6 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMPGROUNDS ON THE COAST

If you’re dreaming of falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves or waking up just a few steps from the beach, Southern California is home to some of the best coastal camping in the state. From Malibu’s sandy beaches to San Diego County’s dramatic cliff sites, these Southern California campgrounds make it easy to trade hotel rooms for ocean breezes and unforgettable sunsets. And you only need to check one website for all of their availabilities.

One of our favorite things about these campgrounds is that every one of them is part of the California State Park system. That means you’ll find a similar reservation process, well-maintained facilities, and many of the same amenities throughout each campground. While every park has its own personality, there’s a level of consistency that makes planning your trip much easier. And if you’re looking for more on these types of campgrounds, check out our article for the COMPLETE GUIDE TO CAMPING AT CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS.

WHY CAMP ALONG THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST?

Camping along the Southern California coast offers a completely different experience than staying inland. Instead of spending your days driving to the beach, you’ll already be there. Whether you want to surf, swim, bike, explore tide pools, or simply relax with a book overlooking the Pacific Ocean, these campgrounds put the coastline right in reach of your tent or RV.

Another reason we love Southern California campgrounds is their accessibility. Many are located near charming beach towns, restaurants, hiking trails, and scenic coastal drives, making it easy to balance outdoor adventure with a few of your favorite vacation comforts.

POINT MUGU STATE PARK

If your dream campsite is as close to the ocean as possible, Thornhill Broome Campground delivers, with a catch. Located directly on the sand within Point Mugu State Park, this campground offers front-row views of the Pacific Ocean and some of the most memorable sunsets along the Southern California coast. With our campervan and the pull-up campsite, our view was pure ocean and we loved it.

This is a somewhat controversial recommendation, as it’s right off Highway 1. And I mean RIGHT THERE. There is a chainlink fence separating this campground and the highway. While our experience there was lovely, and except for a semi-truck or two, heard almost no road noise over the sound of the waves. We have also seen many complaints online about wind and the smell of the bathrooms, but again, this wasn’t our experience at all.

Beyond the beach, Point Mugu State Park features more than 70 miles of hiking trails winding through coastal canyons and rolling hills. We highly recommend the POINT MUGU SCENIC AND OVERLOOK TRAILS LOOP (dogs not allowed on trails) for a nearby hike. The views are absolutely stunning, and they overlook the campground below. The trailhead is at Point Mugu State Park’s inland campground, so you can access it with your Thorne brooom reservation without paying another day-use fee.

• CAMPGROUND: Thornhill Broome Campground
• LOCATION: Malibu, Los Angeles County
• COST: $35+/night⁠
• PET POLICY: Dogs welcome⁠ on-leash
• SEASONALITY: Open year-round⁠
• BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations

LEO CARRILLO STATE PARK

While this campground isn’t on the beach, it’s still very much coastal. Leo Carrillo State Park combines accessible Malibu camping with easy access to sea caves, tide pools, and coastal hiking trails. Located just north of Malibu, it’s one of the most versatile Southern California campgrounds for visitors looking to experience more than just the beach.

The campground sits just across Pacific Coast Highway from the shoreline, making it easy to spend your mornings hiking and your afternoons relaxing by the ocean. It’s an ideal destination for families, couples, and weekend campers alike. An evening stroll down to the beach to watch the sunset is our perfect end to a day.

• CAMPGROUND: Canyon Campground
• LOCATION: Malibu, Los Angeles County
• COST: $45+/night⁠
• PET POLICY: Dogs welcome⁠ on-leash (dogs allowed on limited beach area)
• SEASONALITY: Open year-round⁠
• BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

Perched on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean and Highway 1, Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park offers some of the best ocean views in Southern California. While we do love the unbeatable ocean views, we also love that there is a Trader Joe’s 5 minutes from the campground.

The campground provides easy access to miles of hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and Crystal Cove’s famous Historic District. One of the things we love most about Moro Campground is how seamlessly it blends outdoor adventure with convenience. Whether you’re hiking through coastal canyons or spending the day on the beach, everything feels incredibly accessible.

• CAMPGROUND: Moro Campground
• LOCATION: Laguna Beach, Orange County
• COST: $55+/night⁠
• PET POLICY: Dogs welcome⁠ on-leash (dogs not allowed on beach)
• SEASONALITY: Open year-round⁠
• BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations

DOHENY STATE BEACH

Doheny State Beach is one of California’s most iconic beach campgrounds and remains a favorite for families and beginner campers. The campground sits just steps from the sand, making it easy to spend the entire day surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing beside the ocean.

Its location near Dana Point Harbor also provides easy access to restaurants, whale watching tours, and coastal bike paths, making it one of the most convenient Southern California campgrounds. Consider this as the first and last time that we don’t get a beachfront site. After scouting the campground, we can confirm that it is worth it to get booked early and get the sites on the sand. Otherwise this feels almost like the campground is in the city versus on the beach.

• CAMPGROUND: Doheny SB Campground
• LOCATION: Dana Point, Orange County
• COST: $50+/night⁠
• PET POLICY: Dogs welcome⁠ on-leash (dogs not allowed on beach)
• SEASONALITY: Open year-round⁠
• BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations

SOUTH CARLSBAD STATE PARK

South Carlsbad State Beach offers dramatic blufftop camping overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Nearly every campsite is just a short walk from beach access, allowing campers to enjoy panoramic ocean views throughout their stay. All oceanfront sites have a chainlink fence protecting both campers and the bluffs.

The campground’s location also makes it easy to explore nearby Carlsbad, Encinitas, and other North County San Diego destinations. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking to combine beach camping with coastal sightseeing.

• CAMPGROUND: South Carlsbad SB Campground
• LOCATION: Carlsbad, San Diego County
• COST: $50+/night⁠
• PET POLICY: Dogs welcome⁠ on-leash (dogs not allowed on beach)
• SEASONALITY: Open year-round⁠
• BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations

SAN ELIJO STATE BEACH

Few Southern California campgrounds offer a better location than San Elijo State Beach. Situated on coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the campground provides direct access to one of San Diego County’s most popular beaches. Similarly to South Carlsbad, a chainlink fence runs along the bluff campsites.

Within walking distance, you’ll also find local restaurants, coffee shops, and surf shops, making this campground feel like the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and beach-town charm.

• CAMPGROUND: Northern & Southern Campgrounds
• LOCATION: Encinitas, San Diego County
• COST: $50+/night⁠
• PET POLICY: Dogs welcome⁠ on-leash (dogs not allowed on beach)
• SEASONALITY: Open year-round⁠
• BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations

TIPS FOR CAMPING ALONG THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

RESERVE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

Many Southern California campgrounds book six months in advance, especially during summer, holidays, and spring break. Since all of these campgrounds are California State Parks, you’ll book through the same reservation platform, making planning multiple trips much easier.

PREPARE FOR COASTAL WEATHER

Expect marine layer mornings––pack layers. Even warm Southern California days can turn into cool evenings once the sun sets over the ocean. Coastal fog is common, especially during late spring and early summer (“May Gray” and “June Gloom”), but afternoons often clear beautifully.

WATCH THE TIDES

Tide pools, surfing conditions, and beach access all depend on tide schedules, so checking them ahead of your trip can help you make the most of your visit. And don’t forget beach gear! Chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, and sand toys will likely get just as much use as your camping equipment. Bring bikes whenever possible. Many of these campgrounds connect to beach paths, nearby towns, and scenic coastal routes.

DOWNLOAD MAPS AHEAD OF TIME

While there was regularly service at these campgrounds, there are stretches of Highway 1 that often have little to no reception. Downloading maps and campground information before your trip can help prevent navigation issues. Additionally, we always recommend taking a screenshot of your campsite reservation. Figuring out your site number without service is a real struggle.

BEST CAMPGROUNDS ON THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

If you’re looking for some of the best Southern California campgrounds, it’s hard to beat the California State Parks along the coast. From Malibu to San Diego County, these campgrounds combine beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and well-maintained facilities with the consistency that comes from staying within the California State Park system.

Whether you’re planning your first coastal camping trip or adding another destination to your California camping bucket list, these six Southern California campgrounds offer unforgettable ocean views, incredible outdoor adventures, and some of the best beach camping experiences in the state.