If you want to enjoy a stay near the beach in California but avoid a costly hotel room, try camping in a tent on or near the shore. You will find campgrounds available all along the coast. Your experience will vary depending on whether you stay in the cooler climate of the Northern Coast -- and avoid the crowds -- or if you stay closer to the state's big cities in the Central and Southern regions.
Northern Coast
Camping in this more rural region of the state you will enjoy sandy beaches, reefs, coves, tidepools, headlands, caves and rock formations. At campgrounds like Sonoma Coast State Beach you can hike or jog along coastal trails, fish at the mouths of coastal streams and watch for wildlife like seals, sea lions, deer and numerous species of seabirds. Also enjoy typical area water sports like surfing and swimming. Other area destinations include Redwoods National Park, Patricks Point State Park, Clam Beach County Park and Manchester Beach. Note that it is cooler here in the winter, so summer is the best time to camp.
Central Coast
Closer to the Bay Area and surrounding cities, you can enjoy camping on the rugged coast but also have access to metropolitan amenities. Hike, fish, dive, surf and clam on the beach as well as enjoy wetlands and tidepools depending on your campsite. Some campgrounds offer mountain views like Fremont Peak State Park, where you can see the Gavilan Range, San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Other scenic destinations include Van Damme State Park, Angel Island and Pismo Beach.
Southern California
In crowded Southern California you will find fewer tent camping options on or near the beach, but you may get lucky if you book in advance. Swimming, surfing, snorkling, diving, biking and surf fishing are all popular recreational opportunities you can enjoy in many areas. In Santa Barbara try Refugio State Beach. Down the coast in Orange County look into Laguna Beach and Doheney State Beach. Finally, in the San Diego area, try San Elijo and South Carlsbad State beaches.
Preparation and Packing
You will need more than a tent to have an enjoyable camping experience anywhere on the California coast. For your comfort, bring proper bedding including sleeping bags and blankets for cool nights and something to keep you up off the ground. Pack a tarp and rain gear in case of wet weather, folding chairs, a cooler and a lantern or flashlights. If you want to do any food preparation, remember a cooking stove, dishes, eating utensils, pans, and materials to clean up your messes like paper towels, soap and sponges. Also remember personal items like toiletries, towels and a first aid kit. Anticipate getting wet and sandy. Beyond this, bring any equipment that will be important for your recreational activities such as your bicycle, surf board, bathing suit, sunscreen or insect repellent. Bring sand toys for yourself and the kids if you have any. Know the weather of your destination to be adequately prepared.
Reservations and Costs
On popular beaches, particularly in Southern California in the summer, you may need to make reservations far in advance. Most campgrounds will accept reservations up to a year ahead of time. The cost of camping varies depending on how many vehicles you bring and when and where you camp. Parking fees on state lands are usually between $5 and $10 per vehicle. Camping fees for public and private parks can range from about $20 to $50 per night, as of 2010.
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