We love camping at Sunset State Beach. We have camped and have done day trips on the beach. Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left.  Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve.  All sites are close to beach trails. Steps down to the beach but can drive to beach parking lot if not full to spend the day or ferry down your stuff for the day. The campground is next to typical watsonville fields. We love seeing the tons of strawberry plants when in season. Can be cold at night. Campfires allowed. Rangers do come around to enforce quiet time after 10pm but we didn't mind. Make sure to secure your food or the racoons will get into your cooler.