Places for North County San Diego camping by the beach include San Elijo State Beach near Encinitas, South Carlsbad State Beach in Carlsbad, and a couple of RV parks in Oceanside.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Further up the coast from San Diego, South Carlsbad State Beach has a nice campground on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s heavenly camping if you enjoy sleeping to the sound of the surf.
There is a small grocery convenience store, beach rentals, restrooms and showers. there are 226 campsites. Try to get one on the ocean side. You take the stairs down to the sandy beach below.
There is good swimming here. You can also fish, surf and snorkel.
This north county San Diego camping spot is popular, so you need to get your reservations well in advance for popular weekends.
It’s located south of the actual town of Carlsbad, but near enough that you can take a short drive up there for dinner or some shopping in the village. Or spend one of your days at Legoland.
To get to South Carlsbad State Beach campground, you must go south of Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad. You can park in the day use lot, or along Carlsbad Boulevard if you are not camping.
2680 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, 800-444-7275.
San Elijo State Beach Campground
San Elijo State Beach is found near Encinitas California and Cardiff-by-the-Sea in San Diego North County.
The campground is up on a bluff, with staircases leading to the narrow beach below. San Elijo also has a reef where people go diving and snorkeling. Other activities include surfing and fishing.
Further south, in back of Cardiff State Beach is San Elijo Lagoon, where you can walk on trails and go birdwatching.
CAMPSITES
171 RV and tent
AMENITIES
- dock
- fire rings
- camp store
- laundry
- dump station
- comfort station
- bilge pump station
- amphitheater
2050 South Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, 760-753-5091
Oceanside RV Park
The Oceanside RV Park was previously the Casitas Poquitos RV Park. This campground is located in northern San Diego County in the city of Oceanside California. It has all the usual amenities you would hope to find on your beach vacation. Plus, the harbor is a short drive away, where you can enjoy boating or dining.
At the harbor you can rent kayaks, jet skis or other boats. The beach is within walking distance. You can surf fish at the beach or fish from the pier, which is also a short drive away.
There are back-in sites as well as 40 pull through sites. Tent sites are also available.
CAMPSITES
- 139 sites
- sites have a bit of fence and bushes for some privacy
- wifi
- full hookups
AMENITIES
- game room
- tv lounge
- swimming pool
- jacuzzi
- laundry
- showers
- club room
1510 South Coast Hwy, Oceanside, 760-722-4404
Paradise by the Sea RV Park
Another Oceanside camping option is the Paradise by the Sea RV Park. It has 102 sites with full hookups. They have a heated pool and spa, as well as a small store and a recreation room.
You can rent or buy boogie boards, surfboards, bicycles or wagons.
This RV Park is just a short walk away from Buccaneer Beach.
1537 S. Hill St., Oceanside, 619-439-1376
