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Best Campgrounds near Oceanside, CA

1,444 Reviews

The California coast near Oceanside has a few good camping options within a short drive. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits right along the shoreline, giving campers ocean views and great sunsets. Both tents and RVs work here, and you'll find basic necessities like shower buildings and bathrooms. The campground gets crowded during summer weekends, so you'll want to book well ahead of time. About three miles inland, Guajome Regional Park has more trees for shade and several hiking paths that loop through the park. Many families like this park because it has playground equipment and tables for picnics. Weather around Oceanside stays pretty mild throughout the year. Summer days can get hot and bring more people to the campgrounds, while winter tends to be cooler and less busy. You won't have trouble driving to either campground as the roads are in good shape. If you're bringing an RV, South Carlsbad has bigger spots and hookup connections. These campgrounds work well as a home base while checking out different parts of the coast, whether you're staying for a couple days or longer.

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Best Camping Sites Near Oceanside, California (213)

    1. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "Nice campground try to get a spot on the ocean side. The road side is louder... showers and bathrooms are available. Long walk downstairs to the beach."

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    2. Guajome Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Oceanside, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 724-4489

    $29 - $35 / night

    "For the price of full hook up ($35) in a location so close to the beach, I call it a win. It was beautiful with a pond and walking paths. There were many dogs and we saw horses on the paths too."

    "Flush toilets available and a nice nature walk around a lake. The park was a great/affordable base camp for nearby Legoland amusement park."

    3. San Elijo State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 753-5091

    $50 - $520 / night

    "If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."

    "It's classic California beach camping. Spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground. That said, the beach is great, and the river mouth is great for surfing."

    4. Oceanside RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Oceanside, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 864-2728

    "This was our first visit to the Oceanside area. The RV park did a great job with communication in all phases of the planned stop. They did text to look for the check in with the orange flags."

    "It's right off main strip in oceanside. Small sign almost missed the turn. Tight spots lucky for us It's not summer so it was full. It is clean and besides the commuter train pretty quiet"

    5. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $250 / night

    "San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."

    "Another beautiful gem along the California Coast. Although not on or too near the beach, this campground is truly a lovely spot. All or most of the campsites boast a bit of privacy."

    6. Paradise By The Sea RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Oceanside, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 439-1376

    "A nicely appointed RV resort in downtown Oceanside with an awesome staff. Pull-through and back-in, full hookup spots available."

    "Great place to camp in Oceanside! We love all the amenities. Close to the train tracks, but most campgrounds near the ocean are."

    7. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-3156

    $45 - $300 / night

    "California beach camping can be very hard to come by. Unlike some other campgrounds in Southern California this one gives you ample room to move around and set up camp."

    "The hardcore surfing nomads stealth camp in their bubble-top vans outside of the park on the streets. Walking distance to Cottons point for surfing and to hangout among the beach huts."

    8. Dixon Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 839-4045

    $39 - $50 / night

    "I grew up in Oceanside and people talked about camping at Dixon lake in Escondido and I thought it was lame and not “real” camping. Having never been there, I based this off nothing."

    "Dixon lake is a perfect spot for my nephews to fish and play in the dirt. The campsites look really nice and ideal for tents. The walks around the lake are definitely worth doing!"

    9. Escondido RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Escondido, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 239-5273

    "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."

    "The site itself is simply stunning, nestled in a peaceful and beautiful location that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway."

    10. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    21 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 763-7263

    $45 / night

    "The campground is on the bluffs, and nearby Old Man's beach has some of the best beginner's surfing waves in Southern California."

    "This military campground is located within walking distance of two world class surfing breaks; Old Man's and Tressels. This campground has a variety of camp spots from tent, RV to cabins."

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Recent Camping Photos near Oceanside, CA

437 Photos of 213 Oceanside Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oceanside, CA

1444 Reviews of 213 Oceanside Campgrounds

Guide to Oceanside

Camping near Oceanside, California, offers a fantastic mix of beach vibes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can enjoy the sun, surf, and scenic views while making lasting memories.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area has excellent bike lanes and running paths. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Water Sports: Campgrounds like Lake Hemet Campground are great for fishing. One visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A review for William Heise County Park said, "The vast majority of people here are friendly and respectful. We have only stayed in the sites with hookups."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach remarked, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Jennings are known for their welcoming vibe. One visitor said, "The ladies at the front are always so incredibly sweet!"

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get packed, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer for San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine. As a tent camper, the spots are tiny, with zero privacy."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Jennings that offer playgrounds and activities. A camper shared, "Bathrooms, playground, hikes, 360 views."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. One family mentioned, "There are so many trails to explore with signs throughout."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A reviewer at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground said, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park noted, "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you prefer quieter spots, try to book during off-peak times. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have markets nearby. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground said, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Camping in Oceanside, CA, offers a unique blend of beach fun and outdoor adventure. With these tips and insights, you can make the most of your camping experience in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs for camping in Oceanside, CA?

Camping costs in the Oceanside area vary by accommodation type and amenities. Paradise By The Sea RV Resort offers full hookup sites with amenities like cable, Wi-Fi, a clubhouse, and swimming pool, with rates typically in the higher range for RV resorts due to its prime location and facilities. For budget-conscious travelers, Aliso Creek Rest Area provides a low-cost overnight parking option not far from Oceanside on Interstate 5, featuring basic amenities like restrooms and vending machines. State beach campgrounds in the region generally charge $35-75 per night depending on location and hookups. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months, with prices typically higher for premium oceanfront sites.

What RV camping options are available in Oceanside, CA?

Oceanside offers several RV camping options with varying amenities and locations. Oceanside RV Resort provides convenient access to the beach and downtown Oceanside, though it's located near train tracks. The resort offers full hookup sites and is well-positioned for exploring the town, with good communication for check-in procedures. For those wanting more amenities, Guajome Regional Park near Oceanside features RV-friendly sites with water hookups and toilet facilities that can accommodate larger rigs. If you're looking for overnight parking without full campground amenities, rest areas along Interstate 5 may permit brief stays. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak travel seasons, and typically offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections.

Are there any oceanfront campgrounds in Oceanside, CA?

Yes, the Oceanside area offers excellent oceanfront camping options. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits atop bluffs directly overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with sites that offer stunning views and stair access to the beach below. The campground features fire pits, picnic tables, bathrooms, showers, and a small general store. For another oceanfront experience, San Elijo State Beach Campground provides similar dramatic ocean views with direct beach access. Both campgrounds are extremely popular, especially in summer months, so booking well in advance is essential. When reserving, request oceanside sites specifically for the best views, though these premium spots typically fill up first and may cost more than standard sites.

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