Campgrounds near Carlsbad, California typically experience a Mediterranean climate with average summer temperatures ranging from 70-85°F during the day and 60-65°F at night. The terrain varies from oceanside bluffs to inland valleys with elevations from sea level to about 600 feet in the eastern campgrounds. Winter camping remains popular with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 60°F, though coastal fog can reduce visibility in early mornings.
What to do
Hiking trails access: San Mateo Campground offers a 1.5-mile trail to Trestles Beach that's popular with surfers. "A fun little hike (1.5 miles) to the walk until tresels beach... The beach is beautiful, great for surfing!" notes Brianne S.
Fishing opportunities: Dixon Lake Campground provides year-round fishing without requiring a California fishing license. "Bonus: No CA fishing license needed! Just the lake permit of $7 per adult. Big fish in this lake," shares Dad & B R.
Water recreation: At Guajome Regional Park, visitors can enjoy pedal boating and other water activities. "Just below the campground is a very popular lake park. You can do anything from hiking, fishing, pedal boating, row or motor boating, picnicking, to bird watching," explains Corinna B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between sites at San Mateo Campground. "Clean campground, most of the spots are super private!" writes Brianne S.
Convenient beach access: Paradise By The Sea RV Resort offers direct beach access via a private gate. "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 or walk through the neighborhood down to the proper beach and Oceanside Pier," notes Julia M.
Clean facilities: Guajome Regional Park maintains well-kept amenities that campers frequently praise. "Our friends just bought a camper van and wanted to test the systems on it while having a weekend getaway and this was a great spot for it! The camp hosts were friendly and do a great job of keeping the sites and bathrooms super clean!" reports Heather L.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campsites require advance booking, especially San Elijo State Beach Campground. "This spot is awesome. Especially if you score some good surf... Tends to be very busy especially in the summer months. My tip is to book way ahead in advance," advises Luke M.
Ant problems: Some campgrounds experience seasonal ant issues that require preparation. "We made the mistake of not being prepared for the ANTS!!! We learned that comet around all points of contact with the ground keeps them down," warns C M. about San Mateo Campground.
Train noise considerations: Several coastal campgrounds sit near train tracks. "Street is loud in the mornings - don't recommend the east side," notes Andrew P. about South Carlsbad State Beach, while Tim J. mentions San Elijo State Beach is "situated next to the highway and train tracks."
Security awareness: Theft can occur at some campgrounds. "High theft area!!! Even if you lock your generators up, securing with cable and locks and securing in the back of a covered pickup there are thieves cutting through truck covers, cutting locks and stealing generators... Be WARNED!!!" cautions Mark M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dos Picos County Park offers excellent facilities for children. "There is a tranquil pond, nice hiking trails, places for kids to play... Just a fantastic option close to home for locals and well worth consideration for visitors to the area," writes Wes L.
Biking opportunities: San Mateo Campground has great riding options for kids. "Lots of kids riding bikes and having fun! I suggest to follow their lead. Bring a bike to explore the loops and trail to beach," recommends Jeannie B.
Kid-friendly beaches: The coastal camping options provide various beach experiences suited to different ages. "The beach at the water is a very gentle slope down, waves are small and good for kids playing and wading," notes Jacob S. about Del Mar Beach.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, choosing the right site makes a difference. "Pick a spot - $75 gets you on the bluff with hookups $50 gets you on the bluff but no hookups $35 gets you on the other side," advises Tom H., who adds "Pro-Tip #2: The far south end of the camp has the most shade/privacy brush."
Hookup considerations: Paradise By The Sea RV Resort offers well-designed utility connections. "Concrete pads and hookups placed conveniently by your rig. Picnic tables and a palm tree divides each site," notes Julia M.
Tent camping constraints: Most RV resorts accommodate tent campers but with limitations. "I and my family are more tent campers vs RV and we were the only site with tents, so I wouldn't go there without wheels lol. Other than that- INCREDIBLE spot, literally steps from the beach," shares Jamie S. about South Carlsbad State Beach.
