There's a lot about San Diego County that epitomizes all that California is famous for: long stretches of sandy beach, curling surf, a laid-back lifestyle and friendly, mellow people. Camping in San Diego County is a real pleasure, particularly along some of the state's most famous beaches. Whether you're after a quiet, contemplative beach camping experience or more convivial, urban beach camping in San Diego County, you are guaranteed to find a perfect match.
Relatively Rustic
Camping at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff can feel like a pleasant step back into the sunny past. Campers get comfortable in sites along the bluffs overlooking the state beach in a long, narrow campground that holds 171 campsites, including sites for smaller RVs--under 35 feet--and tent camping. Basic amenities include a dump station, showers and restrooms, a small camp store, picnic tables and cooking grills. The real attraction is the campground's relaxed and kooky nature; look for young hippie surf families ambling straight from the waves to their battered motorhomes and veteran surf dogs headed for "dawn patrol" with a mug of coffee. The state beach offers enjoyable surf almost year-round for travelers and locals alike. Sites cost between $35 and $65, depending on time of year and proximity to the ocean.
Camping In Comfort
Campland on the Bay is a large campground exemplifying the idea of camping in comfort. It offers a marina with a boat launch and 124 boat slips, multiple pools and jacuzzis, a sizable market, game room, laundry facilities, skateboard park, Internet service, storage facilities and recreational activities. You can relax on the beach, rent kayaks and other water toys, or use the campground as a convenient hub to explore San Diego's downtown area. Sites cost between $35 and $268 per night in 2010, depending on time of year, campsite size and amenities. Lower price ranges are for simple, drive-in sites during the off season. Higher price ranges are for super sites outfitted with extra amenities.
Proximity to Mexico
San Diego County makes a convenient beach camping hub for travelers planning to venture into Mexico by vehicle. At Bernardo Shores RV Park in Imperial Beach, campers may safely leave RVs at their reserved campsite and then rent or drive a vehicle to nearby Tijuana, the first major Mexican city across the border. Bernardo Shores offers sites equipped with brick patios, full hookups and personal mailboxes. Some sites offer ocean views. In 2010, rates are $55 a night.
Activities
Beach camping in San Diego County offers opportunities for surfing, tide pooling, kite surfing, boogie boarding and relaxing on the sand. Torrey Pines State Park in San Diego offers great coastal day hiking. At the park, winding trails loop around the bluffs past native plants and shrubbery down to a wide, sandy beach perfect for a picnic or scouring the tide pools.
Cautions
San Diego County beaches sometimes contain rip currents, and the presence of jellyfish and stingrays is slightly higher during the summertime. Always lock and secure valuables when camping.
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