For many, once the sun comes out and summer rolls around, it can be hard to resist the urge to get outside and soak up some fun. If you relate, and you just need to unplug for a minute, Carlsbad camping offers some of the state’s best camping sites around. When your work has stacked up and you’re overloaded, it’s time to gather your camping gear, and head to Carlsbad State Beach camping for solitude and relaxation. 

This San Diego beach and campground feature camping, swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The campground is especially popular in the summer, thanks to its scenic location which overlooks the picturesque Carlsbad Beach below. Even better, the campground offers direct access to the beach via a set of well-kept stairs. As a result of the popularity, the campground is reservation only, so don’t show up without one or you’ll likely be unable to stay.

 When you’re done with the beach, check out the nearby California geography and some of the trails within the park. If the ocean isn’t your thing, a number of Campfire Programs, Junior Ranger Programs, and Nature Walks may be offered. That said, program availability changes with the season, so be sure to check signs posted on the restrooms and at the entrance station regarding park information during your visit.

 At night, campers are gently caressed to sleep by the nearby ocean tide, lapping upon its secluded shoreline. There is plenty of privacy throughout, thanks to the large selection of flora and fauna throughout the campground. The campsites themselves are also spacious, with roughly half of them featuring electric hookups. Additionally, All restrooms and shower buildings have accessible facilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the unit Supervising Ranger.

 South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is perfect for campers and individuals who love the ocean and the outdoors. Whether you’re looking surf the rolling waves, or paddle board out and take part in all that the north county coastline has to offer, you’re sure to have fun here.

South Carlsbad State Beach

This campground is right above the beach in Carlsbad. Half the campgrounds are on the bluff right above the beach and the other half are just across the street. Outstanding ocean views and easy access to the beach below. Love everything about the place except the showers are just ok. Highly recommend this campground and we love going there for our ocean fix. We had a full hookup site but there are only about a dozen of those so you need to reserve up to 6months in advance.

Beautiful seaside campground

South Carlsbad is another Cali jem set up on a bluff overlooking the pacific.  It is long and thin so it has a nice thinly populated feel. All bathrooms are clean. 
I was here during week of 4/20/15 and it was as nice as always. Like San Elijo it has a private feel at your site with the mature growh btw each site. 
You are along the rr tracks but that's a small price to access the sick beach and the incredible view.
There is a nice hilton with a pool across the street. In. Are your kiddies need some creature comforts(I didn't say pool 'hopping' just using facilities as a client of the restaurant...), or daddy wants a bottle of red and a crisp flatbread without driving anywhere. 
There are nice a frames north and south, plenty of waves for all. 

Carlsbad culvert

I've camped here a few times, in tents, and RV's. Beautiful views of the ocean, but a little cramped and noisy. 

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

Super beautiful area (obviously), with a tent site overlooking the beach (but fenced in). Wish we could camp on the actul beach but that is rare. There was privacy and it wasnt overcrowded.

Great site

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. The sand is perfect. The waves consistent. The water warmer than normal (which probably isn't a good thing in the long run, but it feels like the Caribbean Sea right now.

The actual campground is huge and narrow with one road splitting the sites down the middle. All the sites are roughly the same with the major differences being depth and the amount of shade. The ocean side sites are premium priced ($50 during peak season) and the road side is more affordable ($35) but still pricey for a campsite. Especially one that has no privacy and is backed up against a highway. The Pacific Coast Highway but still. Sites are on sand, have a picnic table and a fire pit...and that's about it. If you're lucky, we weren't, you'll have some shade or privacy to one direction or another. Not many sites do so google earth it if you can. There are pay showers, flush toilets and a camp store with booze, ice cream bars and flip-flops if you forget yours.

And it's busy...all the time. Most sites are booked in advance most of the peak seasons and the camp also acts as the access point for locals and tourists accessing big portions of the beach. With nearly 200 sites and additional traffic be prepared for sand always being kicked up, kids wandering aimlessly and noise from generators, partiers and traffic.

That all sounds not so great, but the location of the camp on the cliffs overlooking the beach is still pretty great. It's not Big Sur, but it if you're looking for beach you won't find a finer spot to camp just about anywhere in SoCal. San Elijo Campground down the road is a smaller version of Carlsbad SB but is also hard to get a spot in without reservations.

Overall, I'm giving Carlsbad SB Campground 2 1/2 Tent Stakes of Awesomeness. It isn't wilderness, but it is the beach. The location makes it worth it. Car, RV or Van camping is more fun that tent camping just because of all the sand, and to cut down on noise, and surf spots within walking distance. 

Pro-Tip #1: California has its own reservation site now. reservecalifornia.com. You can still see the basics on reserveamerica but can't actually reserve it. The new reservecali site is kind of a dick.

Pro-Tip #2: 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.

Pro-Tip #3: Google Earth your site. The difference between sites next to each other is big when you're talking about any versus zero shade.

Pro-Tip #4: Pizza Port Brewing for pizza and beer. You'll be glad you did.

It's the beach and only the beach that will bring you here.

Stayed here for a quick night during Questival. The bathrooms are clean and the sites were well kept. The parking people are strict but the the ticket is the same cost as paying for parking so not to worry! Not too noisy at night or windy

Beautiful beach campgrounds

The sunset was amazing. The site was pretty spacious, could have fit two tents. The night was cool and all you could hear at night was the sound of the ocean even though we camped near to an RV. Our site was somewhat near the stairs to the beach. During the day it was warm but at night it cooled down quite a bit.

Amazing Views

We camp here every year. It’s clean, has full hook ups and non hook up sites. Rangers have always been nice and helpful. It does sit on a bluff so there are stairs  to get to beach. The south part of the park does have a ramp.

I’ve been coming to this campground since I was in diapers, I totally relax when I’m here!

Great campground!

So amazing. Coming from the northern Rocky Mountains, I wanted to take my pre-teens to the ocean for the first time before middle school started and Carlsbad State Beach was the perfect place to go! Parking was easy enough to find. The clean city and beach are very family friendly! There were perfect little waves for my family to adventure body boarding for the first time as well. I would definitely recommend this beach to anyone looking for a great day near the ocean

Carlsbad State Beach

Beach camping isn't quite like your typical camping adventure. This campground is always packed but always a blast! You can't beat a full day at the beach followed by cooking dinner over a campfire watching the sunset over the ocean! Bring all your beach toys!! I just wish dogs were allowed on the beach and not just in the campground.

Beach Camping!

we go here often and it's always a great experience.  most of the campsites have a great ocean view from our roof top tent.  facilities are always clean and working well.  great family spot!  the campsites themselves are on top of the bluff so you are overlooking the ocean and there are a few staircases leading down to the water.  it's not a sandy beach, there are a lot of soft stones like riverrock.   perfect beach for flying kites and surfing.  

favorite beach campsites

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. 

We scored a last minute site because the weather was cold and windy on a Saturday in February, otherwise BOOK IN ADVANCE. 

There are lots of RVs,  kids riding their bikes, and dogs galore, all of which are fun, but if you’re looking for a private site, look elsewhere! 

Fire Pits and a picnic table at each campsite and plenty of area to park your car and set up a table/easy up/etc. 

If you book on the West or Ocean side, only a chain link fence separates you from the beautiful sunsets the Pacific Ocean has to offer! 

Just Beachy 

Best spots are on the South end if you are tent camping, there are only cliff side. camping spots and none on the bluff side all it's way less busy and crowded. You can look through the pictures of the camping spots to find ones with more bushee separating the spots if you want more privacy. The ocean is so loud it covers up most conversations and traffic so even though the spots are close together it's still a very relaxing place! The camping store is decent. Highly recommend bringing bikes, it's nice to ride around the campground and  even bike up to of the local bars if you feel like it. 

Tent Camping near 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. Camp right off of the beach as well as have access to local shopping and restaurants. While you camp, you’ve got to check out Carlsbad cliffs for some stellar views. There are also loads of beach activities like whale watching, kayaking, surfing, fishing, and paddle boarding! My secret spot for the best fish and chips EVER is close by in Oceanside called “Harbor Fish n’ Chips.” Be sure to check this place out!

Beatiful SoCal beach spot right off of the 5

Arrive early as this popular campground fills up early for the weekend.  Many spots are reserved ahead of time. Campsites are sparse and compact, but this is a good place to park your gear while you spend time at the beach or nearby attractions.  There is little shade and you will hear highway and train traffic occasionally. Nice view overlooking the ocean.

Busy Beach Vibe

Beautiful view of the ocean with access stairways. The sandy shore is littered with rocks washed out from the hillside. We watched surfers and played in the waves until the kids tired out. Fires are permitted and firewood available onsite. The breeze kept the bugs and beach heat at bay. Bathrooms were fairly clean and non-pottable water spickets also available for rinsing after the beach visit. It was our first time camping beachside and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Only drawback is tents and campers were intertwined so you might hear generators running outside of quiet hours.

Family of 4 Tent camping 1 night at site 195 (beachside)

This is our favorite place to camp. I wish they had more hookup sites though!

Best Southern California Beach Campground 

Nice campground overlooking the ocean from a bluff! A few spots have hookups, but most are dry. Short walk to the beach 

Overlooking the ocean from a bluff

Disclaimer: When I camp, it's to get away from people.

That being said, this park is clean, there was a small store offering treats, plentiful bathrooms and places to park and camp (with reservations made well in advance). We met friends in Carlsbad who managed to secure a lovely spot with close proximity to the beach. We woke up early each morning to enjoy the few quiet hours (before our late-nate neighbors woke up) to drink our coffee and watch the dolphins swim by.

Plenty of activities to keep kids busy until they drop… if you plan ahead. The breeze can be quite chilly, but there are plenty of sun-covered rocks to warm yourself on.

Downside: people, people, people.

Beautiful, but not my thing...

Favorite beach campground

I get that this is some people's idea of amazing camping... it's just not mine.

  

The sites are overpriced in a major way.  $50+ and I'm sorry but it's ridiculous that they charge $20 for a second car when it can easily fit within the confines of your site.  And the sites have so little privacy between them that we wanted that extra car simply to create a barrier from noisy neighbors.

  

It's great that sights on the west side overlook the cliffs, but there's an ugly chainlink fence that makes it feel ghettoy to look out over the water.  When you have to watch a beautiful sunset through a fence, it's a bit less magical.  They need to tear it down and put up a low-sitting wood barrier.  It's a shame.  

  

That being said, we got the site on the far south side and because of that we didn't have neighbors on one side.  BUUUT we did have people playing kickball in the little cul-de-sac next to us that got really annoying really fast.  

  

Save your money, go to the woods.

Overrated

We had a group of five here for a weekend of tent camping, and it was great. The campground is small which means everyone is fairly close together but everything is nearby. Head down to the water for surf!

Good surf, close to town

It’s hard to get into a camping spot here because you have to reserve a spot up to 6 months in advance for summer camping because it is so popular. Great beach, so much fun, but plan ahead! 

Great summer beach camping spot!

If you want time to relax with the family around  campfire go swimming in the ocean or just walk around meeting people while walking the dog, then this is the place for you. Where the scene is beautiful and the breeze is welcoming. Since it is a state beach it is often kept clean with upkeeps on the grounds you can have small groups to extra large. Handicap accessible. 

TIME FOR THE SMORES!

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 

Beach camping 

It was our first time camping there with our 30’ foot travel trailer. The overall stay was great! Clean facilities and beautiful scenery. My only complaint is that their road is small and so for newbies backing into a a spot when the campsite is packed, can be nerve racking. Though, I’d would highly recommend it. Best of all, your 5 minutes away from Carlsbad Village if you want to go out to dinner.

Beautiful Beach Lookout

Came here for a quick one night trip and got lucky with an available spot on the coast side. Was pretty busy but didn't feel it and there was lots of space. Camp store was helpful and also had some live music.

Great Campsite Near the Oean

I’ve visited the Carlsbad campgrounds a handful of times, but after the new camp store has been redone, it is AMAZING! It totally transformed the experience you receive. It it a store that has been built in 2021, clean, neat and a great restaurant. The food changes daily and is delicious and reasonably priced. The one problem is you do have to be creative when it come to entertainment. The beach is wonderful but when it’s the winter months (when I went) the beach isn’t pleasant. So bringing your own entertainment is recommended! But with that being the only problem this camp site is pretty spot on. Plus the spots are space and don’t seem crammed together. Defiantly will go back!

Amazing Remodel 

Site #17 was peaceful and a great spot. Right next to the bathrooms and an ocean view. Camp restaurant was convenient and so was the market. Close to grocery if need any last minute things. Spacious sites and I definitely will be going again! 

Great Getaway 

Beautiful beach breezes and views 
Camp store has laundry too! 

Beach Breezes 

Another great beach camping spot in north San Diego County. Heat views. Beautiful beaches. Awesome camp store with a live music and food! Not quiet or remote. 

Another great beach camping spot! 

Paid $70/night for an ocean view dry camp spot, crazy expensive but we loved the vibe and the views here.  The campground is fun and active, and everyone is friendly and happy. We had a great time.

We got lucky that our site (#31) was completely flat, didn't even need our levels. Some of the sites are on a full on hill.

There are showers here, $0.50 for 2 minutes, you buy tokens near the entrance.

There is laundry here, but it was kind of awkward. We did a load, just because we didn't want to pass up the convenience, but it's a single washer and a single dryer behind the camp store (outside), and what the camp store uses to wash their rags and towels and stuff. When I went in to check it out I was told it's $1.50/load (payable by quarters in the washer and the dryer is free) but when I went back they said no it's actually $4. They let me pay just $1.50 but I guess it's really $4. They give you a tide pod too.

The camp store is a fun place to hang out and people watch. 

There are two dump stations, payable by machine at the dump station, and potable water to fill your tanks (free). Dump is $10 per sign on machine, but $15 per sign at kiosk. We didn't use it so I don't know how much it really is. 

 You can watch surfers and dolphins and sunsets right from your camp, if you get an ocean side spot. We had a fun time here. 

Loved It

Great location, ocean front and convenient to shopping and restaurants. Went to the Farmer’s Market in Carlsbad on Wednesday for fresh eggs and veggies. We were not able to score a hookup spot but were very happy with the size of the space and the view was amazing. Shower facilities take tokens which is a bummer for what you are paying to camp here even without hookups. The camp store had live music but they performers had canceled the night we tried to go down. We were close enough to a water spigot to fill our fresh water and made use of our portable grey disposal tank so we didn’t need to use the showers. But nothing beats the view!

Easy check in, surrounded by everything you need from supermarkets/restaurants etc 

Bathrooms were plenty &amp; clean.

Overlooking and waking up next to the ocean, can’t beat it.

Easy peazy lovely campground! 

It was first time camping by the Pacific Ocean and we loved it. Great waterfront site. We had the last site which was very private. There is a small shop/cafe with live music. Lovely place

Ocean view

**General:** 223 sites; most have no hookups but there are a handful of sites that are FHU. Prices range from $50 for a no-hookup site that backs up to the road to $140 for a double hook-up oceanfront site. 

  

**Site Quality:** All sites are gravel (except the ADA-accessible ones) and generous in size so that you can park your rig in different configurations. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Some have better privacy separation with foliage, but some don’t. You will hear some road noise if your site is backed up to the highway.

  

**Bath/shower house:** Nine bathhouses are sprinkled throughout the campground; each has a mixture of toilets and showers. Showers require tokens (four minutes per $ 1) Some have toilets/sinks while others just have a toilet (there is a sink outside of the bathhouse). The only thing that confused me was that the ones with sinks did not have soap dispensers. 

  

**Activities/Amenities:** There is a small camp store/restaurant on-site. Although we did not eat there, we saw many people bringing pizzas back to their sites. The store also rents items such as surfboards and bodyboards. Live entertainment from 5-7 pm most nights. The campground stretches about a mile and a half along Highway 101 and is fairly level so many people (including us) were able to get in a decent run. There are several entry points to the beach via stairs. 

  

We were pleasantly surprised to snag a reservation for an oceanfront site which made our stay very pleasant.

Perfect if you score an oceanfront site but $$$!

Couldn’t have better views. We watched dolphins and seals playing in the waves. No hookups, but there was water and clean bathrooms. 

Amazing views!

**PROS:**

This site offers amazing sunsets and ocean breezes. There are plenty of facilities, and the camp store is great. The live music is always good, too. 

A grocery store is nearby, just over the freeway. 

  

**CONS:**

It can get very crowded and packed. 

Hard to get a site

Many generators are always on.

  

If you get a site at the far ends, it's a hike to go in and out. Try to get a site closer to the entrance and the store. But you will get a lot of traffic through your site. 

  

**Don't try to get there earlier; they usually won't let you in before check-in.** 

  

**Biking and Running:**

Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas. 

Good running. You can lap the campsite, which is almost 1 mile, end to end. I usually run down towards Encinitas along PCH.