RV campgrounds near Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California sit along San Diego County's northwestern coastline where coastal temperatures average 70°F year-round. Most facilities require advance deposits of 50% at booking, with stricter cancellation policies during peak summer months. Camp sites typically range from 30-45 feet in length with varying degrees of shade coverage.
What to do
Beach activities: Access from Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay connects directly to waterfront areas. "Walking and biking in the Marina is so nice! The sunset is amazing!!!" according to visitor Milagros B.
Wildlife viewing: Reserve time for birdwatching at nearby wetland preserves. A visitor at Fiddlers Cove RV Park noted, "We arrived in the middle of Dec. It's a beautiful place and its kept immaculate. It's located close to a lot of attractions."
Recreation facilities: Use community amenities at larger resorts. Guests at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay appreciate that "There is a comfort station with a playground and horse shoe pits. There is also a nature center next to the campground that offers a discount to those who stay."
What campers like
Security measures: Parks with controlled access provide peace of mind. Escondido RV Resort earns praise for safety features. "The grounds are laid out great. It's located close to a lot of attractions. We will be back," shared Michael H.
Site privacy: Vegetation between sites creates separation at select parks. An RVer at Paradise By The Sea RV Resort mentioned, "Picnic tables and a palm tree divides each site," though noting spaces remain relatively close.
Kid-friendly features: Families appreciate designated activity areas. Paradise By The Sea RV Resort provides "an indoor rec room with billiards, shuffle board and more. Outdoor rec area with corn hole, picnic area and more. Pool and hot tub well maintained."
What you should know
Train noise: Railway lines run near several oceanfront parks. A visitor at Oceanside RV Resort warned it's "right up against the train tracks," though also noting "Oceanside as a town is pretty cute, depending on which part you're in."
Seasonal availability: Winter months offer greater site selection. "We arrived in the middle of Dec. It's a beautiful place and its kept immaculate," one camper at Escondido RV Resort reported.
Site limitations: Concrete pads often require leveling assistance. At Olive Avenue RV Resort, a camper shared their experience: "We had a pull through site with full hook ups; it was on a cement pad that was nice, but the city made them slope all the pads for water drainage."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule kid-friendly outings to nearby attractions. At Mission Bay RV Resort, one family noted, "There is a bike path nearby that is awesome for young kids. Location is great and convenient."
Beach access: Consider sites closest to walking paths. Paradise By The Sea RV Resort offers convenience where "The RV park has its own back gate to the beach. It meanders through a little city park and then you can take the roads to find little beach access."
Pool facilities: Research parks with maintained swimming areas. A family at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay appreciated the "Large pool area. Splash pad for the little ones, bar for the bigger ones, activities poolside and HUGE TV!"
Tips from RVers
Park assistance: Request help when backing into tight spaces. A Paradise By The Sea RV Resort camper mentioned, "One of the team members will help you park when you check in which is really helpful. Concrete pads and hookups placed conveniently by your rig."
Internet reliability: Test connection quality upon arrival. At Paradise By The Sea RV Resort, campers reported, "AT&T cell service worked full bars and wifi was great. Very little trouble working remote or streaming."
Site selection: Request spots away from common areas and entrances. At Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, a visitor advised, "Be cautious about what site you select. We had #1 and it is so noisy that we had to buy a white noise machine. We had site #210 and it is the best, view, reasonably quiet."
