Pet friendly camping near Oceanside, California offers coastal access for campers with animals. Located in San Diego County, most campgrounds sit between 0-200 feet elevation with a Mediterranean climate keeping temperatures mild year-round. Winter lows rarely dip below 45°F while summer highs typically reach 75-85°F with low humidity and coastal fog in mornings.
What to Do
Beach activities for dogs: At South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, pets must stay within developed areas, but nearby Oceanside dog beaches allow off-leash fun. "Beautiful beach!" notes Thomas F., while campers should know "If you're towing a vehicle it has to be literally towed onto the property. Don't disconnect and go get groceries prior to entering or you'll have to pay $15 a night for the vehicle."
Hiking with pets: The trail system at San Mateo Campground offers 1.5 miles of paths to Trestles Beach. "A fun little hike (1.5 miles) to the walk until tresels beach. The beach is beautiful, great for surfing!" reports Brianne S. The terrain requires leashed pets as "the terrain has snake potential," according to Jeannie B.
Fishing opportunities: Dixon Lake Campground provides fishing without requiring a California state license. "Big fish in this lake. Warning: Beware the Poison Oak. If you're hitting the trails or fishing the bank, there's a lot of it," advises Dad & B R. The lake rents motor boats, paddle boats and peddle boats, but "If it's summer and weekend, you'd have to get down there early to rent though, they'll sell out."
What Campers Like
Full hookup sites: Guajome Regional Park offers electric and water hookups with large, well-maintained sites. "The spots are level and I had no trouble backing into one. They are spaced well and you are not camped right on top of your neighbor," shares Diane H. Carlos M. adds, "We had site 27 which was partially shaded. It was close to the trials but a slight up hill walk to the bathrooms and showers."
Oceanfront camping: Sites at Paradise By The Sea RV Resort place campers minutes from the beach. "Go out the locked gate at the back of the grounds, walk thru a park and across a (not too busy) street and there is the Pacific Ocean," describes patty W., though notes "The beach was hit hard by storms over the past year apparently and much sand has washed away." The resort offers community amenities like "pool hot tub outdoor gathering area with tables with propane fireplace built in."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At Oceanside RV Resort, one camper noted "the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping." The resort includes "newly renovated bathrooms, a pool and hot tub, and a nice dog run area complete with dog wash station" according to cheriana G.
What You Should Know
Reservation planning: Many coastal campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "You have to book way ahead in advance," notes Luke M. about San Elijo State Beach, where "spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground."
Wildlife considerations: Several campgrounds report wildlife encounters. "Keep a light on over night at camp to deter critters," advises Justin T., who experienced "either a raccoon or coyote came within 5 feet of our tent while we were sleeping." Campers also report rattlesnake sightings at several locations in summer.
Noise factors: Proximity to highways and train tracks affects several campgrounds. At Oceanside RV Park, "There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. The trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: San Onofre Recreation Beach has family-friendly amenities including "a play set for kids right next to the campsites" according to Nicole H. At Guajome Regional Park, Brian C. highlights "a huge, awesome, covered playground for children."
Beach safety: When bringing children to beach campsites, consider surf conditions. San Mateo Campground connects to "Trestles Beach was not quite a swim beach" according to Elly A., while Del Mar Beach offers gentler conditions as "the beach at the water is a very gentle slope down, waves are small and good for kids playing and wading."
Entertainment options: Paradise By The Sea RV Resort provides "an indoor rec room with billiards, shuffle board and more" and an "outdoor rec area with corn hole, picnic area and more" according to David T., offering diversions during non-beach time.
Tips from RVers
Hookup information: Guajome Regional Park provides reliable facilities for RVs. "Big spots for RVs with water and electric hookups. Dump station on site," notes Brian C. Spots are "not huge, but big enough, and if you have an RV it can feel plenty private."
Site selection strategy: At South Carlsbad, "Google Earth your site. The difference between sites next to each other is big when you're talking about any versus zero shade," advises Ryan W. For San Mateo Campground, Jeannie B. recommends electric sites: "We enjoyed the view in our Skamper pop up from site with Electric hook up site 30. But other Electric sites had good views 24,26,27 and 28."
Water filtration: Military campgrounds often require equipment additions. At Del Mar Beach, "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," notes Nicole H.
