Carlsbad State Beach Camping

When summer rolls around, there's nothing quite like heading out to a beachfront campground to enjoy some sun-soaked fun. So if you're thinking of getting out to Carlsbad State Beach Campground this summer and you're looking for more info, you've come to the right place.

With long, quiet, sandy expanses and a short drive from the heart of San Diego County, it's one of the most popular Southern Californian campsites around.

Come dive in with us as we explore all of the necessary information before your trip!

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Quick Overview

Campsite Types:

ADA, RV, Tent, Trailer, Grp

Season:

Year-round

# Of Tent Sites: 110

# Of Full Hook Up Sites: 13

Location:

7201 Carlsbad Blvd

Carlsbad, California 92008

Amenities:

Flush toilets
Picnic Table
Fire Ring
Hot Showers
Dump Station
Concession Stand
Rentals
RV Hook-ups
Snack Bar
Drinking Water
Dogs allowed
Laundry facilities

Activities:

Beach Access
Grills
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
Biking
Kayaking
Scuba Diving
Surfing
Swimming
Walking
Wildlife Viewing
Watersports
Snorkeling
Non-motorized Boating

Carlsbad Campground

Carlsbad Campground, often referred to as South Carlsbad Campground (as the campsite sits in the southernmost part of the city), has 223 campsites, 13 of which are hook-up sites for RVs and trailers. There are also plenty of camping sites overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the bluffs, though these premium sites book up quite fast.

Also, note that the campsites on the bluff overlooking the ocean are more expensive than those pushed slightly inland.

The campground lies only three miles south of the city of Carlsbad and stretches from La Costa Ave to Palomar Airport Ave. You will find the campground entrance on Carlsbad Blvd and Poinsettia Lane. The campsites are relatively easy to navigate, as they are set up in parking lot style.

The campground has plenty of amenities, including flush toilets, drinking water, a snack shop, hot showers, and a seasonal camp store where you can buy firewood, drinks, food, and board rentals.

You'll find plenty of great beachfront activities at South Carlsbad State Beach, including kayaking, surf fishing, surfing, swimming, beachcombing, skin diving, snorkeling, diving, and more! Of course, plenty of people enjoy going out for runs on the sand during the early morning as well! You can access the beach with wooden staircases that run to the campground.

Surfing is pretty mellow here, as you'll typically find small, rolling waves. It's the perfect spot to go if you're a beginner and trying to get your balance down. The small waves at South Carlsbad State Beach are great for paddleboarders as well!

If the beach isn't your thing, you're in luck! You'll find plenty of ways to explore the nearby South Carlsbad geography, as there are plenty of hiking and walking trails surrounding the beach and park. In addition, you'll find everything from Junior Ranger programs to Campfire programs to Nature Walks and beyond! Any information regarding these programs can often be found near the entrance kiosk of the park.

A few miles from South Carlsbad State Beach Campground lie restaurants and grocery stores, perfect for additional supplies or a night out.

With a wide selection of flora and fauna spread throughout the South Carlsbad State Beach campground, campers get plenty of privacy during the day and night. There's nothing quite like listening to the sound of the waves lapping the shore at night while you fall asleep.

You may bring your furry friends to stay with you at the South Carlsbad State Beach campground, though you must always keep them on leashes and stay with them. Also, note that dogs are not allowed on South Carlsbad State Beach, meaning they must remain in the campground or on designated trails.

You will not find any day-use parking spots at the campground. However, if you're looking to park for the day, you can head south of the campground near South Ponto Beach and next to the entrance of the Batiquitos Lagoon for day-use parking. On the other end, near North Ponto Beach, you can find a few more day-use parking spots.

Carlsbad State Beach Camping Reservations

Carlsbad State Beach Camping ground Reservation

To make reservations for South Carlsbad Beach camping, head over to Reserve California. You can also check out the availability of other campgrounds around San Diego County if the South Carlsbad State Beach sites are booked up.

These campsites WILL book up during the summer, so it is essential to book them as far ahead of time as possible. If you cannot get a spot at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, you can check out the campsites at San Elijo State Beach, which is only 7.5 miles south on Highway 1.

Carlsbad RV Camping

Those looking to secure an RV site, you should note that the concrete pads allow an RV length maximum of 35 feet.

You'll find a dump station at the center of the RV sites, where you can fill up with water. However, if you want to do group camping at the South Carlsbad State Beach campground, it is tent-only.