Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649, United States
Overview
Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground is located off of Pacific Highway in Huntington Beach, California. The off-season is from October 1 to March 31; the rest of the year is considered peak season.
The campground has 55 sites for self-contained RVs and trailers, but no tent camping is allowed. Max RV length is 30–40 feet. Sites come with electric and water hookups, and a dump station is nearby. Premium beachfront sites are $65 per night, and inland sites are $55. No group camping is available.
Dogs are allowed on the multi-use bike trail but not on the sand.
Best Campsites at Bolsa Chica State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground.
Best Oceanfront Amenities: Sites #5, #7
- Easy access to showers, camp host, dump station
- Close to café and interpretive panel
- Closest to the visitor center
Best Inland Amenities: Sites #2, #4, #6
- Easy access to showers, camp host, dump station
- Close to café and interpretive panel
- Closest to the visitor center
- Downside: limited to RVs of 30 feet or less
Most Private: Sites #30–#33
- Oceanfront: #31, #33
- Inland: #30, #32
- Only directly shares a side with one other site
- Centrally located in camp
- Close to the lifeguard station
- Downside: farther from showers, camp host, etc.
Unique Experiences
- Take a relaxing walk along the paved Huntington Beach Trail to meander down to the beach and dip your toes in the water.
- Reserve a fire pit on the sand to enjoy the beauty of the ocean while basking in the warmth and glow of live fire.
- Gather a group of friends to play a game of basketball on the full court in the refreshing ocean breeze.
- Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to explore the water, cool off, and learn a fun new water sport.
- Drop by the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center to learn more about the natural wonders of the Pacific coast, discover the wetlands, and view fascinating rotating exhibits.
Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
40 FeetMax Length of Stay
30 daysMax people per site
8Max vehicles per site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesBolsa Chica State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations are available on www.reservecalifornia.com. Phone reservations can be made by calling 1-888-444-7275. There is a non-refundable fee of $7.99 to make a reservation. Oceanfront sites cost $10 more than inland sites at a rate of $65 per night. Water and electric hookups are included. There is also a weekly rate of $350 available. Walk-up reservations are also available at the campground. You must have your RV or trailer with you to reserve a space.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There are no group campsites available at Bolsa Chica. If you will be coming to the campground with a group, you may reserve individual sites by calling 1-800-444-7275 or visiting www.reservecalifornia.com. The same rules and limitations as individual reservations will apply even when reserving multiple sites.
Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations may be made on www.reservecalifornia.com, or you may call 1-800-444-7275 to speak to someone concerning your reservation. If you cancel at any point after 6 p.m. the day before your anticipated arrival, a $7.99 cancellation fee will be assessed. You will also be charged for the first night’s fee and lose your initial reservation fee.
Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground Cost
Inland sites
$55Ocean sites
$65Activities
Fishing
Surfing / Windsurfing
Volleyball
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Trash
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables
Potable Water
Cell Service
Alcohol
Campground Host
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Chica’s campground is notably different from other beaches in the area due to its lack of tent camping and a group site. However, it does allow dogs on its multi-use trail, making it a more pet-friendly option than some locations. Despite the lack of sewer hookups, the amenities make this a more comfortable camping experience than elsewhere.
Crystal Cove Moro Campground
Crystal Cove Moro Campground can accommodate tents, RVs, or trailers compared to RVs and trailers only at Bolsa Chica. Crystal Cove Moro is much larger and includes a lookout area, group picnic space, and an outdoor nature center for guests to visit. Premium sites are more expensive by $10 per night at a rate of $75.
San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente has two group sites that can fit 50 people each, while Bolsa Chica doesn’t have a group site at all. Full hookups are also available. RVs and trailers are limited to 30 feet. Dogs are not allowed on the trails at San Clemente, but they’re welcome to use the trail at Bolsa Chica.
Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach has a tent-only group campsite that can fit up to 40 people, but its RV sites max out at 35 feet. This campground is larger than the one at Bolsa Chica. However, it only has a dump station available and does not offer hookups for RVs and trailers.
South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad State Beach stands out by offering full hookups. This campground also has propane, internet access near the office, and laundry, but it doesn’t have a café like the one at Bolsa Chica. South Carlsbad’s group site welcomes RVs, trailers, and tents.
