San Elijo State Beach Campground welcomes pets throughout its oceanfront sites positioned on bluffs overlooking the Pacific. All tent, RV, and glamping accommodations permit leashed dogs with standard state park restrictions requiring pets to remain on maximum 6-foot leashes at all times. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings with pets allowed in camping areas but not on the actual beach below. Campland on the Bay and Del Mar Beach Cottages also maintain pet-friendly policies across their facilities. The well-maintained grounds remain consistently clean despite heavy use, with designated pet waste stations available throughout the campground areas. Squirrels frequently approach campsites seeking food, requiring careful management of pet food and supervision of dogs.
Dog-friendly trails connect many coastal campgrounds, with easy access to beach walking paths that don't restrict leashed pets on adjacent sidewalks and paved areas. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 10pm, which includes barking management expectations. Sites fill extremely quickly during summer months, with San Elijo requiring reservations 6 months in advance for prime pet-friendly spots. The campground store that previously sold pet supplies has permanently closed, requiring campers to bring all necessary pet items or visit nearby Cardiff's Seaside Market for essentials. While campgrounds have minimal shade coverage, morning beach fog often provides natural cooling for pets before temperatures rise. Veterinary services are available in nearby Encinitas and Del Mar for emergencies, approximately 10-15 minutes from most coastal camping areas. Campers searching for dog-friendly campsites near Del Mar will find that coastal locations book up fast, so securing reservations well in advance is strongly recommended.
$50 - $650 / night
"South Carlsbad SB is a gem ~ it sits on a bluff right over the Pacific Ocean and is just a few steps down to beach. 👣 Each site has a large iron fire pit and picnic table ~ btahrooms and showers are"
"South Carlsbad State Beach is extremely crowded (like many coastal campsites in Southern California), but has very easy access to your own space on the beach below the cliffs."
$50 - $520 / night
"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 Trash, recycling, and sewage disposal ($10) nearby."
"If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."
$60 / night
"There’s a pool, a park, a dog park, the beach, a bar, an arcade, and so many things you can rent for the water and on land."
"It's a beautiful location with lots of amenities. Many people don't know about the dog park, which is quite large! There is also a well equipped gym."
$24 - $100 / night
"Pets welcome. Fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Tent camping available as well."
"The creek eventually flows into a pond located on the other end of the campground. The pond is actually pretty large! Lots of space to walk around and explore."
$87 - $245 / night
"We did a monthly stay… about $500 less than the campground right next to it. Quiet neighborhood at night, but a lot of families which makes it feel homey. Kids playing and people walking their dogs!"
"Short walk to the water, De Anza Cove. The beach is a dog friendly after 4 p.m."
$35 - $140 / night
"Tennis courts dog parks. The list just goes on and on"
"This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."
"Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve provides a well-managed 190-acre oasis ideal for large families seeking natural serenity and structured recreation near San Diego."
"Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."
$39 - $50 / night
"You can drive right up and park and camp! Nice beautiful lake to look at and fish. You must purchase a license, which they sell there for a few bucks. Bon fires allowed as well."
"We come here to hike all the time, our dog especially loves this trail! The campsites looks dispersed and absolutely beautiful! The views are worth taking in."
"Location near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking."
"Dog park, pool, clubhouse. We loved site 3 so close to the amenities and restrooms. Overall amazing stay"
$34 - $38 / night
"The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic, even a large event room."
"This campground is very close to downtown and beaches in San Diego. I paid $36 a night for electricity and water hookups plus my pet."
LegendReally beautiful beach very clean with large bathrooms hot showers food nearby first come first serve shade structures. Camping on the beach also cabin rentals available through del mar beach reservations
RangerIt's all good full hook ups on a busy road just off the 5 freeway at Del Mar fairgrounds it is what it is and location. Rocks and the host Kevin. Is great.
ScoutSouth Carlsbad SB is a gem ~ it sits on a bluff right over the Pacific Ocean and is just a few steps down to beach. 👣
Each site has a large iron fire pit and picnic table ~ btahrooms and showers are plenty ~ there is a little genrral store that has firewood ~ food ~ batteries and the like.
Close to many wonderful places to see La Jolla ~ Del Mar horse racing track ~ Carlsbad flower fields & Windmill ~ Oceanside pier are just a few miles drive.
Sooooö PĘÅCĘFUL to have a fire going ~ watching SŮN set and heat the waves lapping you to sleep.
ĘNJÖY
TravelerActually there is...Camp Pendleton Del Mar Beach is not too bad in small doses or stays. The first thing you must remember it is a Marine Corp base and that things run a bit differently. It’s their own world. Federal laws and regulations are enforced. They will give you a ticket for one mile o er the speed limit and take a point. They remodeled the beach area and tore out all the trailers a few years back and built rental cottages. There are also tent sites as well as RV/trailer sites with hook-ups. They each come with a barbecue pit but no grill. Reservations are a must. Prices are seasonal, $50 for the cottages and $40 for the others. You may reserve a spot or cottage for usyally up to two weeks. AnythIng longer and they are are lIkely to place you in the back wIth no vIew. You may bring a dog to the beach but it must be on leash at all times because of the endangered wildlife by the marsh. Del Mar beach is open to the public technically for day trippers. You can drive on base without military ID, they will just ask for a driver license and proof of insurance at the main gate and to sign in. Most ammenties, like the rentals and other camp sites would not be accessible. However, if you have a military sponsor who is willing to make the reservation under his name discreetly, that’s a different story. Active duty usually has priority over retired and civilians in regards to reservations. Active duty can book 12 weeks out and others 10 weeks. On base you will not have access to stores, gas stations, etc., without some form of military ID. Summer months are not bad if you don’t mind young marines enjoying alcoholic libations in large quantities or witnessing a lot of testosterone as they try to exert their dominance. There is a restaurant and bar that is air conditioned so you can escape the heat.
LegendSurf N Turf is basically parking lot camping across the street from the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The campground is only open from Sept thru May when there's no horse racing at the fairgrounds. The rates are $40-$50 per night depending on the length of your vehicle. There's no bathroom or showers and all sites include a 30 amp electricity connection. There's also no sewer connection. This place is perfect if you need a quick and easy place to stay in San Diego for a night. No tents.
GuideAmenities isn’t all that great when they’re not maintained well. Gym has damaged equipment, pool has lose hand rails and heated pool is filthy. Pool furniture is outdated, broken and dirty. They will only play country music at the pool. The shower house looks like it has recently been updated but smells and has mold growing already. They do not allow any kind of camper except big rigs/trailers. They have a “dog park”, which is very small and smell horrendous due to there only being fake plastic grass. Most owners will also not clean up after their pets, so you or your dog may step into feces quite often there. RV park is between highway and main road - no quiet found here. Rules on what you’re allowed to put up for shade will vary depending on how much management likes you there. All in all an Ok place if you aren’t actually spending you time there.
Current update 12/13/25 The road is being repaved and resealed. They are also doing movie nights in the weekends for kids and have the occasional arts and crafts for them. For that I have added an extra star since there isn’t much for smaller children in general.
LegendLocation near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking. 🔹For sure we will stay again and recommend🔹
GuideNice park, huge grassy area..dog park near by. Sites are close but there is open space behind your unit..NOT on a base, but bathhouse is coded entry to only allow registered guests use..
GuideRV spots are arranged in a horseshoe around a park with a playground. Sites on outside of horseshoe have to walk between interior sites to get to the park, bathrooms and laundry. Wi-Fi is good enough to work remotely. We didn’t try streaming.
Adjacent to the RV park are sports fields, picnic areas and a golf course.
The dog park is nice and clean and is reserved for RV park guests. The pool is beautiful and has a two-story tall slide. The pool is closed this summer and next (2022-23) but is normally open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
RV park is open to military and retired military.
Coastal camping options near Del Mar offer year-round access with summer temperatures averaging 75°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F. The region's Mediterranean climate creates ideal conditions for outdoor recreation with minimal rainfall between May and October. Sites within 15 miles of Del Mar provide ocean views, lakeside settings, and military base access depending on location.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Jennings provides a stocked fishing pond where families can enjoy catching their first fish. "My kids caught their first fish in the little pond :)" shares Dave L., who visited with his family.
Beach activities: South Carlsbad State Beach Campground offers direct beach access with consistent waves for surfing. "Great place to camp in Southern California. Beautiful beach!" notes Thomas F. The campground sits on bluffs overlooking the Pacific, requiring stairs to access the beach level.
Paddle boat rentals: Dixon Lake offers affordable water recreation options. "The pedal boats are only $12/hour to rent (plus $12 deposit)" according to one camper who recommends bringing sun protection since "there is no relief from the sun on the lake."
Wildlife observation: Dos Picos County Park features a tranquil pond setting with hiking trails. "There's 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.
Ocean sounds: Del Mar Beach Cottages provides beachfront camping with waves as your soundtrack. "You just can't beat falling asleep to ocean waves!" writes Leslie M., who stayed in a tent site near the water.
Clean facilities: Oceanside RV Resort maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. One tent camper noted it has "the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping," making it ideal for those who want outdoor experiences with comfortable amenities.
Pet accommodations: Campland on the Bay offers designated areas for dogs. "Many people don't know about the dog park, which is quite large!" mentions Leanne H., who has visited with both tents and a fifth wheel.
Privacy options: Dixon Lake provides secluded camping spots away from crowds. "The far south end of the camp has the most shade/privacy brush, and only has sites on the ocean side so you'll have far more privacy," notes a reviewer who appreciates the natural separation between campsites.
Reservation timing: San Elijo State Beach Campground requires significant advance planning. One camper advises: "The worst part is trying to get a spot secured," while another mentions "It's difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do... Don't feel like you missed anything if you can't get beachfront."
Camp store status: San Elijo's previously available amenities have changed. "Camp store is permanently closed so that convenience is no longer here," reports Dane H., indicating campers need to bring all supplies or shop elsewhere.
Security concerns: Mission Bay RV Resort experiences occasional theft issues. "There's been a few things stolen from our friends campsites at this location," warns one camper about securing valuables.
Environmental hazards: Dixon Lake requires awareness of local plants. "Warning: Beware the Poison Oak. If you're hitting the trails or fishing the bank, there's a lot of it," advises a camper who visited in June.
Playground access: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve offers multiple recreational facilities for children. "Feed the ducks, fish, ride the pedal boats. It's an awesome place for a day outside!" notes Taylor, who regularly brings nephews to the park.
Water activities: Campland on the Bay provides structured recreation for kids. "My kids favorite event is the dodgeball games on the basketball courts. The whole day revolves around those," shares a parent who appreciates the organized activities.
Pet management: South Carlsbad requires extra preparation for dog owners. "Mostly RV's... we were the only site with tents, so I wouldn't go there without wheels," advises Jamie S., suggesting tent campers with pets may face challenges.
Budget options: Dos Picos County Park offers affordable camping close to urban areas. "This place is a jewel, and if you live in San Diego, right in your backyard!" says one reviewer who appreciates the value and convenience for families seeking pet friendly camping near Del Mar.
Site selection: Mission Bay RV Resort offers varying quality across locations. "Don't feel like you missed anything if you can't get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park," advises an experienced camper.
Utility connections: South Carlsbad requires planning for hookups. "If you back in you better have 100 feet of hose sewer and power cord," warns Mark R. about the unusual placement of utility connections.
Pet areas: Oceanside RV Resort provides specialized pet amenities. "Little area for a pup off leash so I appreciate that!" notes Kate W., who values the dedicated space for dogs to exercise safely.
Water quality: Del Mar Beach Cottages requires additional equipment for water consumption. "Full hook ups are available for RV's but you need a surge protector and a water filter is advised if you want to drink the water," suggests Nicole H. for those seeking pet friendly accommodations near Del Mar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Del Mar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Del Mar, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 80 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Del Mar, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 127 dog-friendly camping locations near Del Mar, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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