reservations may be made up to seven months in advance. You may stay at a campground no more than 30 days in a single calendar year, with consecutive night limits varying according to the specific campground. Leashed pets are allowed; however they are not allowed in buildings, on the trails or on most beaches.
Types of Campsites
The California State Park campgrounds provide varied option for outdoor enthusiasts. Family campsites for up to eight people are available. These can be tent, trailer or RV sites. Group sites are available for larger parties who would like to camp together, accommodating nine to 100 people. Some state parks offer beachside camping cabins for use. Environmental sites, which are set in natural, undisturbed settings with primitive toilet facilities, offer a get-back-to-nature camping experience. No dogs are allowed on these sites. Off-roading directly on the beach and dune camping is also available.
Big Sur Camping
The 4,800-acre Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur has 24 walk-in, primitive campsites available; no reservations are accepted. Hike or mountain bike the trails connecting hilltops, open meadow and the beaches of Big Sur. The park has a 2.6-mile trail from the parking lot along Big Sur River to a bluff above Big Sur Lagoon where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. According to outdoor writer Barry Parr, from this scenic vista, you can see up and down the Molera Beach coastline, around the Big Sur Valley, along the Coast Ridge and all the way to Cooper Point--a great vantage point for bird- or whale-watching. Enjoy swimming and beachcombing along Molera Beach or try some surf fishing.
Pismo Beach Camping
Oceano (also known as Pismo Beach) State Park offers direct, on-the-beach camping. North Beach has camping behind the dunes. The park is located approximately 20 miles south of San Luis Obispo. Oceano is the only California State Park which allows vehicles directly upon the beach. Four-wheel drive vehicles are best for beach driving: Adjust tire pressure before hitting the sand. Cast a line, swim, catch a wave on a boogie board, jet ski or surf board, or dig for local favorite Pismo clams. Visit the nature center for hands-on interaction with wildlife, or attend an interpretive program with a guide. Enjoy bird-watching on the lagoon trail.
Amenities include vault and chemical toilets. Water must be brought in and all trash self-carried out. North Beach dune camping area offers campsites for tents to RVs, with showers and full hookups for RVs.
South Carlsbad Beach
The state park at Carlsbad in Southern California offers campers spectacular views from the bluff, and the beach is a stairway away. Take a swim, jog the miles of beach or grab your surfboard as Carlsbad is known for its pipeline surfing. Enjoy everything from skin-diving to sand castle building. The campground has hot showers, camp supplies and Wi-Fi throughout the park. You can make reservations.
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