194 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Solana Beach, California spans oceanfront campsites and inland campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, ranging from tent-only blufftop sites to RV parks with full hookups. San Elijo State Beach Campground, located just 2 miles south in Cardiff, offers clifftop camping with direct beach access and ocean views. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, 8 miles north, provides similar blufftop camping with stairway access to the beach. Inland options include Dos Picos County Park in Ramona, which offers a more secluded experience with oak woodland settings. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities, while some locations like Campland on the Bay in San Diego provide resort-style facilities with full hookups.
Reservations are essential for coastal campgrounds, particularly during summer months when sites can book up to six months in advance. Coastal campsites near Solana Beach typically range from $35-75 per night, with premium oceanfront spots commanding higher prices. According to camper Tom H., "You're near tracks and you'll hear trains. Next to US 101 you'll also hear cars. It's a busy area so don't expect to hear just the crickets." Weather remains mild year-round, with average temperatures between 60-75°F, though morning fog is common along the coast during May and June. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, though facilities vary in quality and cleanliness.
Many campers note the trade-off between location and comfort at coastal sites. As one reviewer mentioned, "There is one reason and one reason only to stay at South Carlsbad Campground, and that is Carlsbad State Beach. It's a pretty convincing reason." Sites tend to be close together with limited privacy, particularly at oceanfront locations. Noise from nearby highways, train tracks, and fellow campers is commonly reported. For those seeking more seclusion, inland options like Dos Picos County Park offer more spacious sites with natural buffers. Water activities dominate the recreational options, with surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding available at coastal campgrounds. Most locations are pet-friendly with restrictions, and proximity to restaurants, grocery stores, and urban amenities makes these campgrounds convenient for weekend getaways.
"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."
"One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"
from $50 - $650 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 - $520 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The missus and I decided to do a midweek overnight escape and chose Dos Picos Park due to its close proximity. Great little campground with partial (electricity & water) hookups."
from $24 - $100 / night
Check Availability"It sits next to the bay, which is calmer and the beach. I've seen people jet ski, sail, paddle boat, play beach volleyball, and swim, and there are even bonfire pits on the beach!"
"Right next to the beach, large campgrounds! Fire pits and dog friendly!"
from $60 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
from $39 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."
"You are away from the city, but not too far. The facilities were nice and the only scare was the GIGANTIC spider seen outside the bathroom. We'd for sure come pack...the price is right too :$"
from $24 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Overall liked this rv park, close to town for us to explore all the restaurants close by. Beach is a 5-10 minute walk. Staff was friendly ask for Diana sweetheart."
"After circling back and now coming from the east, the narrow drive with the street light and curb wasn't enough for us to turn...so backed it up and went to the wider entrance down the street."
"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."
from $29 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."
"We took our 28-foot travel trailer and two young kids (ages 5 & 8) for a long weekend at Lake Jennings Campground in Lakeside, CA — and it was a fantastic quick escape."
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability
TravelerI got in on an August bargain using the KOA app. Consequently, I stayed a month because it was the cheapest place on-the-coast.
Weekdays empty, weekends full, noisy everyday. Good location for long bicycle rides, e.g. Coronado, SD, Zoo, La Jolla, TJ. Chula Vista downtown is modern, not gritty like Petco Park.
Get the bargain if you can. Otherwise, the coast is expensive.
TravelerThis is a great campground if you were at the beach all day and then wanted to drive 10 min to your campsite. That’s how I use this campground. I go for the day at San Clemente pier and then later on drive 10 min to my campsite. It’s perfect. There is a trail to the ocean from the campground but I ain’t walking that. Site has power and water spigot, next to trashcan. Shade in the afternoon.
TravelerGreat site, stayed at 101. Bathrooms weren’t too far away. Good privacy. Water spigot nearby. Can fit a small and medium tent. I van camped.
ScoutThis isn't a free place to stay.
ScoutBooked for two nights couldn’t eve stay for 1 due to strange sounds like walking around that would only stop when the lights were shone in that direction
TravelerIt's a really nice facility, which is good because there isn't much around it. Sites are large with good spacing, the place has everything; pool and spa, arcade, restaurant, bar, private showers (some have a toilet), playground , dog parks, and a great laundry facility. On site store has a lot of things you need, including some basic RV stuff. No rig, they have bungalows for rent as well. Staff is really nice, fire pits work on lpg 20 pound tank only which we rented full for 26 bucks since we couldn't connect it to our rig, you can use your own though. Downside is your pretty much driving anywhere for anything but the living coast is definitely worth the trip which is behind the park. Side note, this was definitely one of the buggier places I have been to, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, roaches, you name it, you'll see it.
TravelerWas able to score a 100 series spot which you back right up to the sand. Sites are tight but it felt huge in our 24½ foot rig. Power (standard, 30, 50) and water at site, one dump station that is 10 bucks at the south end or a truck comes around in the morning for 20. It's basically a giant parking lot with rigs stacked in, I would only want 100-200 sites. Bathrooms are fine on the south side, never found inside showers, just the outside beach style. Mix of folks but everyone was pleasant, enforcement of rules seems lax. Beautiful spot, short bike or Uber into IB or Coronado. Beach was mellow, uncrowded for how packed the campground was, clean and beautiful.
ScoutSweetwater is very nice. Only complaint is the airplane noise from being in a flight path and the highway noise from the bordering highway.
We stayed in the South Loop which is older, so has more developed trees.
The pull through spots are piggybacked, which does make privacy a bit harder.
Staff and rangers are very nice, helpful, and personable.
TravelerPretty lake views, good plots with easy access to restrooms. However, if you want to enjoy peace and quiet this place isn't for you. The 3 closest had large groups gathering so don't expect the limit of 6 to be honored. Ditto goes for quiet hours. Gave it a 3 b because I was using a truck tent (couldn't actually connect to my spot) and hoped for p&c. But the folks around me were having a great time.
Camping near Solana Beach, California spans diverse environments from coastal bluffs to inland oak woodlands within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences minimal rainfall between May and October, with summer high temperatures averaging 75-85°F along the coast and 85-95°F at inland sites. Most coastal campgrounds require bookings 3-6 months in advance, while inland options often have better last-minute availability.
Fishing at Dixon Lake: The lake at Dixon Lake Campground doesn't require a California fishing license, just a $7 per adult lake permit. "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 (June 2019)," notes Dad & BR.
Hiking trails at Mission Trails: Kumeyaay Lake Campground offers extensive trail networks with varied terrain. "At the right time of year there is a stream which is really pretty. The hikes around here are beautiful and mostly uphill," shares Taylor. The park also features a visitor center that campers call "spectacular."
Surfing at Cardiff Reef: Just steps from San Elijo State Beach Campground, the surf breaks are consistently rated among the best in Southern California. "You are there to surf. From Swamis to the north and Cardiff Reef at the south end this is my favorite surf campground in Cali," explains Rick O., though he notes it's "not a quiet serene spot."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently praise the clean bathrooms at Dos Picos County Park. "The well-maintained campground boasts paved pads for most sites, making setup a breeze. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, perfect for cozy campfires and outdoor meals," reports Colleen D.
Family-friendly amenities: Guajome Regional Park offers features that families appreciate. "We also loved the plugs and water spigot at each site... And don't forget about the huge awesome playground! The kids loved it!" exclaims Ashley C. The park also has walking trails around a small lake.
Site privacy levels: Site selection matters at South Carlsbad State Beach. "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," advises Ryan W., who recommends researching specific sites. "Google Earth your site. The difference between sites next to each other is big when you're talking about any versus zero shade."
Security concerns: Theft can be an issue at some locations. At South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, Mark M. warns: "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!!!"
Reservation timing strategies: For military families, Del Mar Beach Cottages offers waterfront camping. "Active duty usually has priority over retired and civilians in regards to reservations. Active duty can book 12 weeks out and others 10 weeks," explains John S.
Tent camping considerations: Not all sites accommodate tent campers equally. At Oceanside RV Resort, a reviewer notes: "If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do." Tent sites are often limited, as Jamie S. observed at South Carlsbad: "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."
Playground access: Guajome Regional Park features an excellent playground that's popular with local families. "They have a huge, awesome, covered playground for children," notes Brian C. The playground's covered design provides shade during hot days.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple parks have wildlife that requires caution. At Dos Picos, Justin T. advises: "Keep a light on over night at camp to deter critters." At Guajome, parents should note the possibility of encountering snakes on trails, as one ranger mentioned sightings near recreational areas.
Beginner-friendly options: Dos Picos County Park provides an accessible introduction to camping. "This campsite was cool, came here October 4, 2013. Also a great experience! Came here with Land Arts class for the weekend and we had a blast! Camping here was as my professor Yoshi calls it, 'spoiled camping'. We had reception and were close to the nearest town!" reports Jose B.
RV site selection: At Campland on the Bay, choosing specific areas matters. "We decided to stay in the 'Bay View' sites," shares Sean F., who recommends making reservations for this popular destination. The campground offers numerous amenities including a well-equipped gym that many RVers appreciate.
Utility requirements: For optimal hookups at Escondido RV Resort, Paul N. advises: "Full hook ups, pool, dog walk. Little pricey and has RV age restrictions but I sent pics and was allowed even though I was outside the age." This resort maintains specific standards for RV appearance and age.
Parking regulations: At South Carlsbad, Tom H. warns: "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 once you enter (Or take your rig back out and tow it in)." Understanding these rules can prevent unexpected charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Solana Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Solana Beach, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 194 campgrounds and RV parks near Solana Beach, CA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Solana Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Solana Beach, CA is South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 80 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Solana Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Solana Beach, CA.
Keep Exploring
